PowerWorld Simulator
powerworld.com
What it is
PowerWorld Simulator is desktop software for interactively simulating high-voltage power-system operation over periods from minutes to days. Its full package solves power-flow systems of up to 250,000 buses. The base package provides contingency analysis with automatic batch processing, full power-flow or fast linearized analysis, and result views organized by contingency or impacted facility. Visualization includes animated diagrams, automatic diagram creation and modification, contoured displays, and a model explorer. Optional add-ons cover ATC, OPF, SCOPF, reserves optimization, SimAuto, transient stability, GIC, and integrated topology processing. SimAuto allows an external program to extend Simulator. The product lists industry-standard file-format compatibility and GIS support. It runs on 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7/Server 2008 R2 and newer; no other operating systems are supported. A free evaluation version is limited to 13 buses. The first commercial base-package license costs $11,000 as a one-time purchase and includes one year of upgrades and support.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Simulator interactively simulates high-voltage power system operation over periods from several minutes to several days.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Intended users
- PowerWorld says its customers include electric utilities, independent system operators, government agencies, generation and transmission developers, power marketers and traders, consultants, and academia.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Integrations
- The SimAuto add-on lets users extend Simulator functionality from an external program they write.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Support
- The company lists technical support by email and says license maintenance includes customer support, upgrades, and software patches.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Headquarters
- Champaign, Illinois, United StatesRead 28 Sep 2026 · powerworld.com
- Founded
- 1996Read 28 Sep 2026 · powerworld.com
- Add-ons
- Optional add-ons include ATC, OPF, SCOPF, reserves optimization, SimAuto, transient stability, GIC, and integrated topology processing.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Analysis
- The base package includes contingency analysis with automatic batch processing, full power-flow or fast linearized analysis, and result views by contingency or impacted facility.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Compatibility
- Simulator lists compatibility with industry-standard file formats and GIS support among its features.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Education
- Educational versions are available to university faculty, staff, and students for teaching and academic research by contacting the company.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- License maintenance
- Commercial licenses include one year of upgrades and technical support, and the pricing page lists maintenance renewal at 28% of the corresponding license price at that time.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Platform support
- Simulator runs on 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7/Server 2008 R2 and newer; the vendor says no other operating systems are supported.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Scale
- The full software can solve power-flow systems of up to 250,000 buses.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Security and compliance
- The reviewed product, pricing, download, and company pages do not state security certifications or compliance claims.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Trial limit
- The free evaluation download is limited to 13 buses; a full-package evaluation may be offered case by case.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
- Visualization
- Features include animated diagrams, automated diagram creation and modification, contoured displays, and a model explorer.Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
Plans and prices
Simulator evaluation version Free Evaluation and educational use only · maximum 13 buses · includes most add-ons Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
Simulator base package (first commercial license) $11,000, paid once US$11,000; includes one year of upgrades and support Commercial license · up to 250,000 buses Read 9 Oct 2026 · powerworld.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Solves systems up to 250,000 buses
- Includes contingency analysis and batch processing
- Provides animated and contoured visualizations
- Supports external extensions through SimAuto
- Offers a free 13-bus evaluation
Limits
- Windows only
- Evaluation limited to 13 buses
- Commercial license costs 11000.00 USD once
- No free commercial plan
Who it suits
It suits utilities, system operators, government agencies, developers, marketers, consultants, and academic users working with high-voltage power systems. It is for organizations operating supported 64-bit Windows systems.
Verdict
PowerWorld Simulator combines large power-flow capacity, contingency analysis, and configurable visualization for high-voltage system work. Buyers should account for Windows-only support, the 13-bus evaluation limit, and the commercial license cost.
Where Specifiction places it
- Electrical Design Software#16 of 417.9
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