OpenDSS Fundamentals is a free starter course to build a solid base in OpenDSS. You’ll install and navigate the tool, learn the object model and scripting syntax, and run/interpret your first SnapShot power flow. Ideal for engineers, students, and researchers beginning distribution system studies.
OpenDSS Fundamentals
Start Your OpenDSS Journey
Course Overview
OpenDSS Fundamentals is a comprehensive starter course for power system students, engineers, researchers, and professionals seeking a solid foundation in OpenDSS. This free course teaches you how OpenDSS represents distribution circuits, how the script-driven workflow functions, and how to run and interpret your first simulations—providing essential preparation for more advanced analysis and automation.
The course begins with OpenDSS setup on Windows, guiding you through the interface, file structure, and common folders. You'll then learn the core object model—including Buses/Nodes, Power Delivery (PD) vs. Power Conversion (PC) elements—and the command syntax essential for building and solving models.
As you progress, you'll explore built-in solution modes, compile and solve the IEEE 4-Bus example, and practice interpreting key outputs (voltages, currents, powers). You'll also master organizing larger projects with master and run files, and understand where SnapShot, Time-Series, and Python automation fit within your workflow.
The course features 35 video lessons across 8 modules, totaling approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Your instructor, Paulo Radatz, brings over a decade of experience teaching and applying OpenDSS worldwide. All demonstrations use Windows to ensure smooth setup and usability.
By completing this course, you'll gain a clear understanding of OpenDSS fundamentals and the confidence to run and interpret your first studies—preparing you for more advanced courses like OpenDSS SnapShot Power Flow Simulations, py-dss-interface for Python-based automation, and Time-Series simulations.
This course includes lifetime access and AI-generated subtitles in multiple languages, making it accessible to learners worldwide.
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Course Structure
The course consists of 8 modules containing 35 video lessons that build sequentially to develop your OpenDSS fundamentals.
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Course goals and learning objectives
Course structure
Introduction to the instructor
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From Poles & Wires to Equations: Why We Simulate
What OpenDSS Is and What It's Used For
History of OpenDSS
Why OpenDSS Was Made Open-Source
OpenDSS: A Global Phenomenon
OpenDSS Usage Worldwide
The Key Capabilities
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Download and Installation
OpenDSS Versions
OpenDSS Standalone Version
Running IEEE 4 Bus Test Feeder
Common Workflow for OpenDSS Simulations
Using OpenDSS as an Engine
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OpenDSS Architecture
Models Currently Implemented
Built-in Solution Modes
Input Data Requirements
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List of Objects
Bus and Nodes
Terminal
Power Delivery (PD) Elements
Power Conversion (PC) Elements
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OpenDSS is a script-driven program
Command Syntax: Verbs and Parameters/Properties
Comments, Delimiters and Other Special Characters
Array and Matrices
Executive Vs. Option commands
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Concept of Master File
Concept of Run File
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Available OpenDSS Resources
Course Summary
Future Learning Opportunities
Key Features
Comprehensive Learning
35 video lessons organized into 8 modules, covering OpenDSS fundamentals
Free Course
Start strong: learn OpenDSS basics with our free Fundamentals course
Expert Instructor
Learn from Paulo Radatz, an experienced educator with over 10 years of expertise in OpenDSS and Python
AI-Generated Subtitles
Access subtitles in English, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Korean, and Chinese (China) to enhance your learning experience.
Flexible Learning
Access the course anytime, from any device, and study at your own pace
Lifetime Access
Enjoy unlimited access to the course materials, allowing you to revisit lessons whenever needed
Enroll Now
Free
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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Electrical engineers and power system analysts.
Students and researchers working with distribution systems.
Anyone interested in mastering OpenDSS.
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You'll receive your access information by email. The content can be viewed or downloaded on your desktop, smartphone, tablet, or other digital device. You can also access the product you purchased:
Log in to Hotmart by clicking on 'Sign in'
Go to the left-side menu, click on 'My account'
Click on 'My Purchases' and you'll find all the products you've purchased!
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You can take this course without knowing about OpenDSS
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Yes, you’ll have access to a discussion area where you can ask questions, interact with other learners, and get support from Paulo Radatz throughout your learning journey. You can also contact the instructor via email: paulo.radatz@gmail.com