It would be interesting for all of us who have chosen EMTP to discuss the pros and cons of EMTP compare to other similar packages. So I hereby open the discussion about this.
EMTP-RV vs other similar packages
For a comparative evaluation of EMTPWorks RV, it would be useful to publish results obtained against a well known benchmark model such as the CIGRE HVDC Benchmark model. Results of the studies done by simulators and other software packages are already published and available in the technical literature. A comparison can be made by the users against these results. This will automatically provide credibility to the new package if satisfactory results are obtained.
EMTP-RV vs other similar packages
I fully agree with you that benchmark cases are useful to compare the ability of different software packages to reproduce correctly some validated results. In our case we have had trouble to obtain the details about the generic controller submitted to the participants for the CIGRE HVDC case.
Another matter of importance for transients simulation packages is, in my view, their ability to use good solution methods for nonlinear elements in terms of precision, fast convergence and of course without any topological restriction.
For that purpose I have created a case of the three circuit-breaker arc models interacting with the hysteretic characteristics of a Zno-protected unloaded autotransformer to predict correctly the residual fluxes trapped in the core in order to obtain correct inrush currents following its re-energizing. (see: Non-Linear_Benchmark_1.ecf).
For those of you who have access to other transients simulation packages, it would be nice to try to simulate the same circuit and report the findings.
EMTP-RV vs other similar packages
I am not sure what is the real issue here. The program is already credible.
Things like the CIGRE Benchmark do not have much meaning since it all depends on the implementation and the features of the tool. The question is: is there another package that can do a multiphase load-flow, automaticaly initialize and provide a GUI with so many features. Is there another package that can solve nonlinearities without artificial delays....