A Blueprint for Power
AÂ shortfilm from 1979 on the first-ever power system analysis software in the world with a user interface
The copyright belongs to Charles Lynch (one of the first developers of IPSA) who has kindly provided TNEI with the video.
Narrated by Brian Trueman
The History of IPSA: 50 Years in the Making
Welcome to the evolution of IPSA – a pioneering journey that began as a Ph.D. project in 1974 at UMIST and has since transformed into a cutting-edge power systems analysis software. IPSA revolutionized the industry by being the first software with a fully functioning GUI, setting the stage for its remarkable journey.
The Past
Originally implemented on the mainframe at SP Manweb in 1974, IPSA gained acclaim when transient stability functionality was incorporated in 1978. The software took a significant leap in 1986 when it became a commercial product, undergoing iterative improvements until the milestone release of IPSA 1.0 in 2000. Despite maintaining its core in Fortran, IPSA 1.0 marked a UI upgrade to the Qt framework, ensuring seamless cross-platform interfacing.
The Present
Bainbridge House, the home of TNEI Services Ltd., stands tall in Manchester, serving as the headquarters for IPSA’s developers. This is where the magic happens, as IPSA continually evolves to meet the demands of a dynamic industry.
The beta version of IPSA 2.0 emerged in 2009, setting the stage for a decade of transformation. Numerous updates and additional features were integrated into the program, solidifying its role in major projects. IPSA played a crucial part in projects like Flexible Networks (2015) by Scottish Power Energy Networks and Project FALCON (2011-2015) by WPD, where it proved its mettle in testing practical implementations and reducing carbon emissions.
IPSA Through the Years.
The Future
Throughout its journey, IPSA has been a trusted tool for distribution network operators (DNOs) and other notable clients. The IPSA team’s groundbreaking work on the fast-decoupled Newton-Raphson implementation for power-flow calculations showcases their commitment to innovation.
In 2022, the IPSA journey reached a new pinnacle with the release of the IPSA 2.10 series, serving as the final installment in the IPSA 2 family. This release brought forth a host of new functionalities, upgrades, and modules, solidifying IPSA’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Boasting numerous modifications that elevate the User Experience (UX), this latest iteration is a testament to the unwavering dedication to excellence.
As a result, IPSA stands as a stalwart at the forefront of power systems analysis, offering reliable and innovative solutions to meet the industry’s ever-evolving challenges.
With the release of IPSA 3 in 2024, IPSA marked 50 years of innovation in power systems analysis, reinforcing its commitment to supporting modern and increasingly complex power system challenges.
The IPSA legacy continues to evolve, setting the stage for another era of groundbreaking advancements and industry leadership.