Architecture Analysis and Performance Evaluation of STEPS

With the increasing integration of renewable energy and the widespread use of power electronic devices in power systems, there is a pressing need for new simulation tools capable of studying power systems with these features. This paper aims to analyze the architecture and performance of an open-source power system simulation toolkit named STEPS, which is developed by the School of Electrical Engineering at Shandong University. The paper thoroughly examines the advantages and limitations of STEPS in comparison to PSS/E, while also offering relevant suggestions for improvement. The paper commences by outlining the positioning and features of the toolkit based on its source code. Then the paper elucidates the techniques employed for automating power flow solution and dynamic simulation, presenting a comprehensive performance testing plan designed to obtain precise results regarding the functionality and performance of STEPS. Finally, the obtained test results are analyzed to identify STEPS's strengths and limitations, followed by the proposal of improvement suggestions that can guide future software enhancement and reformation efforts. This research aims to serve as a valuable reference for the ongoing development and enhancement of STEPS.