ETAP 20 is a major release of the ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyzer Program) software suite, a comprehensive platform for the design, simulation, operation, and automation of electrical power systems. Developed originally by Operation Technology, Inc. (now part of Schneider Electric), the ETAP 20 series is marketed as a “Unified Digital Twin Platform” that integrates continuous‑intelligence capabilities across steady‑state, transient, and operational analyses.
Release and Availability
The initial ETAP 20.0.4 Multi‑Language Edition was announced on the official ETAP product‑release page, providing support in eight languages and downloadable service packs from the ETAP Help Desk. Subsequent updates, such as version 20.6, continued the multi‑language support and added new modules.
Key Features
- Digital Twin Architecture – Enables unified modeling of power system components for planning, design, automation, operation, and optimization within a single environment.
- Arc‑Flash Evaluation – Automated tools for incident‑energy calculation, including IEEE 1584‑2018 compliance, arc‑energy boundary plotting, and DC arc‑flash analysis.
- Electromagnetic Transients (eMT™) – Dedicated EMT module for detailed analysis of switching transients, insulation coordination, lightning surges, and sub‑synchronous oscillations.
- Co‑Simulation (eMTCoSim™) – Multi‑domain simulation combining electromagnetic (EMT) and phasor (RMS) transients, with live charting and high‑fidelity visualization.
- Python Integration (etapPy™) – A feature‑rich ETAP‑Python API and integrated development environment for scripting, batch study automation, and remote execution.
- Dynamic Modeling – Support for user‑defined models (UDM) and manufacturer‑provided black‑box DLLs, covering renewable generation, battery storage, wind turbines, and gas/steam turbines.
- Data Exchange (DataX™) – Tools for converting legacy data and interfacing with third‑party applications such as GIS, CYME, Milsoft, and SKM PowerTools.
- Enhanced Visualization – PlotView™ live plots, full‑screen mode, and extensive graphical customization for result analysis.
Applications
ETAP 20 is employed by utilities, industrial facilities, and engineering consultants for tasks including load‑flow analysis, short‑circuit studies, protective‑device coordination, arc‑flash risk assessment, renewable‑energy integration, and operator training (e.g., eOTS™ Operator Training Simulator).
Platform and Compatibility
The software runs on 64‑bit Windows operating systems, supports integration with Microsoft SQL Server, MongoDB, and SAP Crystal Reports, and includes licensing options such as standalone USB dongles and network‑based concurrent licenses.
Reception
Since its release, ETAP 20 has been recognized for extending the capabilities of earlier ETAP versions by incorporating digital‑twin concepts, expanding automation features, and improving multilingual accessibility, thereby reinforcing its position as a leading tool in electrical power system engineering.