Power system education and research applications using free and open-source, graphical and multiplatform PSP-UFU software.

This article presents a new free and open-source computer platform that is capable of performing power flow simulations, balanced and unbalanced short-circuits, besides transitory and dynamic stability studies with user-defined controls. The software, called Power Systems Platform from the Federal University of Uberlândia (PSP-UFU), has as its goal to aid in the areas of research and education. Through an interface aligned with the CAD tool, the construction of any electric network and control system is permitted by the directing of visual elements. Standard software architecture was used in the development of the platform, as well as standardisation and documentation, which are necessary practices for an understanding into the source code and software development by third parties. The software possesses an excellent computational performance and a friendly and intuitive interface, which all go on to make it ideal for educational applications in electric power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]