DIG

SILENT
PowerFactory

I N T E G R AT E D P O W E R S Y S T E M A N A LY S I S S O F T W A R E

DIgSILENT

PowerFactory 15
Tutorial

DIgSILENT PowerFactory
Version 15

Tutorial

Online Edition
DIgSILENT GmbH
Gomaringen, Germany
May 2015

Publisher:
DIgSILENT GmbH
Heinrich-Hertz-Strae 9
72810 Gomaringen / Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 7072-9168-0
Fax: +49 (0) 7072-9168-88

Please visit our homepage at:

http://www.digsilent.de

Copyright DIgSILENT GmbH

All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced or
distributed in any form without written
permission of the publisher.
May 2015
r1787

Contents
A Introduction to the Tutorial
A.1

How to use the Tutorial Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.1.1

Initialisation of the Tutorial Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.2

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.3

Conventions, Terms and Abbreviations used in this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.4

Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.4.1

Direct Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.4.2

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B Program Overview

B.1

Database Management and Backups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B.2

Designed for Beginners and Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C Exercise 1: Creating the Tutorial Project

C.1

Starting PowerFactory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C.2

Creating the Tutorial Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C.3

Renaming the Study Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

C.4

Closing and Restarting (PowerFactory ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

D Exercise 2: Creating Power System Elements

D.1

D.2

15

Creating the Power System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

D.1.1

Creating Substations with Single Busbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

D.1.2

Creating Branch Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

D.1.3

Creating Single-Port Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Editing the Power System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

D.2.1

Editing Terminals and Substations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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D.2.2

Jumping to Other Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

D.2.3

Editing Two-Port Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

D.2.4

Editing Single-Port Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

D.3

Performing a Load Flow Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

D.4

Editing the Result Box Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

D.5

D.4.1

Background Information About Result Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

D.4.2

Editing the Result Box Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Performing Short-Circuit Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

E Exercise 3: The Data Manager

37

E.1

The Data Manager: Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

E.2

Using the Data Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

E.3

Adding a Branched-Off Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

E.4

Editing the New Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

E.5

Performing Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

F Exercise 4: Creation of a Second Subsystem

51

F.1

Creating the Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

F.2

Editing the Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

F.3

Performing Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

G Exercise 5: Connecting the Subsystems

61

G.1 Activation of the Two Subsystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

G.2 Connecting Two Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
H Exercise 6: Motor Start Simulation

H.1

Modelling the Power Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

H.2

Editing the Power Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

H.3

Performing a Motor Start Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

H.4

Changing the Motor Driven Machine (MDM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Exercise 7: Transient Analysis

75

I.1

Composite Models Revisited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

I.2

Setting Up a Transient Short-Circuit Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

I.2.1

ii

67

Setting Initial Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

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I.2.2

Defining Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

I.3

Defining Results Objects and Variables Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

I.4

Running Transient Simulations and Creating Plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

I.4.1

Running a Transient Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

I.4.2

Defining New Virtual Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

I.4.3

Selecting Variables to Show in a Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

I.4.4

Creating a New Empty VI Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

I.5

Closing Up the Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Index

87

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CONTENTS

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DIgSILENT PowerFactory 15, Tutorial

Chapter A

Introduction to the Tutorial

This tutorial is intended to introduce the user to the PowerFactory environment. The user will be guided
through the creation and development of an electrical power system and in doing so will gain familiarity
with the basic features of the software. The tutorial project is developed in a sequential manner, whereby
each exercise builds upon what has been completed in the previous exercise. Users can start each
exercise of the tutorial by using a special PowerFactory command dialog called Tutorial Manager.
Note: In order to execute the Tutorial, you need to have a demo version or a licensed version of
PowerFactory with a license capability of at least 30 nodes.

A.1

How to use the Tutorial Manager

At the beginning of each exercise, the Tutorial Manager displays a background single line diagram of
the network that the user will need to implement in order to complete the exercise. At the end of each
exercise the solution achieved may be compared to a sample solution by initialising the next exercise
using the Tutorial Manager.
Each exercise is implemented as a separate project which can be executed using the Tutorial Manager.
The exercises do not necessarily need to be executed in sequence and can be skipped without the user
having to enter any data required by the preceding exercises.
Note: The PowerFactory Tutorial philosophy is to guide the user through the features of the software.
The data for a small but complete power system design will be entered.

Step by step instructions to perform each of the tutorial tasks are provided throughout this document.
To start with the tutorial itself, go to Chapter C (Creating the Tutorial Project).

A.1.1

Initialisation of the Tutorial Exercises

The Tutorial Manager is used to initialise each exercise:

Open the Tutorial Manager by selecting the Help Start Tutorial. . . option on the main menu.
Select the option Start Exercise X. (select any of the exercises listed)
Press the Execute button.
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This brings you to the beginning of the selected tutorial exercise. For Exercise 1 there is no initialisation,
because this exercise begins with the creation of a totally new project. If you select to start Exercise
1 from within the Tutorial Manager, the Tutorial Manager will open Chapter C (Creating the Tutorial
Project) of this document only without initialising a project in the PowerFactory database.
Further hints on how to use the Tutorial Manager are given at the beginning of Chapter D (Creating
Power System Elements).

A.2

Troubleshooting

As mentioned above the Tutorial Manager installs the data required at the beginning of each exercise.
This includes a background pattern, which shows where to drop the elements in the single line diagram.
Typical questions that arise whilst working with the Tutorial are:
The background pattern is not visible in the single line diagram. How can it be made visible
again?
To make the pattern visible again:
Click on the Layers icon ( ). The Graphics Layers dialog appears. The Background layer
is shown in the right pane (Invisible).
Move the background layer into the left pane: left click the Background layer and press the
button. This moves the background to the list of visible layers.
Close the Graphics Layers dialog.
I want to continue the tutorial, but it is not active. How do I activate it so I can continue
where I left off?
If you interrupted the Tutorial to work on another project, or to close the PowerFactory program,
you may reactivate the Tutorial by selecting it in the File menu. That menu keeps a list of the last
5 active projects. The Tutorial should be one of the choices.
It is also possible to activate the Tutorial project by means of the Data Manager. Press the
icon, look for the project in the database tree (left side of the window), right click on it and select
Activate. It is recommended that you make yourself familiar with the Data Manager by doing
exercise 3, before using it to start the tutorial. A short description about how to activate an existing
tutorial project within the Data Manager is given in Chapter E: The Data Manager.
If you cannot find the tutorial project either in the file menu nor with the Data Manager, you will
have to start at the beginning on the tutorial exercise where you left the tutorial, by selecting Start
Exercise X in the Tutorial Manager.

A.3

Conventions, Terms and Abbreviations used in this Manual

Mouse and keyboard handling actions are abbreviated, and a shorthand is also used to describe
actions that the user should take. To assist the user these shorthand descriptions are specifically
formatted to stand out, as follows:
Key As in Press the left mouse key". A key is either one of the mouse keys or a key on the keyboard.
Mouse keys are sometimes called buttons, as in the mouse button.
Button As in Press the OK button". The word button" is used for screen areas which perform some
action when clicked using the mouse. In other words, a virtual button.
2

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A.4. CONTACT
Icons Icons are usually described by the popup name that appears when the cursor is hovered over
the icon. For example, press the User Settings icon to open the User Settings dialog. Icons are
icon to open the user settings dialog.
also shown as seen on screen, as in press the
Right/Left clicking As in Right click the browser". This means pointing the cursor at the object
described (the browser) and pressing the right/left mouse key.
Double Clicking As in Double click the button". This means pointing the cursor at the object described
and pressing the left mouse key twice within about half a second (the time interval is as set in the
Windows operating system).
Ctrl-B (key combination example) means that the user should press the combination of keys described.
For example, Press Ctrl-B to toggle between balanced/unbalanced case", means that the user
should press and hold down the first keyboard key (the Control key on the keyboard in this
example) and then press the second key (B) as well.
Menu sequences When a user needs to select a command through cascaded menu options the
sequence is shown by arrows that indicate what option to choose next, starting from the original
menu button. For example, setting the drawing format can be done by pressing the Options
button to access the options menu, then by choosing Graphic" from the list offered, and finally
Drawing Format. . . " from the last list. This series of actions is all simply described by Options
Graphic Drawing Format. . .
" and Single quotation marks are used to indicate that the description is one that can be found
within the program and is one that is not user definable. For example, the balloon help description
Calculate Load Flow that you see when you hover your cursor over the Load Flow icon.
Double quotation marks are used to indicate data that a user has entered or should enter. Double
quotation marks are also used to indicate a process or series of objects that have no discernible
name, but which need to be described. For example, the drawing tools panel", which is found on
the right hand side of the drawing canvas.
> and [1 [2] [3], etc.] These show a sequence of events that should be performed. Where they are
numbered they will be associated with a graphic in which the numbers appear.
left-clicking, right-clicking, clicking, double-clicking, etc. Wherever the instruction clicking or doubleclicking appears it should be taken to mean clicking and double-clicking using the left mouse
button. When the right mouse button is to be used it will be explicitly stated.

A.4

Contact

For further information about the company DIgSILENT , our products and services please visit our web
site, or contact us at:
DIgSILENT GmbH
Heinrich-Hertz-Str. 9
72810 Gomaringen / Germany
www.digsilent.de

A.4.1

Direct Technical Support

DIgSILENT experts offer direct assistance to PowerFactory users with valid maintenance agreements
via telephone or online via support queries raised on the customer portal.
To register for the on-line portal, select Help Register. . . or go to directly to the registration page (link
below). Log-in details will be provided by email shortly thereafter.
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To log-in to the portal, enter the email (or Login) and Password provided. When raising a new support
query, please include the PowerFactory version and build number (Patch Number) in your submission,
which can be found by selecting Help About PowerFactory. . . from the main menu. Note that
including relevant *.dz or *.pfd file(s) may assist with our investigation into your query. The customer
portal is shown in Figure A.4.1.
Phone: +49-(0)7072-9168-50 (German)
+49-(0)7072-9168-51 (English)
Portal log-in and Registration: http://www.digsilent.de/index.php/support.html

Figure A.4.1: DIgSILENT customer portal

A.4.2

General Information

For general information about DIgSILENT or your PowerFactory license, please contact us via:
Phone: +49-(0)7072-9168-0
Fax: +49-(0)7072-9168-88
E-mail: [email protected]

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Chapter B

Program Overview
The calculation program PowerFactory , as written by DIgSILENT , is a computer aided engineering
tool for the analysis of transmission, distribution, and industrial electrical power systems. It has been
designed as an advanced integrated and interactive software package dedicated to electrical power
system and control analysis in order to achieve the main objectives of planning and operation optimisation.
DIgSILENT " is an acronym for DIgital SImuLation of Electrical NeTworks". DIgSILENT Version 7 was
the worlds first power system analysis software with an integrated graphical single-line interface. That
interactive single-line diagram included drawing functions, editing capabilities and all relevant static and
dynamic calculation features.
PowerFactory was designed and developed by qualified engineers and programmers with many years of
experience in both electrical power system analysis and programming fields. The accuracy and validity
of results obtained with PowerFactory has been confirmed in a large number of implementations, by
organisations involved in planning and operation of power systems throughout the world.
To address users power system analysis requirements, PowerFactory was designed as an integrated
engineering tool to provide a comprehensive suite of power system analysis functions within a single
executable program. Key features include:
1. PowerFactory core functions: definition, modification and organisation of cases; core numerical
routines; output and documentation functions.
2. Integrated interactive single line diagram and data case handling.
3. Power system element and base case database.
4. Integrated calculation functions (e.g. line and machine parameter calculation based on geometrical or nameplate information).
5. Power system network configuration with interactive or on-line SCADA access.
6. Generic interface for computer-based mapping systems.
Use of a single database, with the required data for all equipment within a power system (e.g. line
data, generator data, protection data, harmonic data, controller data), means that PowerFactory can
easily execute all power simulation functions within a single program environment - functions such as
load-flow, short-circuit calculation, harmonic analysis, protection coordination, stability calculation, and
modal analysis.

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CHAPTER B. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

B.1

Database Management and Backups

The PowerFactory database has been proven to be very stable. Nevertheless, as is true for all electronic
databases, it can be corrupted by external or internal causes. External causes are such as power
failures resulting in a sudden system shutdown, hard disk crashes, computer viruses or inadvertent
deletion of files. To prevent any loss of data, please follow these instructions:
Backup the database directory of all DIgSILENT PowerFactory installations on a regular basis. A
daily automatic backup is recommended. To export the workspace, select Tools Workspace
Export Workspace. . . . The package will be saved as a .zip format.
Save all projects on a regular basis by right-clicking on the project in the database tree and
selecting the Export option. This will prompt you for a filename and location.
Note: By exporting a project, only the information in the project and all its subfolders will be stored.
If the exported objects use information (e.g. power system types like line or transformer
types) that is saved somewhere else, then this information will not be stored. Please ensure
that the power system types and all other referenced information is exported as well. We
recommended limiting the use of non-project objects" to one or two non-project libraries;
these should also be exported on a regular basis.
Exported projects may be imported into a database tree by pressing the
icon on the Data
Managers toolbar. You will be prompted for the exported filename (*.pfd or *.dz).
Please make sure that you make backup copies of all the exported data, as well as of the
PowerFactory database on a regular basis.
However, should you find yourself in the unhappy position of having a corrupted database and no
backup files please contact us for assistance; all may not be lost!

B.2

Designed for Beginners and Experts

DIgSILENT PowerFactory has originally been designed as a complete package for the high-end user.
Consequently, there are no special lightweight or cut-down versions. However, this does not mean
that non high end users will find themselves perplexed when using PowerFactory. The program is
also friendly to the basic user. Users who are learning about power systems are able to easily and
quickly perform load-flows and short-circuit calculations, without needing to immediately master the
mathematical intricacies of the calculations. The PowerFactory Tutorial allows the user to learn primarily
about modelling and analysing electrical power systems. Basic knowledge in working with a PC is
presumed.
The program is shipped with all of the engines and algorithms that are required for high-end use. The
functionality that has been bought by a user is configured in a matrix, where the licensed calculation
functions, together with the maximum number of busses, are listed as coordinates. In addition, there
are options available which will allow the configuration and fine-tuning of the software according to the
users needs, for some of the functions.
In this manner, not every PowerFactory license contains all functionality described in this manual, but
only those actually required, thereby reducing the complexity at the outset. As requirements dictate,
further functionality can be added to the license. The user thus does not have to learn a whole new
interface for new functions, but merely uses new commands within the same environment. In addition,
the original network data is used and only extra data, as may be required by the new calculation function,
needs to be added.

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Chapter C

Exercise 1: Creating the Tutorial

Project
The first step in designing a new power system (including the one in the Tutorial) is to create a project. A
project offers the basic structure to define and store power system definitions, together with their design
stages and single line diagrams, type libraries, calculation stages, calculation commands, etc.
This chapter describes how to create a new project and explains most of its features. For new users it is
recommended to read the preceding tutorial chapters before starting with the tutorial exercises. These
will provide the user with the PowerFactory terminology and concepts required to easily understand the
rest of the tutorial.
The Tutorial Manager is a special PowerFactory feature designed to guide the user through the tutorial.
With the exception of the first exercise, it will be used to install a specific project at the beginning of each
exercise. For the first exercise the Tutorial Manager cannot be used, because the first exercise requires
the user to create a project of their own.

C.1

Starting PowerFactory

When starting PowerFactory a user account will be created automatically. The user name of the Windows account will be used per default.
The Tutorial Manager stores the tutorial projects directly in the User folder (the User folder has the user
name entered into the Logon dialog window). The User folder will be the folder created for you by the
administrator, or by yourself. The active User folder is marked by a small blue screen icon inside the
Data Manager (the Data Manager will be explained in Chapter E (The Data Manager). See Figure C.1.1
for an example with the user named Tutorial User".

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CHAPTER C. EXERCISE 1: CREATING THE TUTORIAL PROJECT

Figure C.1.1: Example of an active user folder

C.2

Creating the Tutorial Project

Create a new project in your User folder by following these steps:

Open the File menu on the main menu bar.
Select the New option.
Choose Project. . . as shown in Figure C.2.1

Figure C.2.1: Creating a new Project from the file menu

The dialog shown in Figure C.2.2 will pop up. This dialog, as most others in this Tutorial, is shown
as it should look after it has been edited.

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C.2. CREATING THE TUTORIAL PROJECT

Figure C.2.2: The project dialog (IntPrj)

Enter the name of the project as Tutorial Exercise 1".

Click the OK button.
This creation of a new project causes any currently active project to be deactivated (if one was active)
and all related graphic windows to be closed.
A project needs at least one grid folder in which a power (sub)system is defined. Therefore, a grid folder
is created automatically and its edit dialog pops up, as depicted in Figure C.2.3

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CHAPTER C. EXERCISE 1: CREATING THE TUTORIAL PROJECT

Figure C.2.3: The grid edit dialog

Set the name of the grid to Part 1".

Set the frequency to 50 Hz. The PowerFactory tutorial system is designed for 50 Hz.
Left-click the OK button.
The Owner field is optional and is normally used to enter a project, company or any other appropriate
name. In this tutorial, the Owner name is not used, although DIgSILENT Tutorial" is entered in
Figure C.2.3
In the background, the new grid Part 1" is created in the project, together with a Study Case folder
which is used to activate the grid and to perform calculations for it. This study case is given a default
name (which is Study Case").
The newly created project and the study case are activated automatically, an empty single line diagram will be displayed. The PowerFactory workspace should now look as shown in Figure C.2.4 The
numbered labels in the figure correspond with the following parts of the workspace:
1. The main menu bar.
2. The main icon bar. If there is not enough space to display all buttons on the pane, this toolbar
is displayed with small up and down arrow buttons, with which the rest of the buttons can be
accessed.
3. The local graphics window icon bar. This toolbar is also displayed with small up and down arrow
buttons which allow access to additional buttons if the window is too small to display all buttons.
The icons in this icon bar depend on the content of the window shown. In this particular case it is
the graphics window with the single line diagram.
4. The empty single line diagrams window with drawing grid. The grid shows where graphical
elements will snap, if the snap option is activated (default option).
5. The Project Overview. It displays an overview of the project allowing the user to assess the state
of the project at a glance and facilitates easy interaction with the project data.
10

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C.3. RENAMING THE STUDY CASE

6. The drawing toolbox. This is displayed in its docked state on the right side of the graphics window.
7. The output window. This is the white window below the graphics window. It is used to show text
messages, text reports and also shows active links for debugging the data model.
8. The status bar. This gives feedback about the present status of PowerFactory . For example, it
indicates the position of the cursor either in the graphics window or in the output window. It also
shows the name of the currently active project.
9. The Navigation Pane. This pane provides the user with an overview of the whole network in a
small window.

Figure C.2.4: The workspace after creation of a new project

C.3

Renaming the Study Case

Although the created project may be used as it is, the name of the new study case is normally changed
to something more original than Study Case".
Select the Edit Project Data Study Case. . . option on the main menu.
The edit dialog of the study case is depicted in Figure C.3.1

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CHAPTER C. EXERCISE 1: CREATING THE TUTORIAL PROJECT

Figure C.3.1: The Study Case edit dialog

Change the name to Case 1".

To set the Study Time click on the button with the three dots (
appears, as shown in Figure C.3.2.

12

). A window Set Study Time"

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C.4. CLOSING AND RESTARTING (POWERFACTORY )

Figure C.3.2: Setting Date and Time of the Study Case

Press the button -> Date and the button -> Time to set the current computer date and time for
the study case.
Click the OK button.
Press OK, to save the settings for the study case.
The name in the project overview should now have changed to Case 1" too.

C.4

Closing and Restarting (PowerFactory )

The PowerFactory program does not have a Save" button for projects. All changes made to the system
database are immediately stored in the database on disk. This means that you may end the program
at any time without having to save your work first (There is an option to save Operation Scenarios
manually. The concept of Operation Scenarios is described in the User Manual, they are not part of the
Tutorial yet).
The software will not reactivate the last active project at start-up. However, the last few active projects
are kept in the main File menu. Reactivating a recently active project is a matter of left clicking one of
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these entries.
This Tutorial may thus be interrupted at any moment without further action, and may be continued at
any time later by reactivating the Tutorial project.

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Exercise 2: Creating Power System

Elements
In the previous chapter, a Grid (Part 1") and a Study Case (Case 1") have been created. This would
normally be enough to start working. However, some additional folders and settings have been created
for the Tutorial which will make things a bit easier. To install these extras, a special command dialog
called Tutorial Manager is provided (see Chapter A.1). The Tutorial Manager principally does the
following:
It activates a project containing the predefined tutorial Power System and the Equipment type
library for busbars, lines, transformers and other elements.
It prepares the graphic window and sets a background pattern which makes easier the positioning
of the elements of the tutorial Power System grids.
To be able to perform all the tasks proposed for this tutorial, the Tutorial Manager must be activated by
the user at the start of each tutorial exercise. It will activate the predefined project. Therefore, your first
step in creating the tutorial Power System will be to Start the Tutorial Manager.
Note: The Tutorial Manager will not destroy all user defined experiments or alterations made in each
tutorial project. Instead of replacing the user defined tutorial projects, it installs teach new predefined tutorial project in parallel with existing projects. If the tutorial project for the exercise already
exists, the Tutorial Manager adds a number in parentheses to the name of the newly installed
project.

Start the Tutorial Manager:

Open the Help menu on the main menu list.
Select the option Start Tutorial. . .
The Tutorial Manager dialog appears now.
For this Tutorial exercise,
Select the option Start Exercise 2.
Press Execute.
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Figure D.0.1: The Tutorial Manager for Starting with Exercise 2

The Tutorial Manager has installed some additional features and has reopened the single line diagram.
A single line diagram, in grey, is now visible in the background. This is just a pattern to show where to
place the actual power system components.

D.1

Creating the Power System Components

The PowerFactory program allows the creation of new power system designs by creating all components
and manually connecting them to define the topology. The most convenient method of achieving this
is to use the interactive single line diagrams. All component information is also accessible via a textual
database environment called Data Manager
The single line diagrams are used to create new power system components and to insert them into
the topological network. In this way, the power system database and its single line diagram are built
together in one step.
For example, editing the created power system components to set the voltage level or other electrical
parameters, may also be done from the single line diagram. This is achieved by double clicking the
graphical symbols. This will open the corresponding data dialog of the power system component. The
following sections will illustrate this in more detail.

D.1.1

Creating Substations with Single Busbars

There are a lot of predefined busbar system arrangements in PowerFactory , for example single busbar
systems, single busbar systems with a tie circuit breaker, double busbar systems, double busbar
systems with a tie breaker and bypass busbar, and so on. All these systems consist of terminals,
circuit breakers and disconnectors.
Note: In PowerFactory Version 15 nodes are always represented by Busbars (ElmTerm). A Busbars
(ElmTerm) may be part of a substation, e.g. in a single or double busbar system. A new substation
is created for each new busbar system by default. If you use simple Busbars instead of Busbar
Systems to represent nodes, no substation element will be created.
By clicking with the right mouse button on a Busbar System and selecting Show detailed Graphic
of Substation a new single line diagram with the detailed topology of the substation will be opened.
You can edit this graphic, if you want to change the topology of the substation. You can even add
new simple Busbars to a substation.
When other power system elements, such as lines, transformers or loads (known generically as
branch and edge elements) are connected to a node, PowerFactory automatically inserts circuit
breaker models in order to open/close this connection. Cubicles with these circuit breakers may
be visualised as the panels in a switchboard, or bays in a high voltage yard. Using simple Busbars,
all necessary circuit breakers will be created automatically when an element is connected to the
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Busbar (ElmTerm). If you use predefined Busbar Systems, you have to select the node of an
existing breaker to connect the element to the busbar. This is explained in detail later in this
Tutorial.

To create a substation with a single busbar, a Single Busbar System is used:

If the drawing toolbox is not visible on the right side, click on the
graphic.

icon in order to un-freeze the

The icon Freeze Mode

changes between graphical editing and parameter editing. When pressed,
the drawing toolbox will disappear and the single line diagram will be frozen and can not be changed
anymore. You can enter data of the drawn elements in both modes, but in the frozen mode (parameter
editing) unintentional changing of the graphic is not possible. Pressing the Freeze Mode button again
will return the drawing toolbox (Un-freeze).
Use the balloon help to find the Single Busbar System icon ( ) (note that this icon is very similar
to the Busbar and Busbar (Short) icons). The cursor will show the single busbar icon after the
icon has been pressed.
Use the background pattern to position the first busbar by left clicking on the drawing surface. A
busbar will be drawn, and is given a default name like SingleBusbar / BB". SingleBusbar" is the
name of the substation, whilst BB" is the name of the Busbar (ElmTerm.
If something other than a single busbar appears, press the Undo button (
action(s) and try again.

) to undo your last

Note: When the insert mode is activated and the symbol for e.g. the Busbar is attached to the mouse
arrow, you can switch to the edit mode by pressing the Esc key or simply by pressing the right
mouse button once.

The Terminal (Busbar) of the substation may be moved and resized to fit the background pattern:
Select the busbar (terminal) by left clicking it. This will mark the busbar by a thick red line with
two small squares. If you have double clicked the terminal accidentally, its edit dialog will pop up.
Close that dialog with the Cancel button.
Move the terminal by left clicking on the red line and dragging the terminal. Releasing the mouse
sets the new location.
Resizing is done by left clicking one of the small squares and dragging it to the left or right, see
Figure D.1.1.
The cursor can also be used to show a balloon help text when held still at the name of the busbar or at
any other text in the single line diagram. This is much more convenient than having to zoom in and out
in order to read something.

Figure D.1.1: Resizing a terminal (busbar)

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Create two other substations in the same way:
Select the Single Busbar System icon
from the graphic toolbox again. Place the second and
third substation (i. e. the terminal of the substation).
Move and/or resize the second and third terminal to fit the background pattern.
The drawing may be too small to accurately position the terminals. To zoom in on the three terminals:
Left click the Zoom In icon (

).

Draw a square around the three terminals by left clicking the first corner, holding the mouse key
down, and dragging the mouse to the other corner. The selection square will be zoomed when
the mouse key is released.
The zoomed in area of the graphic can be moved by using the Hand Tool:
Press the Hand Tool icon (

). The mouse cursor becomes a hand symbol.

Click inside the drawing plane and keep the mouse button pressed.
Move the mouse to move the zoomed in area.
Release the mouse button.
Press the Hand Tool icon (

) again, to exit the Hand Tool mode.

The Hand Tool mode is available only, if you have zoomed in on the graphic. The previous zoomed area
can be restored by pressing the Zoom Back icon ( ). The whole area is shown when the Zoom All
button ( ) is pressed.

D.1.2

Creating Branch Elements

The Busbars of the substations are to be connected with transformers:

Left click the 2-Winding Transformer icon

in the drawing toolbox.

To draw the first transformer, left click the upper terminal at the position suggested by the background pattern.
The detailed graphic of the upper substation is opened automatically. Connect the transformer
to one bay by clicking on one of the marked breaker terminals as illustrated in Figure D.1.2 The
result should look like Figure D.1.3
The transformer is now connected graphically to the terminal at that position.
Left click the middle terminal to make the second connection.
The detailed graphic of the middle substation is opened automatically. Connect the transformer to
any bay by clicking on one of the breaker terminals as before.
Note: There is a difference between simple terminals (without substations) and the predefined more
complex busbar systems with substations, which represent substations in detail: If you connect
an element to a busbar system, the detailed graphic of the substation (busbar system) is opened.
You have to connect the element (in this case the transformer) to one of the marked terminals (the
big squares which are at the end of the predefined breaker panels).

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Figure D.1.2: Connecting the transformer to the single busbar system (in detailed substation graphic)

Figure D.1.3: Transformer connected to the single busbar system

Use the same method to connect a second transformer between the middle and lower terminal.
The single line diagram, without the background, should now look like Figure D.1.4
If something other than a transformer has appeared or if the connection was not made as intended,
press the Undo button ( ) to cancel the last step. Pressing ESC while drawing will cancel the drawing
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of the transformer.

Figure D.1.4: Three substations with single busbar systems and two transformers

A transformer may be moved in a similar way to how a busbar is resized:

Left click a transformer to select it.
Left click the selected transformer, hold down the mouse key.
Move the transformer one or two grid points left or right by dragging.
Release the mouse button.
Normally, you cannot drag the transformer outside the range of the two terminals. If you try this, it will
be positioned at the terminals, as far to the right or left as possible. If you try again from this position,
you can drag it outside the range.
Move the transformer back to its original position. If the connections were damaged during the
first move, press the Undo button ( ) to undo the move.
You can also draw the transformer symbol again by right clicking it, and selecting Redraw Element from
the context sensitive menu. This will mark the two terminals to which the transformer is electrically
connected. You can re-draw the transformer again, but you have to connect it to the two marked
terminals. The option Redraw Element is available for all symbols in the single line diagram.
Left clicking the upper and then the lower terminal while drawing a transformer creates a straight
connection. The transformer symbol is placed in the middle. A non-straight connection can be made
by:
left clicking a terminal to make the first connection.
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left clicking the drawing surface to define corners in the connection line.
double clicking on the drawing surface to place the transformer symbol.
left clicking the drawing surface again to draw the second connection line,
and left clicking the second terminal to make the second connection.
As before detailed graphics of the substations will pop up during this sequence, in order to allow you
to connect the transformer to the breaker panels. You may want to practice this now, using the option
Redraw Element.

D.1.3

Creating Single-Port Elements

Single-port elements are power system elements which are connected to one terminal only: generators,
motors, loads, external grids, etc.
The tutorial grid has two asynchronous machines:
Press the Asynchronous Machine icon

in the drawing toolbox.

Connect the first machine to the lower terminal by left clicking it on the position as shown by the
background pattern.
The detailed graphic of the substation pops up. Connect the machine to one breaker panel by
clicking on one of the marked breaker terminals.
Connect the second machine to the middle terminal.
Left clicking a terminal places the single-port symbol with a straight connection. Non-straight connections may be made by first left clicking the drawing area to place the symbol, then to draw a non-straight
connection and finally left clicking the terminal to make the connection.
To finish off the tutorial grid, the external grid should be placed:
Press the External Grid icon

in the drawing toolbox.

Left click the upper busbar to connect the external grid.

Again the detailed graphics of the substations pops up. Connect the external grid to one breaker
panel by clicking on one of the marked breaker terminals.
If the external grid is connected to the terminal in the overview diagram at the same position as the
transformer, the external grid symbol is automatically positioned above the terminal. Otherwise, it is
placed in the default position under the terminal.
If the external grid symbol is drawn in the downwards position, it may be flipped upwards. If the external
grid symbol is already positioned correctly, you may want to practice the following on the machine on
the middle busbar:
Right-click the external grid or the asynchronous machine. The context sensitive menu appears
(see Figure D.1.5).
Left click the Flip At Busbar option. The symbol is rotated 180 degrees around its busbar connection.

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Flipping is also possible with non-straight connections.

Figure D.1.5: Flipping a symbol

This concludes the creation of the power system elements and the topology. Please check that all
symbols are positioned correctly. Use Move, Resize and/or Flip at busbar to correct the single line
diagram.
The elements have not been edited yet, and are all using default parameters. Entering the parameters
is the next step.
The background pattern isnt needed anymore. To hide it, the graphical layer on which it is drawn should
be disabled. For every group of graphic symbols, such a layer exists. To hide the background:
Click on the Layers icon ( ). The Graphic Layers dialog appears. The Background" layer is
shown in the left pane (Visible).
Hide the background by moving it to the right pane: left click the Background layer and press the
button. This moves the background to the list of invisible layers.
Close the layer dialog with the OK button. The single line diagram will now look more sharp.

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D.2

Editing the Power System Components

The PowerFactory program offers several methods for editing the electrical parameters of power system
elements, from simple edit dialogs to flexible spreadsheet-like environments where more than one
element is visible at the same time.
The most simple and direct method, however, is to double click the elements in the single line diagram,
which opens their edit dialog.
To avoid unintended changes to the single line diagram, press the Freeze Mode button (
the diagram.

) to freeze

Most power system elements have assigned Type objects. A large quantity of transformers in a network
for instance, may all be of the same type and share common electrical parameters. These parameters
can be defined in a transformer Type object. Each common transformer can therefore reference that
type.
Normally, this would mean that a library of user defined types has to be created prior to defining power
system elements. However, for this tutorial all needed types have been predefined and are ready to
use.

D.2.1

Editing Terminals and Substations

To edit the upper substation with its terminal:

Double click the upper busbar (ElmTerm). The edit dialog for the terminal, as depicted in Figure D.2.1 will pop up.
This dialog shows:
Page tabs which are used to enter calculation specific parameters (Basic data, Load Flow, etc.).
The name of the terminal.
Its type, with a button to select a type and one to edit the type.
A Zone and an Area, to which the terminal belongs. These arent used in this tutorial. Further
information about Zones and Areas is available in the User Manual.
The substation to which this terminal belongs, with a button which opens the edit dialog of that
substation.
The System Type (AC, DC, or AC/BI for two phase AC systems like railway systems)
The Phase Technology to define the number of phases. For Example, you can select whether the
terminal has a neutral conductor or not.
The nominal voltage of the terminal.

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Figure D.2.1: The Terminal edit dialog

Edit the upper terminal and substation:

D1_Swab
To enter the Type, left click the type selection button ( ) and choose the Select Project Type
option. This opens the library in the database tree. Please navigate to the Types Busbars folder
as shown in Figure D.2.2. This busbar library has been installed by the Tutorial Manager. When
needed, click on the + symbol to open the Database subfolders or double click them.
Select the Bar 33 kV" type by left clicking the small object icon. Holding the mouse still above the
object icon will bring a balloon help as depicted in Figure D.2.2.
Press OK to select the busbar type. The terminal edit dialog will become active again.

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Figure D.2.2: Selecting a busbar type

Change the line-line nominal voltage to 33 kV.

Press the button with the blue arrow at the Substation entry (

)in order to edit the substation.

The dialog window of the substation appears (Figure D.2.3). Change the name of the substation
to Station 1".
Enter S1" for the Short Name.
Close the substation dialog by pressing OK.
Press OK to close the dialog window of the terminal.
A confirmation dialogue will appear asking if the voltage of all the internal elements of the substation should also be changed. Select Yes.

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Figure D.2.3: Setting the nominal voltage of a substation

The middle substation with its terminal is edited in the same way:
Double click the middle terminal.
Name = D1_11a".
Select the type: use

Select Project Type Bar 11 kV.

Set the nominal voltage of the substation to 11 kV.

Name of the substation Station 2", short name = S2"
Close all dialogs by pressing OK.
The lower terminal is at 3.3 kV:
Name = D1_3.3a"
Type = Project Type Bar 3.3 kV
Set the nominal voltage of the substation to 3.3 kV
Name of the substation Station 3", short name = S3"
Close all dialogs by pressing OK.

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D.2.2

Jumping to Other Elements

All element edit dialogs are equipped with a Jump to.. button. Pressing this button either jumps directly
to the connected element, if there is only one such an element, or shows a list of connected elements
from which one may be selected.
To practice this:
Double click the External Grid element to open its dialog.
Press the Jump to. . . button. The dialog of the terminal D1_Swab" appears now.
Press the Jump to. . . button again. A list of connected elements appears. Select the transformer.
The edit dialog of the transformer appears.
Press the Cancel button in any edit dialog to exit without changes.

D.2.3

Editing Two-Port Elements

To edit the top transformer:

Double click the transformer to open its dialog.
Name = T1_33/11a"
The edit dialog shows the connected terminals. These fields have been set when the transformer was
connected in the single line diagram. The names of the terminals are shown in red.
Type = Project Type TR2 20;33/11;10.
Open the Load Flow page by clicking on it.
Check that the automatic tap changer is disabled and that the tap position is set to zero.
Press OK.
An error message will be displayed if the HV and LV sides of the transformer are connected incorrectly.
If this is the case:
Press the Flip Connections button on the Basic Data page.
Press OK again.
To edit the other transformer:
Open its dialog.
Name = T1_11/3.3a".
Type = Project Type TR2 5;11/3.3;5%
Check on the Load Flow page that the automatic tap changer is disabled and that the tap position
is set to zero.

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D.2.4

Editing Single-Port Elements

To edit the external grid open the edit dialog and set:
Basic Data:
Name = Transmission Grid"
The external grid element has no type. All electrical data is stored in the element itself.
Load Flow data:
Bus Type = SL" (slack)
Angle = 0.0 deg
Voltage Setpoint = 1.0 p.u
VDE/IEC Short-Circuit:
Max. Short Circuit Power Sk" = 10000 MVA
R/X ratio = 0.1
Press OK .
To edit the 11 kV induction machine:
Open its dialog.
Name = ASM1a"
Type = Project Type ASM 11kV 5MVA
Load Flow page Active Power = 4 MW
Press OK.
To edit the 3.3 kV induction machine:
Open its dialog.
Name = ASM1b"
Type = Project Type ASM 3.3kV 2MVA
Load Flow page: Active Power = 1 MW
Press OK.
This concludes the power system definition of the first exercise. A calculation may now be carried out.

D.3

Performing a Load Flow Calculation

A Load Flow Calculation may be started from the main menu (Calculation Load flow Load flow. . . ),
or by clicking on the Calculate Load Flow icon ( ) on the main toolbar. This will bring the Load Flow
Calculation command dialog to the front, similar to the depiction in Figure D.3.1.
This command dialog offers several options for the Load Flow Calculations.
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D.3. PERFORMING A LOAD FLOW CALCULATION

For this first tutorial load flow, check that the following options are set:
Calculation Method = AC Load Flow, balanced, positive sequence
Temperature Dependency: Line/Cable Resistances = ...at 20 C
Disable all other options on the Basic Options page.
On the Active Power Control page ensure Active power control = according to secondary
control and Consider Active Power Limits is enabled.
Press the Execute button.

Figure D.3.1: Load Flow Calculation command dialog

A Load Flow Calculation is now started. If the tutorial power system was entered correctly, the following
message should appear in the output window:
DIgSI/info
of 1
DIgSI/info
DIgSI/info
DIgSI/info
1
DIgSI/info
DIgSI/info
DIgSI/info

- Element Transmission Grid is local reference in separated area

- Calculating load flow...
- ----------------------------------------- Start Newton-Raphson Algorithm... DIgSI/info - load flow iteration:
- load flow iteration: 2
- Newton-Raphson converged with 2 iterations.
- Load flow calculation successful.

If an error was found, an error message like the following could appear:
DIgSI/err - Part 1T1_33/11a.ElmTr2:
DIgSI/err - missing type !
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DIgSI/err - Error in load flow data!
DIgSI/info - Load flow calculation not executed.
DIgSI/err - last command leads to error(s), see output window !

In this case (the transformer has no type set), the Load Flow Calculation is not executed.
To resolve the error, one should first find the element for which the error was reported. With the
interactive PowerFactory output window, this is easy: just double click the line with the elements name
in the output window. This will automatically open the elements edit dialog. Correct the error and try
the load flow again.
The message of the successful Load Flow Calculation shows that the load flow solving algorithm has
found one area (separated area) in the whole system and chosen the external grid element as reference
element (its the only possible reference element in this example).
The single line diagram shows the results of the loadflow in the result boxes, as is depicted in Figure D.3.2.

Figure D.3.2: Results of the Load Flow Calculation

In this figure, the balloon text help which appears if the cursor is held still over a result box is also shown.
Especially when a larger part of a power system is viewed, the result boxes may become hard to read.
The balloon help may then be used to view the results more easily.

D.4

Editing the Result Box Format

The parameters visible in the result boxes are not fixed and may be freely edited. PowerFactory offers
highly flexible result box definition tools with which many possible result box formats may be defined.
In this tutorial, only the most direct way of changing a result box definition is used. For some users, this
method may be sufficient for their needs. Other users may want to read the parts about editing result
box definitions in the User Manual after they finish the tutorial.
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D.4. EDITING THE RESULT BOX FORMAT

To understand the way in which the format of the result boxes is managed and edited, its important to
understand the nature of the PowerFactory result boxes.

D.4.1

Background Information About Result Boxes

A PowerFactory a result box is actually a tiny calculation report. In principle, there is no difference
between a complex multi page load flow report and the small result box of a power line. Both reports are
generated by so-called result forms, which use the DIgSILENT output language to define the contents
of the report.
The following example of a part of a result form will help to illustrate this topic. Normally the user doesnt
have to edit a result form manually since there are easy to use dialogs for editing available. These are
presented in chapter D.4.2. The following example has been taken from a large load flow report format,
which included macros, loops and many other reporting commands. The example shows a piece from
the heading of the report, where totals are reported for the generation and motor load active and reactive
power.
Generation Motor |$HE
Load |$HE
[# ]/ [# ]/ |$HE,[c:Pgen,[c:Pmot
[# ] [# ] |$HE,[c:Qgen,[c:Qmot

It is Important to understand that such report forms may also be written to define the result box of a
power line. Since short-circuit calculations and Load Flow Calculations will produce two differing sets of
results, two small report forms should be created. For instance, one could report the initial short circuit
current and apparent power, and the other could report the active power, the reactive power and the
power factor.
It is therefore clear that it must be possible to create and select a result box format for each available
calculation function. Furthermore it should be observed that the results for branch elements differ
from those of node elements. The flexibility of the PowerFactory result box formats extends these
basic requirements by offering the definition of results boxes for different projects, for a single edge
element or for all edge elements at once, for a single particular element or for element classes (lines
vs. transformers, for instance), etc. This flexibility leads to a large variety of result box formats. The
functions provide clear arrangements of results and help management of all the formats:
The PowerFactory program is shipped with a complete range of default result box formats, which
are stored in a read-only folder.
New, user defined formats are stored in a user defined folder, and will be based on the default
formats.
A very flexible Form Manager is used to assign result formats to all elements or to all edge and
node elements, as long as they have not been assigned their own format before. It is therefore
possible to use special dedicated formats in some cases, without losing the ability to change the
overall format without much effort.
The result box format of all edge or node elements may be chosen in the main menu from a small,
possibly user defined selection.
In the following section, the result box format of the external network element will be changed.
Note: By default, in result boxes, the power flowing into branch elements has positive sign, while that
flowing out of them has negative sign. For consuming edge elements (loads) the same convention
is followed. In the case of producing elements (external networks and generators) power flowing
out of the element nodes is positive while that flowing in is negative.

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D.4.2

Editing the Result Box Format

The result boxes of the top transformer shows P, Q and I. For example, it may be necessary to change
this to P, Q, I and loading. To change the result box definition:
Freeze the single line diagram (

).

Right click a result box of the transformer. This pops up a small menu.
Holding the mouse still at one of the Edit Format for. . . options (Format for Edge Elements or Format
for 2-Winding-Transformers) will show a second menu. You can select another result box format from
this list. The menu shows with a small checkmark ( ) which format is being used. Currently the Format
for Edge Elements Branch flow is used.
Selecting the option Edit format for. . . will open the currently used form definition dialog.
Select the option Edit Format for Edge Elements. The format dialog window appears (see Figure D.4.1).
Press the Input Mode button and select User Selection, if this is not selected yet. Press OK .
The frame shows three boxes which show the currently selected variables. By clicking on one of the
variables (e.g. the current) a new window will be opened and additional variables can be selected or
the existing variable can be disabled.
Double click on the third line (drop down list which shows m:I:_LOCALBUS) and have a look at
the new window. The variable I:_LOCALBUS is enabled, all others are disabled.
Enable the cosphi:_LOCALBUS to add the power factor to the variable selection.
All variables which are checked will be added to the result list.
Press the OK button.

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D.5. PERFORMING SHORT-CIRCUIT CALCULATIONS

Figure D.4.1: Editing result boxes using predefined variables

Observe the change in the result box for the transformer. It now shows the power factor, too. Try
the balloon help, it has changed too.
Observe that all result boxes for the transformers have changed.
Select the option Edit Format for Edge Elements again. Try setting the decimal places of the
individual results to 3 or 4, or adding the unit by using the Show Unit.
If the result box becomes too small to display everything:
Un-freeze the diagram (

).

Right click the result box and select the Adapt width option.
It isnt often necessary to add units or descriptions to the result box formats because these are also
given in the single line legend, and are shown in the balloon help. The legend in the lower left corner of
the single line diagram is automatically updated when the result box formats are changed.
The legend is shown or hidden by pressing the Show Legend Block icon

D.5

Performing Short-Circuit Calculations

A short-circuit calculation may be started from the main menu (Calculation Short-Circuit ShortCircuit. . . ), by clicking on the Calculate Short-Circuit icon ( ) on the main toolbar, or directly from the
single line diagram:
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Freeze the diagram.
Right click the 11 kV busbar D1_11a", and select the Calculate Short-Circuit. . . option as
shown in Figure D.5.1.
This opens the Short-Circuit Calculation command dialog.
Set the Method to According to IEC 60909
Set the Fault Type to 3-phase Short-Circuit
Enable the Fault Location option User Selection and select the fault location if necessary. This is
done automatically, if you have started the short-circuit calculation from the single line diagram as
described above.
The dialog should look like Figure D.5.2 now. Press the Execute button.

Figure D.5.1: Starting a short-circuit calculation from the single line diagram

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Figure D.5.2: Short-Circuit Calculation command dialog

A short-circuit calculation is started for a short-circuit at the selected busbar only. The results show the
currents in the whole network, except for the load element, which is neglected.
The output window should show the following message:
DIgSI/info in separated
DIgSI/info DIgSI/info -

Element Part 1Transmission Grid.ElmXnet is local reference

area Part 1D1_Swab.ElmTerm
Short-circuit calculated at Terminal Part 1D1_11a
Short-circuit calculation ready !

To calculate short circuits for all busbars and terminals at once:

Click on the short-circuit icon (

) on the main toolbar.

Set the Method = According to IEC

Set the Fault Type = 3-phase Short-Circuit
Enable the Fault Location option Busbars and junction Nodes.
Press the Execute button.

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A short-circuit analysis is made for all nodes (busbars, terminals). The results are given locally for each
terminal as the short-circuit currents and power that flows to that terminal in case of a short-circuit at
that terminal.
To calculate a multiple fault (fault occurring at more than one element at the same time):
Perform a balanced load flow.
Multi-select two terminals by using the CRTL -Key.
Right click the selection and select the Calculate Multiple Faults. . . option.
A browser window with a list of fault locations appear. This list contains the selected terminals
and additional terminals, if they have been selected before. You can edit this list (delete entries or
create new one by using the New Object button ( ) of the browser window).
Click Close
The short-circuit command appears again. It should have the method set to Complete and the
option Multiple Faults should be enabled.
Press the Execute button.
The short-circuit currents and power in the network are calculated for the simultaneous short-circuits.

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Chapter E

Exercise 3: The Data Manager

In the second exercise of the tutorial, the main menu, the main icon bar, the drawing toolbox, and the
single line diagram were used to:
Create a new project and a new grid.
Define and edit a new part of a power system.
Calculate loads flows and short-circuits.
Look at results.
The Tutorial Manager is used again to install some additional settings for this third exercise of the tutorial
now:
Select the Help Start Tutorial. . . option on the main menu.
Select the Start Exercise 3 option in the Tutorial Manager.
Press Execute.
The single line diagram should disappear and reappear again with a different background pattern.
The database, in which all changes were stored, was not used directly in the previous exercises. To
view and use the database, it is necessary to access the textual database environment known as Data
Manager":
Press the button Open Data Manager (
depicted in Figure E.0.1, will be opened.

) on the main icon bar. A Data Manager window, as

The Data Manager has two windows:

The database tree window (left pane) which shows a tree representation of the whole database
The database browser window (right pane) which shows the contents of the selected folder in the
database tree window.

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Figure E.0.1: The Data Manager

E.1

The Data Manager: Basics

Users familiar with the Windows Explorer" may want to skip this section. The database tree window
shows a hierarchical tree with Folder objects. If such a folder contains other objects, it has a small plus
sign ( ). This sign may be left clicked to open the folder. The database browser in the right side panel
will show the contents of the open folder.
An open folder will show its status by a small minus sign ( ). Left clicking this sign will close the folder.
In Figure E.0.1, the folders Tutorial User", Tutorial" (project), Library", Network Model" etc. are open,
the folders Equipment Type Library", Operational Library" and so on are closed. The Part 1" folder is
selected in the tree, and its contents are thus shown in the browser on the right.
Left click all minus signs until the database tree only shows the basic Database folder.
Left click the plus signs until the folder Database TutorialUser Tutorial Exercise 3 Network
ModelNetwork Data Part 1 is open. The User folder is your working folder; the one with the
small blue icon (monitor screen). It may have another name than User.
Double clicking a folder may also be used to expand and collapse folders.
Left clicking a folder in the database tree will show its contents in the database browser:
Left click the folder Part1". The browser now shows all objects created in the second exercise of
the tutorial.
The objects displayed in the browser may be sorted to the column field by left clicking the column heads:
Left click the column head Name". The objects are sorted to name.
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Left click the same head. The objects are sorted in reverse order.
Left click the empty first column head (above the icons, left of the Name" column). This sorts the
objects according to their class.
If the Data Manager window is too small:
Point the mouse at a border or corner of the Data Manager window. The mouse cursor will change
into a double arrow. The border/corner may now be dragged to resize the window.
The whole Data Manager window can be moved by left clicking its title bar and dragging the whole
window (keeping the mouse button down).
The tree and browser pane are separated by a vertical splitter bar. This bar may be dragged to
enlarge the tree or browser pane.

E.2

Using the Data Manager

Open the Data Manager and have a look into your User folder (Database User ). In addition to the
projects of the previous exercises of the tutorial, the Tutorial Manager has installed and activated a new
project called Tutorial Exercise 3". An activated project is indicated by bold printed letters inside the
Data Manager. We are working with this project now. If you want to go back to any preceding exercise,
you can activate the corresponding project by right clicking on the project folder and selecting Activate
from the context-sensitive menu.
The Data Manager may be used to edit the power system components:
Select the folder Database TutorialUser Tutorial Exercise 3 Network ModelNetwork Data
Part 1 (select it in the tree).
In the browser, double click the small icon for a transformer (
dialog as was opened from the single line diagram.

). This will open the same edit

Close the edit dialog with Cancel.

The Data Manager is a very versatile object which may be used for many things, e.g.
Create any kind of object manually", i.e. projects, calculation cases, type libraries, calculation
commands, variations, etc.
Copy and paste parts of the database from one folder into another.
Look at results in table format.
Edit objects in table format.
Import and export parts of the database.

E.3

Adding a Branched-Off Line

The system will now be expanded by adding a distribution cable with loads, to the middle terminal.
Start by drawing the extra substation right of the 11 kV terminal:

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Un-freeze the single line diagram (only necessary if the freeze mode is active).
Select the
icon in the drawing toolbox and place the new substation with a single busbar to the
right of D1_11a".
Edit the terminal by opening the dialog of the new terminal (double click the terminal in the single
line diagrams). :
Name = D2_Swab"
Name of the substation = Station 4", short name = S4"
Type = Project Type >Bar 11kV
Nominal Voltage = 11 kV
In the purchased version of the software it is possible to simplify this step. By noting that the new
terminal is electrically similar to the existing terminal D1_11a" it is possible to copy the data from the
existing terminal to the new terminal.
This method of copying data from one object to the other object can be used to speed up the definition of
networks and to reduce mistakes. For example, a large distribution system that uses many terminals (or
stations or busbars respectively) which are electrically similar, could be drawn in the single line diagram.
One of these terminals could then be edited to have the correct type and voltage level. By selecting
all similar terminals, and opening a database browser as described above, the terminal data can be
copied, and pasted to all other terminals in one action.
Copying and pasting data is possible for all objects, including transformers, lines, loads, generators, etc.
Regretfully this capability is not available in the demo version of the software.
To create the cable between the terminals D1_11a" and D2_Swab":
Select a Line

from the drawing toolbox.

Draw the line according to the background pattern:

Left click the terminal D1_11a"
The detailed graphic of the substation is opened automatically. Connect the line to one bay
by clicking on one of the free breaker terminals. (This procedure is explained in section D.1.2
(Creating Branch Elements))
Left click the drawing area to create the two corners of the line
Left click the other terminal (D2_Swab").
Connect the line to any free breaker panel in the second substation.
Double click and then edit the line:
Name = L1_Swab"
To select the type click on the black down arrow button (

):

* Select Project Type

* Line Type (TypLne)
* Types Cables (library subfolder)
* Cable 11kV800A (the Line becomes a cable)
* Select the cable type and press the OK button of the browser window
Length = 3 km
Press OK
Now add a cable to the right 11 kV busbar:

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Select the Busbar (short) element from the drawing toolbox. This kind of terminal doesnt represent a whole substation. This element is rather used for simple grid nodes (connection points).
Place the short terminal below the terminal D2_Swab", as shown in the background at the end of
the next line (between line end and load).
Edit the terminal:
Name = D1_Reut"
Type = Project Type >Bar 11kV
Nominal Voltage = 11 kV
Select a Line from the drawing toolbox.
Draw a straight line between terminal D2_Swab" and the new terminal D1_Reut".
The detailed graphic of the substation D2_Swab" is opened. Connect the line to one breaker
panel.
Note: A difference between a simple busbar and a substation with a detailed busbar system concerns
the connection of branch elements to the node. For a simple busbar, a circuit breaker is created
automatically when the branch element in connected to the terminal. Whilst for a substation, it is
necessary to choose which circuit breaker terminal to connect the branch element to. A simple
busbar includes just one simple breaker instead of a detailed breaker configuration which consists
of circuit breakers and disconnectors. You can view the detailed graphic of the terminal with its
connections by right clicking on the busbar and selecting Show Detailed Graphic of Node.

Double click the line to edit it.

Name = L_Swb_Rt"
Type = Project Type > Line Type (TypLne) > Types Cables (library subfolder) > Cable
11kV400A (again a cable)
Length = 5 km
Connect a load (

) at the Short Terminal at the end of the line.

Your single line diagram (without background guides) should now look like Figure E.3.1.

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Figure E.3.1: New cable, short terminal and load

To create the branches of the new cable:

Select the Load element from the drawing toolbox.
Left click ON THE LINE, at the position where the upper load is connected. A Branch-Off Element
dialog should pop up. If this doesnt happen, but a single load symbol is placed on the diagram,
the line was missed. Press Esc to try again in that case, possibly after the area has been zoomed.
To insert the load into the line, a small terminal is inserted. The Branch-Off Element dialog is used to
define the physical position of the terminal and if switches should be inserted.
By inserting the terminal into the line, the line is split into two separate lines. The total length of the two
separate lines is equal to the length of the original line. It is up to the user to define the position at which
the terminal splits the line.
Set the New Position to 4 km. The Branch-Off Element dialog shows the valid interval (0 to 5
km).
The Switch options (Insert Switches on Right Side / Left Side) should be disabled.
Press OK.
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The new load symbol is attached to the line turned through 90 degrees.
The physical position of the line-branch has no relation to the graphical distance of the branch to the
top terminal D2_Swab", as seen in the single line diagram. Of course, the order of the branches in the
diagram equals the physical order, but the graphical distances between them have no meaning.
Insert the lower load in the same way. Set it at 4.8 km, that means enter 0.8 km, because the
dialog counts from the inserted terminal above, also without switches.
Insert the third load between the two other ones.
Set the load at 4.4 km (enter 0,4 km).
Enable the left switch option.
Flip the connection of the load:
Click with the right mouse button into the empty drawing area to free the mouse pointer from
the load
Click on the last inserted load element with the left mouse button and hold the mouse button
pressed
Move the load to the other side of the line as indicated by the background figure
Free the mouse button to drop the load on the new position
The third load is now inserted 180 degrees turned. It is also possible to right click it after inserting, and
to select Flip At Busbar. This will rotate the element 180 degrees around its busbar connection.
This concludes the topological changes for the third exercise of the tutorial. Note that the name of the
line (L_Swb_Rt") has been replaced in the single line diagram, because the line was split into four
lines. They have the automatically created names L_Swb_Rt", L_Swb_Rt(1)", L_Swb_Rt(2)", and
L_Swb_Rt(3)" now. The new elements will be edited in the next section of this chapter.
The grey background pattern is not needed anymore:
Click on the Layers icon (
edit dialog.

) on the single line diagram icon bar. This opens the Graphic Layers

The Background layer is in the Visible pane. Left click it to select it and press the
move it to the Invisible pane. Double clicking the Background layer does the same.

button to

Close the dialog.

The background is now invisible.
Freeze the diagram again.

E.4

Editing the New Elements

Because a type and a length for the branched-off line has already been set, it is only necessary to edit
the names of the newly created lines:
Double click the upper line:
Name = L_Swb_Tub"
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Double click the second line route from above:
Name = L_Tub_Dus"
Name the third route:
Name = L_Dus_Gom"
Name the bottom route:
Name = L_Gom_Reut"
The insertion of loads into the line has created new line elements, and it has also inserted terminals
between the lines. The loads were connected through these terminals. It is necessary to edit these
terminals too. It would be a nuisance to edit them one by one, as they all are the same. Therefore, the
multi-edit" capabilities of the database browser should be used.
Open the Data Manager window.
In the database tree window left click the grid folder Part 1" (Figure E.4.1).

Figure E.4.1: Data Manager window with the new lines and terminals (after editing them)

The browser shows now amongst other parameters, the names and types of the elements, as in
Figure E.4.1. The types of the three new terminals (Terminal", Terminal(1)", and Terminal(2)") are
not set yet. This shall be changed now:
Double click one of the terminal icons (
terminal edit dialog.
44

) in the first column of the browser. This opens the

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Set the type to: Project Type > Bar 11kV.
Close the dialog with OK.
Returning to the browser, this now shows the selected type for the edited terminal. The two other
terminals should get the same type:
Set the project type for the other two terminals
The browser should now show that the type field is set for all elements. Next the names of the new
terminals should be set:
Double click in the name field of Terminal" with the left mouse button.
Change the name to D1_Tub"
Click with the left mouse button into the name field of Terminal(1)"
A window pops up and asks, if you want to save the changes to D2_Tub.ElmTerm". Confirm with
Yes.
Change the name of Terminal(1)" to D1_Gom"
Repeat with Terminal(2)" and change its name to D1_Dus"
Close the browser window.
The end-terminal (D1_Reut") may already have the correct type and nominal voltage set. Double click
the symbol in the single line diagram and check that its data corresponds to:
Type = Project Type > Bar 11 kV
Nom. voltage = 11 kV
The new lines should be grouped together with the terminals in one Branch object, to make it clear that
they belong together.
Open the Data Manager again.
Select the grid folder Part 1" and click with the right mouse button.
Select New Branch from the context-sensitive menu as shown in Figure E.4.2.
A new branch object is created.
Name the branch L_Swb_Reut".
Select the terminals D1_Tub", D1_Gom", and D1_Dus".
Cut them by clicking with the right mouse button on the selection and choosing Cut.
Select the new branch object L_Swb_Reut" in the left pane of the Data Manager.
Click with the right mouse button and select Paste. This will paste the terminals into the branch
object.
Select the lines L_Swb_Tub", L_Tub_Dus", L_Dus_Gom", and L_Gom_Reut".
Cut and paste them into the branch object as well.
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Figure E.4.3 shows how the filled branch object folder looks like in the Data Manager.

Figure E.4.2: Creating a new Branch in the Data Manager

Figure E.4.3: The filled Branch object in the Data Manager

Finally it is necessary to edit the Branch object itself:

Right click the Branch object in the Data Manager.
Select Edit from the context sensitive menu. The dialog window of the Branch (ElmBranch)
appears.
Press the Update button in order to select the connections and the limiting component of the
Branch automatically (Figure E.4.4). This will update the Resulting Values of the Branch (length,
rated current, impedances etc.), too.
Close the dialog by clicking the OK button.
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Figure E.4.4: Updated Branch object

The types of the four new loads must now be set.

Multi select the four new loads in the single line diagram (select the first, hold the Ctrl down and
select the others).
Right click the selection and choose Edit Data. A browser with the four loads pops up. None of
them should have the type field set yet.
Open the dialog of the first load (double click the icon), set its type to Project Type (Select Project
Type) General Load Type ( TypLod) Types Loads (library subfolder) General Load and
close the selection dialog with OK.
Close the dialog of the load with OK as well.
Repeat this step for the other loads.
Close the browser.
The database browser has many editing features including copying and pasting data from one element
to another (this function is available in the purchased version only). Additionally most parameters may
be edited directly without having to open the edit dialog, allowing the data to be accessed and changed
in a similar way to a spreadsheet.
The new loads are now edited to set their power demand.
Edit the top load.
Basic Data page:
* Name = Tubin"
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Load Flow page:
*
*
*
*

Balanced/Unbalanced = Balanced
Active Power = 4.0 MW
Power Factor = 0.9
Voltage = 1.0 p.u.

Note: When the Active Power and/or the Power Factor are not visible, you can select P, cos(phi) as
Input Mode for the current load. It is also possible to edit the default input mode for all loads by
button and then selecting Active Power and cos(phi) . All loads are assumed
pressing the
to be inductive (standard).

Edit the middle load:

Basic Data:
* Name = Duslin"
Load Flow:
*
*
*
*

Balanced/Unbalanced = Balanced
Active Power = 1.0 MW
Power Factor = 0.9
Voltage = 1.0 p.u.

Bottom load:
Basic Data:
* Name = Goma"
Load Flow:
*
*
*
*

Balanced/Unbalanced = Balanced
Active Power = 1 MW
Power Factor = 0.9
Voltage = 1.0 p.u.

Load at the end terminal:

Basic Data:
* Name = Reutlin"
Load Flow:
*
*
*
*

Balanced/Unbalanced = Balanced
Active Power = 3 MW
Power Factor = 0.9
Voltage = 1.0 p.u.

This concludes the design of the power system for now

E.5

Performing Calculations

Perform a Load Flow Calculation:

Balanced, positive sequence.
All other options disabled.

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It is necessary to determine from the results, whether any of the elements are overloaded. To get visible
information about the loading of the elements we will colour the graphic.
Click the Diagram Colouring button (

) in the graphic window icon bar.

On the Load Flow page, select 3. Others ensuring Results and Voltages / Loading are selected
from the drop down lists.
Click on the Colour Settings button and the Project Colour Settings dialog will open (Figure E.5.1).
Select the Voltages / Loading page
Change the Loading Range for Max. Loading of Edge Element to:
90 %
95 %
100 %
The dialog window should look like Figure E.5.1 now. Close the dialog with OK.

Figure E.5.1: Project Colour Settings

It is now possible to see that the upper transformer and cable L_Swb_Tub" are overloaded (marked
red). The voltage in the whole grid is relatively low (blue terminals). If your network graphic is not
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coloured although you edited the Diagram Colouring", run a Load Flow Calculation again. This will
make the colouring appear.
To improve the situation some changes can be made to the equipment. As an example try taking a
bigger cable for cable L_Swb_Tub":
Double click the cable L_Swb_Tub"
Select a new cable type:
Press the

button.

Select Project Type Line Type ( TypLne)

Cable 11kV800A
Confirm this selection by clicking OK.
Close the line dialog with OK.
Run a new load flow. It should be clear that the cable isnt overloaded now.
Because a switch was inserted in the line just before the middle load, the last three loads may be
switched off:
Enlarge an area around the middle load (zoom in with

).

Right click the serial switch in the route.

Select Open. The switch symbol will turn white.
Alternatively, double click the switch symbol with the left mouse button to open it or to close it.
Zoom out and perform a load flow. Observe the differences.
With the line open, a short-circuit on the end-terminal makes no sense:
Right click the end-terminal D1_Reut".
Select Calculate - Short-Circuit.
Perform a short-circuit calculation according to:
Method = According to IEC
Fault = 3-phase Short Circuit
This will lead to an error because there is no generator unit found in the separated network. You will get
warning and error messages.
Close the switch again in the same way as it was opened.
Perform the short-circuit calculation again. It will now execute normally.
This concludes the third exercise of the tutorial.

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Chapter F

Exercise 4: Creation of a Second

Subsystem
In this fourth exercise, the second part of the tutorial power system will be created. The second part of
the system is a high voltage transmission system.
For this fourth tutorial exercise, a new Grid folder shall be created to demonstrate the method by which
this is done:
If Tutorial Exercise 3 project from the previous chapter is not active:
In the main menu select the File and then the Tutorial exercise 3 project from the list of
recently active projects.
If you can not find an entry for the tutorial, refer to the Trouble Shooting list given in Chapter
A.2.
Make sure that the study case Case 1" is activated. It should be visible in the study case list from
the main menu. If no study case is shown, select Case 1".
Select the Edit Project Data Project option on the main menu. This opens the project edit
dialog.
Press the New Grid button. This opens the Grid (ElmNet) dialog.
Enter the name of the new grid as Part 2" and press OK. An Open Grid query will ask what to
do with the new grid.
Select the option add this Grid/System Stage to active Study Case?
Press OK.
An empty single line diagram with the name Part 2" will open.
This demonstrates one method by which a new grid folder can be created. A second grid will now be
constructed in a new tutorial project. In a later exercise the grids will be interconnected.
As was done in previous exercises, it is necessary to execute the Tutorial Manager to prepare the fourth
exercise:
Set up the Tutorial Manager by selecting the Help Start Tutorial. . . option on the main menu.
Select the Start Exercise 4.

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Press Execute.
Again, a new empty single line diagram will pop up. This graphic shows the background pattern of the
small transmission system from Part 2". The new transmission system should now be created.

F.1

Creating the Topology

The single line diagram shows a pattern of four double busbars with some loads and generators
attached to them. These elements shall be created as part of this exercise.
Zoom in on the background pattern and create the double busbar systems:
Un-freeze the single line diagram (necessary only if the freeze mode is active).
Select the Double Busbar System (DBS) from the drawing toolbox (

).

Place the upper DBS.

Select both busbars of the DBS by drawing a rectangle over them: left click the drawing sheet, drag
the mouse to draw the rectangle, release the mouse to select both busbars. The DBS does not
have to fit in the square: every element that is partly in the square will be selected. In Figure F.1.1,
two busbars are about to be selected by dragging a small square over them. Be sure to also select
the bus coupler before moving.
Move the DBS if it does not coincide with the background pattern.
Enlarge the DBS by dragging one of the right side black squares, until it fits the background
pattern. Because both busbars are selected, both are enlarged by dragging the black square. If
you select one of the two busbars only, you can enlarge them individually.

Figure F.1.1: Selecting two busbars

Place the left, middle and right double busbar systems as shown in the background pattern and
enlarge and/or move them to cover the background pattern.
Create the loads at the four busbars, according to the background pattern:
Select the load from the drawing toolbox.
Place it on the respective busbar system.
The detailed graphic of the substation (busbar system) is opened. Connect the load to one
of the marked terminals (the big squares which are at the end of the breaker configurations).
The load at the upper DBS has to be placed above the DBS: press the Ctrl key when placing it or
use the Flip at Busbar option.
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Create three synchronous machines at the upper, left and right DBS. The machine at the upper
DBS has to be placed upside down again.
Before connecting the lines with the busbars, think about the number of existing breaker bays of the
double busbar systems. The predefined busbar systems, which are taken from templates, have a
specific number of breaker bays. New breakers are created automatically, if you connect elements to
the busbars. Advanced users can create their own templates, which might have more breakers than the
predefined ones (if you want to do this, please refer to the User Manual). To add breakers manually to
the existing double bus bar systems:
Go to one of the detailed graphics of the substations as shown in Figure F.1.2. If the graphic pages
are not available, click on the double busbar system in the graphic Part 2" with the right mouse
button and select Show Detailed Graphic of Substation from the context sensitive menu.
Select the two terminals (busbars) and enlarge them.
Select one of the empty breaker bays (cubicles).
Click with the right mouse button on the breaker selection and select Copy from the context
sensitive menu (alternatively press Ctrl-C).
Click with the right mouse button into the empty drawing area and select Paste from the context
sensitive menu (alternatively press Ctrl-V).
Connect the newly created breakers with the busbar system.
Repeat the last two steps to create and connect another breaker system with the busbar system.
The detailed graphic should look similar to Figure F.1.3 now.
Repeat all steps with the other double busbar substations in the grid.

Figure F.1.2: Detailed Graphic of a substation with double busbar system

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Figure F.1.3: Double busbar system with two new cubicles

Now connect the lines to the busbars:

Create the 6 lines according to the background pattern in the graphic Part 2":
Select the line from the drawing toolbar.
Click on one of the double busbar systems in the graphic Part 2".
Drag the line to a second double busbar systems in the graphic Part 2" and click on that
double busbar systems.
The detailed graphic of the second substation is opened automatically.
Connect the line to one bay by clicking on one marked breaker terminal.
The detailed graphic of the first substation is opened automatically.
Connect the line to one bay by clicking on one marked breaker terminal.
Repeat these steps to draw and connect all lines.
The topology is now complete and the background pattern is not needed anymore:
Hide the background pattern (using the

icon).

Freeze the diagram again.

F.2

Editing the Elements

First, name the four stations, which contain the double busbar systems:
Double click on one terminal of the upper double busbar system in the graphic Part 2". The dialog
window of the terminal will open.
Press the Edit button (
open.

) beneath the substation entry. The dialog window of the substation will

Rename the upper substation to Station 1" as shown in Figure F.2.1.

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F.2. EDITING THE ELEMENTS

Repeat with the other double busbar systems:
Rename the lower left substation to Station 2".
Rename the lower middle substation to Station 3".
Rename the lower right substation to Station 4".

Figure F.2.1: Renaming substations

Give each terminal its name.

Double click each terminal (busbar) to edit:
Top Busbars: Name = B110_1a" and B110_1b"
Left Busbars: Name = B110_2a" and B110_2b"
Middle Busbars: Name = B110_3a" and B110_3b"
Right Busbars: Name = B110_4a" and B110_4b"
All the busbars of the system (there are 8) are similar, they are all designed for 110 kV. Therefore, it is
a good idea to edit them by copying data:
Click on the icon Edit relevant objects for calculation on the graphics window icon bar (
will show a list with icons for all object classes found in the active project.
Press the Terminal (*.ElmTerm) icon (

). This

).

A database browser appears with all terminals in the project.

Double click the first terminal icon (
terminal to have:

) from one terminal with the name B110_. . . " and edit the

Type = Project Type > Bar 110 kV

Nom. Voltage = 110 kV
Close the terminal dialog. The browser now shows the type and nominal voltage.
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First left click, then right click the entered type field in the browser and select Copy.
Left click the empty type field of the second terminal with the name B110_. . . ". Drag the mouse
to the empty type field of the last terminal with the name B110_. . . ". Release the mouse key. All
the empty type fields should now be selected.
Right click the selected fields and select Paste. The terminal type is now copied to all other
terminals at once.
Check the nominal voltages of the terminals with the names B110_. . . ". If necessary repeat the
copy and paste for the nominal Voltage.
Close the browser.
The copy and paste method is now used to enter the type for the six lines.
Click on the

icon again and select the line symbol (

).

Edit the line with the name Line" in the browser:

Type = Project Type > Line Type (TypLne) > Types Lines > OHL 110 kV
Copy the type to the other five lines with the names Line(1)" through Line(5)".
Close the browser.
Although all the lines share the same line type, they have different lengths. To enter the line lengths:
Edit the four vertical lines from the upper DBS to the left and right DBS by double clicking them:
Length = 60 km
Edit the remaining two lines to the centre DBS:
Length = 20 km
Name the lines:
The two lines on the left side between Station 1 / B110_1x" and Station 2 / B110_2x":
Name = L12a" and L12b"
The lines between Station 1 / B110_1x" and Station 4 / B110_4x":
Name = L14a" and L14b"
The line between Station 2 / B110_2x" and Station 3 / B110_3x":
Name = L23"
The line between Station 4 / B110_4x" and Station 3 / B110_3x":
Name = L43"
Edit the six loads:
Click the
icon and select the load symbol ( ). A browser window with all loads will open.
From the second column of the table it is possible to see which load belongs to the grid Part 1"
and which belongs to Part 2".
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F.2. EDITING THE ELEMENTS

In the Basic Data page, set the type for the first load, which belongs to Part 2":
Type = Project Type > Equipment Type Library > Types Loads > General Load
Paste the Type to the other five loads which belong to Part 2".
In the Load Flow page set the input mode and the power demand parameters for the first load:
Input Mode= PC (this means P, cos(phi))
Active Power = 100 MW
Power Factor = 0.95
Paste the Input Mode, the Active Power and Power Factor to the other five loads.
Close the browser.
Note: When editing with the data browser, the Detail Mode ( icon in the browser toolbar) is activated.
It allows editing of the objects calculation data sets by clicking in the corresponding page (as in
the object dialogs). If the Detail Mode is deactivated by pressing the button, the Object Mode is
enabled and only a limited set of data is accessible for editing. Further information is given in the
User Manual.

Name the loads at the top, left and right busbar systems. Double click to edit each of them.
Top load: Name = Ld_1"
Left load: Name = Ld_2"
Right load: Name = Ld_4"
The loads at the middle busbar system have a different power demand. Double click to edit each of
them.
Edit the left load:
Name = Ld_3a"
Active Power = 40 MW
Power Factor = 0.95
Edit the right load:
Name = Ld_3b"
Active Power = 40 MW
Power Factor = 0.95
Edit the centre load:
Name = Ld_Swab"
Active Power = 20 MW
Power Factor = 0.90
Finally, edit the generators one by one:
Top generator:
Basic Data:
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* Name = SM_1"
* Type = Project Type > Types Mach. Syn. > SGEN150M/110kV
Load Flow:
*
*
*
*

Reference Machine = enabled

Local Controller = Const. V
Voltage = 1.0 p.u. for the Dispatch
Angle = 0.0 deg.

Left generator:
Basic Data:
* Name = SM_2"
* Type = Project Type > Types Mach. Syn. > SGEN150M/110kV
Load Flow:
*
*
*
*

Reference Machine = disabled

Local Controller = Const. Q
Active Power = 100.0 MW
Power Factor = 0.95

Right generator:
Basic Data:
* Name = SM_4"
* Type = Project Type > Types Mach. Syn. > SGEN150M/110kV
Load Flow:
*
*
*
*

Reference Machine = disabled

Local Controller = Const. Q
Active Power = 100.0 MW
Power Factor = 0.95

Note: If the Active Power and/or the Power Factor fields are not visible in the Load Flow page, select
P,cos(phi) in the Dispatch Input Mode option.

F.3

Performing Calculations

Perform a load flow with the option Consider Reactive Power Limits enabled (see Figure F.3.1).
Correct the system in case of errors.

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F.3. PERFORMING CALCULATIONS

Figure F.3.1: Consider Reactive Power Limits in the Load Flow Calculation

The secondary controller function for the power system (frequency control => equilibrium between
power demand and power production) is performed by the top generator alone. The other two generators are fixed to a certain PQ setpoint (active and reactive power). Due to these control settings, the
upper generator is heavily overloaded. However, it is not possible to simply set all generators to the
SL" (slack) mode, because this would create three reference busbars which would all have a voltage
angle of 0.0 degrees.
The solution is to select one reference busbar, for which the voltage angle will be 0.0 degrees, and to
create a frequency controller object which will regulate the power output of the generators.
Edit all three generators:
Reference Machine = disabled
Local Controller = Const. V
Active Power = 100.0 MW
Voltage = 1.0 p.u.
This gives all generators a PV" characteristic.
Define the power frequency controller:
Select the upper terminal B110_1a" of Station 1" and the three generators (by clicking on
them while holding the Ctrl key pressed).
Right click the selection and choose the Define Power-Frequency Controller option. The
edit dialog of a power frequency controller will appear.

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Figure F.3.2: Defining a Power-Frequency Controller

The power-frequency controller already has the Bus Bar of Frequency Measurement" field set. The
selected generators are in the machine list.
Enable the option According to Nom. Power.
In the Basic Data page, set the name of the controller:
Name = Secondary Control"
Close the controller dialog with OK.
The new element Secondary Control" has been created in the database.
It is also possible to add generators to an existing frequency controller. This is done from the single line
diagram:
Multi select the generators, right click the selection.
Select the Add to Power-Frequency Controller. A list of existing frequency controllers is shown
from which the one must be selected for addition to the generators.
The frequency controller dialog appears. The generators are now added to the machine list unless
they are already contained in it.
Close the frequency controller dialog.
The load flow will be different now:
Open the load flow command.
At the Active Power Control page, enable According to secondary control.
Perform a load flow. Observe the changes: all generators are now producing equal real power.
The power contribution is not fixed but can be changed in the frequency controller by setting it to
Individual active power and editing the percentages in the list.
The frequency controller can be reached by opening the dialog of a participating generator. The
controller object is mentioned on the Load Flow page as External Secondary Controller. The button
beside it can be clicked to jump to the controller.
This concludes the fourth exercise of the tutorial.
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Chapter G

Exercise 5: Connecting the

Subsystems
In the previous exercises of the tutorial, a small distribution system (Part 1") and a small transmission
system (Part 2") have been entered and tested. In addition, load flow and short circuit-calculations
were performed for both systems.
In this exercise of the tutorial, these two networks are going to be connected to each other and
calculations for the resulting network will be performed.
Start the Tutorial Manager by doing the following:
Open the Tutorial Manager by selecting the Help Start Tutorial. . . option on the main menu.
Select the option Start Exercise 5.
Press Execute.
If there was a project active before, the graphics board disappears. Other than this, nothing visible
happens! The grids are not shown automatically this time.

G.1

Activation of the Two Subsystems

For the connection and analysis of the two subsystems, it should be possible to switch from one single
line diagram to the other quickly and to perform calculations for the combination of the two grids. Until
now, only one subsystem (Part 1" or Part 2") was active at the same time. However, it is possible to
activate as many grids, and add as many single line diagrams to the graphics board as are needed.
For now, the created grids Part 1" and Part 2" and their corresponding single line diagrams will be
activated.
A grid folder is activated by adding it to an active study case. The study case keeps a reference to all
active grids. Therefore, the combination of the active grids will be the basis for all performed calculations.
The study case will automatically deactivate all its grids when it is deactivated itself, and will reactivate
them again when it is activated, using the grid references. You thus first have to activate the study case
by selecting it in the study case list in the main menu.
The following describes how grids can be added to a study case from the Project Overview:
Observe the Project Overview. The Tutorial project should now look like depicted in Figure G.1.1.
With the Study Case active (red coloured icons) and both grids inactive (grey coloured icons).
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Add the two grids to the study case by right clicking them and selecting Activate. Their icons will
also become red to signal their active status.

Figure G.1.1: Project Overview

The graphics board that will appear shows both single line diagrams. It is possible to interchange
between them by pressing the tabs on the bottom of the graphics board.
When a study case is deactivated, it will automatically close its graphics board. When it is activated
again, the graphics board will be shown again too.
Thus, there are two active grids and two single line diagrams. The background pattern of the transmission system shows some alterations that are to be made. First, check to see that both grids have been
activated:
Perform a Load Flow Calculation (

) with the following settings in the basic option page:

AC Load Flow, balanced, positive sequence Calculation Method.

Consider reactive power limits.
All other options disabled.
The load flow command now sees one single network, which has two isolated areas. In the output
window several messages are printed out; one of these messages should be:
DIgSI/info - Grid split into 2 isolated areas Switch to the other single line diagram
and observe that the load flow was calculated for both grids. It may be necessary to enlarge (zoom) the
diagram in order to see the results in the result boxes. Alternatively, point at a result box to get a balloon
help.
Now the two grids can be connected.

G.2

Connecting Two Grids

The distribution grid (Part 1") is fed by an external grid element, at 33 kV. The transmission grid has a
load element in the middle which represents the distribution grid, as depicted in Figure G.2.1 by the red
arrow.

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G.2. CONNECTING TWO GRIDS

Figure G.2.1: Transmission grid single line diagram (Part 2). Middle load representing the distribution
load

In order to connect the two grids:

Remove the external grid object in the distribution grid and the middle load element in the transmission grid,
Create a 110/33 kV transformer and connect the 110 kV double busbar system in Part 2" with the
33 kV busbar in Part 1".
The first step is easy, because it is performed in each grid independently from the other grid:
Select and un-freeze the Part 1" diagram.
Click on the External Grid and press the Delete (

) button. Answer Yes to delete the object.

Select and un-freeze the Part 2" diagram.

Delete the load Ld_Swab" on the middle busbar system in the same way.
However, the creation of the new transformer is not possible. It cannot be created because two busbars
are needed in a single line diagram in order to connect a new transformer between them. The Part 1"
single line diagram doesnt have the 110 kV busbar system, and the Part 2" doesnt have the 33 kV
busbar. At least one of these busbars must be made visible in the other diagram.
Therefore it is necessary to create a second graphical representation of one of these busbars:
Open the single line diagram Part 1", select the busbar D1_Swab" and copy it (either press the
button, right click the selection and choose Copy, or press Ctrl-C).
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Change to the single line diagram Part 2".
Right click at the indicated position below the mid DBS in the diagram and select Paste Graphic
Only.
A new graphical symbol of the D1_Swab" busbar is now created in the other single line diagram.
However, no new busbar is created in the database. Electrically, there is still only one D1_Swab"
busbar.
Some additional aspects of the graphical copy and paste:
The same method for graphical copy and paste is available for all objects.
Copy and Paste graphically is also possible for more than one object at the same time. The
symbols are pasted in the same configuration as when they where copied. Care must be taken to
prevent symbols from being drawn outside of the drawing plane. A change to a larger paper size
will bring these objects back into view.
Only one graphical symbol of each object is allowed in each single line diagram. It is not possible
to graphically copy and paste inside the same diagram.
To check upon the new busbar symbol:
Open its dialog. Its name should be
...Station 1D1_Swab.ElmTerm
If the inserted busbar is called something other than D1_Swab", a new D1_Swab" busbar was created
instead of a new symbol. In this case:
Press the Undo button (

) to dispose of the created busbar.

Try again.
A second graphical representation of the busbar D1_Swab" has now been created in the single line
diagram Part 2".
Now connect the busbars by means of a transformer:
Select the 2 winding transformer from the toolbox and draw a new transformer between double
busbar system and the copied busbar
Edit the transformer:
Name = T1_Swab"
Type = Project Type TR2 60;110/33
This concludes the topological changes for this exercise of the tutorial.
Hide the background pattern.
Freeze both diagrams.
The transformer now connects the two sub systems:
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G.2. CONNECTING TWO GRIDS

Perform a Load Flow Calculation.
The transmission system is now supplying the distribution network with about 14.51 MW. Both parts of
the system are regarded as a whole by all calculation modules:
Perform a short-circuit calculation for a 3 phase short circuit at the end terminal of the branchedoff line in the distribution system. The short-circuit is now fed by the three generators in the
transmission network.
This concludes the fifth exercise of the tutorial.
Note: The method for pasting single power system elements from a single line diagram into another
single line diagram is just one of the methods of creating single line representations of existing
power system elements. This method may be used as described for connecting two power system
grids, but it is not so suited for creating completely new single line diagrams for existing grids. The
PowerFactory software offers special tools for that. If the user is interested in creating single line
diagrams from existing network data, then they should refer to the User Manual.

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Chapter H

Exercise 6: Motor Start Simulation

Until now, only two calculation functions have been used in this tutorial: the Load Flow Calculation and
the Short-Circuit Calculation.
In this tutorial exercise, one of the generators in the transmission network is going to be replaced by
a more detailed model of a power plant. This power plant model will contain one large asynchronous
motor for which a motor starting calculation will be performed.
Start the Tutorial Manager by doing the following:
Open the Tutorial Manager by selecting the Help Start Tutorial. . . option on the main menu.
Select the option Start Exercise 6.
Press Execute.
The graphics board should now show the two single line diagrams from the last exercise of the Tutorial
and two new tabs called Motor and Voltage.
Perform a load flow by pressing the

H.1

button in order to check the power system.

Modelling the Power Plant

The top generator (SM_1") in the transmission system (Part 2") is to be replaced by a more detailed
model of a power plant. The desired plant model should already be visible in the background pattern.
In order to delete the generator do the following:
Left click the generator and press the delete button (

).

Answer the question by Yes.

The deleted generator participated in the secondary control. Therefore this has to be corrected:
Open a browser containing the secondary controls by pressing the Edit Relevant Objects for
Calculation button
on the main toolbar and selecting the Power-Frequency Controller element
. The browser window should only contain one secondary control in this example.
Open the secondary control dialog by double clicking on it and go to the Load Flow page.
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The Power-Frequency Controller element is still using the deleted generator SM_1", which is
shown in red. Right click the row with this generator (right click the number in the first column) and
select Delete Rows. This clears the generator from the Power-Frequency Controller element.
Press the Ok button and close the browser window.
To enter the model of the power plant:
Use the background pattern to draw a new single busbar above the double busbar system by
from the graphical toolbox.
selecting the single busbar system icon
Connect the busbar to the double busbar system with two lines by selecting the line icon
the graphical toolbox.
Draw three short terminals above this busbar (

from

). Enlarge the right one.

Connect the three short terminals to the single busbar with three two-winding transformers (

).

Connect a synchronous generator to each of the left two terminals. Use the Flip at Busbar utility
(in the right mouse menu) if they are drawn downwards.
Connect an asynchronous motor ( ) and a load to the right terminal (plant supply). Hold down
the Ctrl key while connecting the elements in order to place them upwards.
These defined elements form the new power plant model.
This concludes the topological changes. Now please do the following:
Hide the background by clicking on the Layers icon (

).

Freeze the diagram by clicking on the Freeze Mode icon (

H.2

).

Editing the Power Plant

Multi-edit the two new lines (make sure that the editor browser is in the Detail Mode, refer to
Chapter F.2 (Editing the Elements) to have:
Name = L_pp1a" and L_pp1b"
Type = Project Type >OHL 110kV
Length = 2 km
Edit the single busbar:
Name = PP110_1"
Type = Project Type > Bar 110kV
Nom. Voltage = 110 kV
Substation:
* Name = Station Power Plant 1
* Short Name = PP1
Edit the three terminals:
Name = Trm_G1" (left generator )
Name = Trm_G2" (right generator)
Name = Trm_EB" (plant supply)
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Type = Project Type >Bar 33kV
Nom. Voltage = 33 kV
Edit the two generator transformers one at a time:
Name = Tpp1_G1" (left)
Name = Tpp1_G2" (right)
Type = Project Type >TR2 60:110/33
If the Inconsistent data error dialog pops up after pressing OK on the edit dialog of the transformer,
then flip the connections (high voltage side is connected to the 33 kV terminal, while the low voltage
side is connected to the 110 kV busbar). One way to do this is:
Cancel the transformer edit dialog.
Change to No freeze mode.
Right click the transformer and then select Disconnect Element.
Right click again and select Rotate 180 C.
Right click and select Connect Element.
Left click on the 110 kV busbar and then on the generator terminal.
Edit the transformers for the plant supply
Name = Tpp1_EB"
Type = Project Type >TR2 2;110/33. Flip the connections if required.
Multi-edit the two generators (make sure that the editor browser is in the Detail Mode, see F.2
(Editing the Elements):
Basic Data page:
* Name = PP1_G1" (left generator)
* Name = PP1_G2" (right generator)
* Type = Project Type > SGEN 150M/33kV
Load Flow page:
*
*
*
*
*

Reference Machine = Disabled

Local Controller = Const. Q (in the editor browser Ctrl Mode = 0)
Input Mode = PC (P, cos(phi))
Active Power = 50 MW
Power Factor = 0.95

Edit the asynchronous machine:

Basic Data page:
* Name = PP1_ASM1"
* Type = Project Type >ASM 33kV 3MVA
* Generator / Motor = Motor
Load Flow page:
* Active Power = 2 MW
Edit the load:
Name = PP1_L1"
Type = Project Type >General Load Type >General Load
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Load Flow page:
Active Power = 0.5 MW
Power Factor = 0.80
Perform a Load Flow Calculation to check the results (

).

For each of the two new generators an active power of 50 MW was defined. The two generators do not
participate in the secondary control. This will now be changed:
Multi select the generators, right click them and select Add To Power-Frequency Controller. . . .
Select the Power-Frequency Controller that is shown in the browser. This adds the generators to
the list of controlled machines of the secondary control.
Select Individual Active Power from the Control Mode field (In the Load Flow page of the PowerFrequency Controller). Edit the Active Power Percentages in the list for the existing generators to
have 33% and the added generators (SM_2" and SM_4") to have 17%.
Perform a Load Flow Calculation to check the results.
Any differences to the previous Load Flow Calculation?

H.3

Performing a Motor Start Simulation

The system now includes four generators and a big asynchronous motor, which is to be analysed for its
motor starting capability.
To perform a motor start simulation:
Right click the asynchronous motor PP1_ASM1" and select Calculate Motor Starting
Set a simulation time of 5 seconds.
The Motor Start Simulation is a predefined sequence of commands and events for the simulation of the
dynamic behaviour of the motor during starting. The following tasks are performed automatically:
The asynchronous machine is disconnected.
A new load flow is calculated.
The initial conditions for all dynamic elements are calculated.
A new graphic board with several predefined output curves is created.
A transient simulation is started and a Switch Event to switch on the machine during simulation
is executed.
The simulation is run for 5 seconds. During the simulation, the result plots are updated continuously.

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H.4. CHANGING THE MOTOR DRIVEN MACHINE (MDM)

Figure H.3.1: Reactive power demand during starting

From the plots it is seen that after about 3.2 seconds, the motor reaches its nominal speed. In steady
state the active power demand is approximately 2.16 MW and the reactive power demand approximately
0.99 MVAr. This is also shown in the single line diagram. The result is somewhat surprising, because a
mechanical load for the machine was not defined. The 2.16 MW cannot be accounted for as losses. So
what is the power used for?
The answer is found in the motor dialog.
Double click the asynchronous motor to open its dialog.
At the RMS simulation page, it shows parameters for a default mechanical load:
Proportional factor = 1.0 p.u.
Exponent = 2.0 (=mdmex)

(=mdmlp)

These two parameters belong to the model of the motor driven machine. This built-in model is fairly
simple and determined by the following equation, which gives the relationship between torque (xmdm)
and speed.

= | () |

(H.1)

With the exponent being 2, the power demand is a cubic function of speed.
Of course, this may not be the motor driven machine model that is required. It will be replaced in the
next chapter.

H.4

Changing the Motor Driven Machine (MDM)

In this section the motor driven machine model is going to be changed. In this context important
PowerFactory objects called Composite Models will be introduced.
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Right click the asynchronous machine and select the option Define New Motor Driven Machine
(mdm).
Note: Motor driven machine models (mdm) are PowerFactory objects of the element class (ElmMdm. . . ) that enclose information about the mechanical load of a motor. The interaction between
an mdm and a motor is carried out by means of another PowerFactory element object, called
Composite Model (ElmComp)
.
An Element selection dialog, which is used to create new objects will pop up. At this moment, it only
shows a list of three predefined machine driven models and one general dynamic model (Common
Model).
Select the Mdm__3 (ElmMdm__3) model.
Press OK
This creates a new ElmMdm__3 object. The dialog of the mdm will pop up automatically.
Make sure that the name of the mdm in the Basic Data page is:
Mdm__3
Edit the values on the RMS-Simulation page:
alf1 = 0.95 p.u.
slipm = 0.7 p.u.
exp1 = 2.0
alf2 = 0.35 p.u.
exp2 = 3.0
xkmm = 0.15 p.u.
The machine-mechanical load system is modelled by means of a so called Composite Model. The
composite model uses a Composite Frame, which is a PowerFactory block diagram that hard-wires
controllers and other models. The default Composite Frame for an asynchronous machine is depicted
in Figure H.4.1. Although this Frame has four slots (blocks), only the slots for the asynchronous machine
(asm slot) and for the motor driven machine (mdm slot) are used in this exercise.
Note: A Composite Model is an advantageous PowerFactory object used to connect elements models
within a dynamic system. Composite models use a system block diagram representation, called
Composite Frame. When editing a composite model, the user must define a name of the model,
select a composite frame and fill the slots (blocks) of the selected frame with the corresponding
elements.

After pressing OK in the mdm dialog, the composite model dialog will pop up.
Edit the composite model Basic Data page:
Name = Plant_PP1_ASM1"
Frame = Select > . . . TutorialLibraryEquipment type libraryComposite FramesComposite
Frame ASM
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In the Slot Definition table the corresponding field of the slot asm slot must display the
name of the asynchronous machine and the field of the slot mdm Slot must display the
name of the motor driven machine. The other two fields have to remain empty. If the slot
of the asynchronous machine appears empty after changing the Frame definition, please do
the following:
* Double click in the asm empty slot.
* In the browser, select from the left part of the window the grid defined as Part 2".
* On the right side of the window the asynchronous machine PP1_ASM1" should now
appear. Select the asynchronous machine and press OK.

Figure H.4.1: Composite Frame for asynchronous machine

For the purposes of this exercise, it is not necessary to consider composite models in any more detail.
To see the implications of the new mdm,
Repeat the motor start analysis.
It now takes almost 1.4 seconds more for the machine to reach the nominal speed.
This concludes this exercise of the tutorial.

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Chapter I

Exercise 7: Transient Analysis

In exercise H: Motor Start Simulation, a first glimpse of the transient analysis capabilities of the PowerFactory software was offered. However, the analysis was more or less performed by the software itself.
In this seventh exercise of the tutorial, the more direct use of the transient analysis features is shown.
Let the Tutorial Manager prepare the Tutorial exercise for you again:
Activate the Tutorial Manager.
Select the option Start Exercise 7.
Press Execute.

I.1

Composite Models Revisited

The activated Grid contains four generators, which are still lacking some additional models, such as
prime mover (turbine) models, governors / primary controllers, and voltage controllers. A realistic
transient analysis is of course not possible with such uncontrolled generators. In this exercise, you
will add controllers to the two generators in the power plant and analyse the behaviour of the system
when a short circuit appears and the faulted transmission line is subsequently separated. In order to
model the controlled generators, composite models for the synchronous machines and their controllers
must be defined. The project composite frame for a synchronous machine is depicted in Figure I.1.1.
Although this Frame has several slots, only the slot for the synchronous machine (Sym Slot), the slot
for the voltage controller (Avr Slot), and the slot for governor and turbine (Gov Slot) will be used. The
model of governor and turbine (gov) contains the primary controller (pco) and the prime mover unit
(pmu).

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Figure I.1.1: Composite Frame for synchronous machine

To start with, the generator PP1_G1" is given a voltage controller and a governor including turbine
model:
Display the single line diagram for the transmission system (Part 2").
Right click at the generator PP1_G1" and select Define Automatic Voltage Regulator (avr).
A data browser window with the message Please select Block Definition pops up. There you
have to define the type of the new controller.
Click at the button Global Types.
In the data browser select the avr_IEEET1 from the global library as the type. It can be found
under the path:
Database Library Standard Models
Edit the voltage controller according to:
Name= VCO_PP1_G1"
Parameters:

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I.1. COMPOSITE MODELS REVISITED

Tr
Ka
Ta
Ke
Te
Kf
Tf
E1
Se1
E2
Se2
Vrmin
Vrmax

0.02
100
0.05
1
0.2
0.0025
1
4
1.5
6
2.5
-8
8

s
p.u.
s
p.u.
s
p.u.
s
p.u.
p.u.
p.u.
p.u.
p.u.
p.u.

Press OK.
The edit dialog for the new synchronous machine composite model pops up.
Edit the Basic Data page according to the following information:
Name = Plant_PP1_G1"
In the Slot Definition table check that PP1_G1" and VCO_PP1_G1" have been added to the
Sym Slot and Avr Slot respectively.
Press OK.
Right click the generator PP1_G1" again and select Define Governor and Turbine (gov).
Use the governor and turbine (gov) gov_HYGOV as the type. It can be found in the global library
under Database Library Standard Models. Edit the controller according to:
Name = pcu_PP1_G1"
Parameters:
* Tw = 0,1 s (the rest of the parameters remain with the default value).
Press OK.
Check that pcu_PP1_G1" has been added to the Gov Slot in the Slot Definition table of Plant_PP1_G1" and press OK.
Following the same procedure, define controllers for PP1_G2":
Right click generator PP1_G2" and select Define Automatic Voltage Regulator (avr).
Use the same avr_IEEET1 as the type.
Edit the voltage controller according to:
Name = VCO_PP1_G2"
Parameters

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Tr
Ka
Ta
Ke
Te
Kf
Tf
E1
Se1
E2
Se2
Vrmin
Vrmax

0.01
150
0.025
1.5
0.4
0.001
0.1
4
1.5
6
2.5
-7
7

s
p.u.
s
p.u.
s
p.u.
s
p.u.
p.u.
p.u.
p.u.
p.u.
p.u.

Press OK.
The edit dialog for the new synchronous machine composite model pops up.
Edit the Basic Data page according to the following information:
Name = Plant_PP1_G2"
In the Slot Definition table check that PP1_G2" and VCO_PP1_G2" have been added to the
sym slot and vco slot respectively.
Press OK.
Right click the generator PP1_G2" again and select Define Governor and Turbine (gov).
Select the same governor and turbine model (gov) gov_HYGOV and use the same parameters
as for generator G1. Name it: pcu_PP1_G2"
Make sure that pcu_PP1_G2" has been added to the Gov Slot in the Slot Definition table of
Plant_PP1_G2", then press OK.
This last step has finished the power plant model definition. Now the transient analysis can be performed.

I.2

Setting Up a Transient Short-Circuit Simulation

Now the behaviour of the controlled generators will be tested by simulating a single phase short circuit
on one of the lines which connect the power plant with the transmission system. The single phase line
fault results in the opening and reclosing of the faulted phase. Since this does not clear the fault, all
three phases are then opened.
In order to define a short circuit at the line L_pp1a", and the resulting switching sequence, it is
necessary to define the short-circuit and the switching events that will ultimately isolate the line.
Events, as any other element within PowerFactory , are objects of different classes (depending on the
event) that can be accessed and edited through the Database Manager. The easiest way for defining
events for a simulation is to set up the initial conditions and then create events by right clicking objects.
Please note that no protection devices are used in this example.

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I.2. SETTING UP A TRANSIENT SHORT-CIRCUIT SIMULATION

I.2.1

Setting Initial Conditions

Prior to the transient analysis, the internal operation statuses (state variables and internal variables) of
connected machines, controllers and other transient models that affect the time-domain simulation must
be computed based on a Load Flow Calculation.
The Calculate Initial Conditions command ( ) allows the determination of the transient simulation settings and calculates the initial conditions (initialises the simulation). An unbalanced stability simulation
using RMS values will be run, which is normally used to analyse the behaviour of the control systems.
To set initial conditions:
icon on the main toolbar and selecting RM Activate the Stability" toolbar by clicking on the
S/EMT Simulation (normally this toolbar is activated by standard).
Click on the

icon to open the initial calculation command.

Set the following options:

Method of simulation = RMS Values (Electromechanical Transients)
Unbalanced, 3-Phase (ABC)
Verify initial conditions = enabled
Automatic step size Adaptation = enabled
Press Execute to calculate a load flow and then the initial conditions.
After the command execution, the final message Initial Conditions Calculated should
appear on the output window.
Correct possible mistakes.

I.2.2

Defining Events

After initialising the simulation, it is necessary to start defining the events:

Short Circuit Event:
Right click the line L_pp1a" and select Define Short-Circuit Event... This will create a new
event (short circuit event EvtShc) and open the event dialog.
Edit the new event:
Execution Time = 0.0 s
Fault Type = Single Phase to Ground Fault
Phase = a
Fault resistance = 0.0 Ohm
Fault Reactance = 0.0 Ohm
Press the Edit button at the Object field (

). The line dialog appears.

At the RMS-Simulation page, enable the option Short-Circuit at Line - Available

Set the short-circuit location to 50%.
Close the line dialog by pressing OK.
Close the event dialog by pressing OK.

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Events are saved in the active study case under the Simulation Events folder (
be accessed and edited.

); from there they can

The Short-Circuit at Line option in the line object must be set to prepare the calculation for a line with
a short circuit event. This inserts an additional internal calculation node at the fault location in the line.
icon is required.
When this option is changed, a re-initialisation of the simulation by clicking on the
Switching Events:
After clicking again on the

icon and then pressing Execute, switching events can be created:

Right-click the top switch at line L_pp1a" and select Switch off, or double-click it. This will create
and show a new switch event (EvtSwitch).
Set the following data in the Basic Data page:
Execution Time = 0.2 s
Action = Open
All Phases = disabled
Phase b and c = disabled
Phase a = enabled
Repeat the same procedure for the bottom switch. Make sure that the correct switch is selected!
If the line is clicked by accident rather than the bottom switch, an event for the top switch will
automatically pop up.
Right click the top switch again, and select Switch off.
Set the following data in the Basic Data page:
Execution Time = 0.3 s
Action = Close
All Phases = disabled
Phase b and c = disabled
Phase a = enabled
Repeat the same procedure for the bottom switch.
For a third time, right click the top switch, select Switch off and set:
Execution Time = 0.4 s
Action = Open
All Phases = enabled
Repeat the same procedure for the bottom switch.
To check the list of the defined events do the following:
Click on the

icon to open the event list.

Check the events and correct mistakes.

If detailed information of the events cannot be seen in the browser, press the Detail Mode button (
Remember that only elements of the same class can be seen in the detailed mode.

80

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I.3. DEFINING RESULTS OBJECTS AND VARIABLES SETS

I.3

Defining Results Objects and Variables Sets

In order to produce graphs from the transient simulation, it is necessary to define which variables are
to be stored by the simulation. The PowerFactory software has thousands of possible variables which
could all be stored and analysed. However, storing them all would take too much time, would produce
megabytes of data and would make it very difficult to select a variable and display its value in a graph.
The solution is to select a number of variables prior to the simulation. This is done by creating so-called
Variable Sets for each power system element that is of interest. The Tutorial Manager has already
defined some of these sets (for the generator PP1_G1", for the terminals Trm_G1" and Trm_G2" and
for the line L_pp1a"). In this part of the tutorial a variable set will be defined for the generator PP1_G2".
In the Tutorial project, the Variable Sets are stored in the study case (Case1") under the folder
Results". Variable Sets are PowerFactory objects of the class IntMon. To create the PP1_G2" variable
set:
Freeze the single line diagram.
Right click generator PP1_G2" and select Define Results for RMS/EMT Simulation. This will
show a Results" folder, where the previously created variable sets are stored.
Notice that whenever a variable set for an element within the power system is defined (as in the previous
step) a new, empty variable set for that element is created in the Results" folder.
Double click the icon of the PP1_G2" variable set in the Results" folder to edit it. A Variable Set"
object dialog, as the one depicted in Figure I.3.1, will pop up.
Select the RMS-simulation page.
In the Filter for" field select Currents, Voltages and Powers" from the Variable Set" menu.
Select bus1:A" from the Bus Name" menu.
Select the variable:
I:bus1:A kA Phase Current, Magnitude
Click on the variable or press the

button to move the selected variable to the right panel.

Select Bus Name" = bus1:B"

Select the variable:
I:bus1:B kA Phase Current, Magnitude
Click on the variable or press the

button to move the selected variable to the right panel.

Select Bus Name" = bus1:C"

Select the variable:
I:bus1:C kA Phase Current, Magnitude
Click on the variable or press the

button to move the selected variable to the right panel.

Select Variable Set" = Signals"

Multi-select the variables
psie - p.u. Excitation-Flux
speed - p.u. Speed
phi - p.u. Rotor-angle
Click on the variable or press the

button to move the selected variables to the right panel.

Select Variable Set" = Calculation Parameter"

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Select and move to the right panel the variable
dfrotx - deg Maximum Rotor Angle difference
Close the variable set by pressing the Ok button.

Figure I.3.1: Defining a variable set

I.4

Running Transient Simulations and Creating Plots

During a simulation, all variables defined in the variables sets are written to a result file (see section I.3).
The result file is used to define graphs and other kinds of virtual instruments (VIs). A virtual instrument
is a tool for displaying calculated results. The most common use of a VI is to look at the results of a
time-domain simulation, like an EMT or RMS simulation, by defining one or more plotted curves. These
curves show the variables changing with time.
In this part of the Tutorial some of the features of virtual instruments will be introduced in particular their
use for visualising the results of transient analysis. Further information on this powerful tool can be
found in the User Manual.
Before performing a transient simulation and generating graphics of the calculated results, it is important
to distinguish between the concepts of virtual instruments, virtual instrument panel and plots:
The Virtual Instrument Panel is a page in the active graphics board, where different plots or
graphs (virtual instruments) are stored and displayed. The basic information about the included
virtual instruments is stored here.
The Virtual Instruments display the results of one or more variables or parameters in various
ways (Plots, Bar Diagrams, Vector Diagrams, etc.). Every VI can be set up for the individual
needs of the variable which is to be displayed. The virtual instruments are shown on the VI panel.
Plots are one of the many different ways in which a VI displays the information about the variables
it has. Plots show all sorts of time-domain variables depending on other variables. Plots can be
used in different ways (subplots, subplots with two y axis, X-Y plots and FFT plots). In this part of
the Tutorial plots are used as subplots.
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I.4. RUNNING TRANSIENT SIMULATIONS AND CREATING PLOTS

I.4.1

Running a Transient Simulation

The main toolbar shows two icons for starting (

Click on the start (

) and stopping (

) the transient simulation.

) icon. Enter an execution time of 10s.

Press Execute
The simulation is now started. The output window will show messages about the events that are
processed, when they are processed. The predefined graphs (in the Generators" Virtual Instrument
Panel) will start to show results.
All plots can be scaled automatically in the x- respectively y-direction to the best view by clicking on the
and . Furthermore for a better analysis of certain time period or a closer look at the graphs,
icons
the x- and y-axis can easily be zoomed in using the Zoom x-Axis icon ( ) and the Zoom y-Axis icon
( ).

I.4.2

Defining New Virtual Instruments

The Tutorial Manager has already defined the Virtual Instrument Panel called Generators". It contains
two plots, displaying the speed and the turbine power of the generator PP1_G1. Now you are going to
create the same plots for the generator PP1_G2:
Open (if not already open) the Virtual Instrument Panel Generators" and click on the Append
new VIs" ( ) icon.
In the dialog that pops up, select the Subplot (Visplot)" object.
Set the desired number of new subplots (in this case 2).
Click on the
icon).

icon to arrange the plots by pairs (if you prefer a vertical arrangement use the

Double click on the first empty (or bottom-left) subplot to open its edit dialog and define the
variables to display.
In the Curves" field (bottom of the edit dialog), double click on the empty Element field to select an
element. A data browser, showing the elements with defined variable sets, pops up (Figure I.4.1).
Double click on the PP1_G2 icon to select it.

Figure I.4.1: Selecting an element to display the calculated results in a plot

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In the subplot dialog, double click on the empty Variable" field to select the variable to display. From the
displayed variables list (which corresponds the list defined in the variables set, see Section I.3), select
s:speed" (Figure I.4.2).

Figure I.4.2: Selecting a variable to display in a subplot

If you want to change the plot colour, double click on the Colour" field. You can also edit the line
style and line width.
Press the Ok button on the edit dialog, to visualise the newly defined subplot. If required, use the
icon to get a better view.
Following the same procedure, display the turbine power (s:pt") of PP1_G2 in the remaining
empty subplot.
Run a transient simulation with an execution time of 70 s. Adjust the view of your plots with
and . Steady state was reached? Increase your simulation time.

I.4.3

Selecting Variables to Show in a Plot

It is possible to change and add new variables to a plot. To illustrate this functionality, the active and
the reactive power of generator PP1_G2" will be displayed in the bottom-right (or last) plot of the virtual
instrument panel:
Double click on the subplot of the virtual instrument panel that displays the turbine power of PP1_G2".
Double click on the Variable" field of the defined curve and select s:P1" from the displayed
variables list.
Right click on the curve number and select Append Rows" from the context sensitive menu
(Figure I.4.3). A new row in the Curves" field is generated, there you can define a second variable
to display in your subplot.

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I.4. RUNNING TRANSIENT SIMULATIONS AND CREATING PLOTS

Figure I.4.3: Adding a new variable to a subplot

Following the instructions given in section I.4.2 define the new curve to display the reactive power
of generator PP1_G2" (s:Q1"). Your subplot should look now like Figure I.4.4 (for the first 10
seconds).

Figure I.4.4: Virtual Instrument subplot displaying two variables

Modify the existing plots to show the following variables, which are important for analysing the behaviour
of a power plant during a short-circuit. Note that you can also select several variables at once. For each
of the selected variable will be a row added.
Speed speed of generator G1 and G2.
Active and reactive power P1 and Q1 of generator G1 and G2.
Rotor angle phi of generator G1 and G2.
Turbine power pt of generator G1 and G2.
Excitation voltage ve of generator G1 and G2.
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Phase currents of generators and on lines.
The steps to create plots are described in the next chapters.

I.4.4

Creating a New Empty VI Page

In this section a new virtual instrument panel will be created to display the short circuit currents and
voltages at the generators terminals and at the line L_pp1a". The Tutorial Manager already defined
variable sets for these elements. To create a new virtual instruments page (panel):
Press the Insert New Graphic" button ( ) on the Graphics Board toolbar and select Virtual
Instrument Panel. Or click on the tool bar at Create Simulation Plot" ( ).
In the new empty page create 4 subplots following the procedure indicated in I.4.2 (

).

In the first subplot display the phase currents of generator PP1_G1" (m:I:bus1:A", m:I:bus1:B",
m:I:bus1:C").
In the second subplot display the per unit line to line voltages at the terminal Trm_G1" (m:ul:A",
m:ul:B", m:ul:C").
In the third subplot display the per unit line to ground voltages at Trm_G1" (m:u:A", m:u:B",
m:u:C").
In the last subplot display the per unit short circuit currents at line L_pp1a" (m:i:bussch:A",
m:i:bussch:B", m:i:bussch:C").

I.5

Closing Up the Tutorial

In this exercise of the tutorial the following was explained:

How to define Composite Models for elements
How to perform a transient analysis
How to define new result variables
How to change, create and modify Subplots
A sample solution to the seventh exercise can be accessed which may be of help if the user has
encountered any difficulties during the execution of the exercise.
To install the sample solution for the seventh tutorial exercise, please do the following:
Select the option Help Start Tutorial. . . on the main menu to open the Tutorial Manager.
Select the option Show Sample Solution (includes all exercises).
Press the OK button.
This concludes the tutorial. The topics covered throughout this Tutorial are sufficient to give a brief
introduction to the basic features and terminology of the PowerFactory environment. New users are
invited to reinforce the acquired knowledge and to learn new specific features by going through the
examples provided in this Help Package. The User Manual and the Technical References always
provide the necessary information to make use of the outstanding PowerFactory features.
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Index
Backups, 6
Branch Elements
Creating, 18
Editing, 23
Branch Object, 45
Branched-Off Lines
Adding, 39
Editing Elements, 43
Browser Window
Data Manager, 37
Busbars
Connecting, 18
Creating, 16
Editing, 23
Colour Representation of Graphic, 49
Composite Frame
Asynchronous Machine, 71
Synchronous Machine, 75
Composite Models
Introduction, 71
Contact, 3
Conventions used in the Manual, 2
Data Manager
Browser Window, 37
Detail Mode, 57
Edit relevant objects for calculation, 55
Introduction, 37
Multi-Editing, 44
Tree Window, 37
Using, 39
Database Manager
Basics, 38
Elements
Creating Single-Port Elements, 21
Editing Single-Port Elements, 28
Editing Two-Port Elements, 27
Jumping to Other Elements, 27
Events
Defining, 79
Editing, 80
Exercise 1, 7
Exercise 2, 15
Exercise 3, 37
Exercise 4, 51
Exercise 5, 61
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Exercise 6, 67
Exercise 7, 75
Export
dz files, 6
pfd files, 6
Flip and Rotate Objects, 21
Frequency Controller, 59
Generators
Controlled, 75
Graphic
Colour Representation, 49
Disconect Elements, 69
Flip and Rotate, 21
GraphicLayers, 22
Multiple Graphical Representations, 64
Paste Graphic Only, 64
Rotate Object, 69
Import
dz files, 6
pfd files, 6
Introduction, 1
Load Flow Calculation
Performing, 28
Secondary Control, 60
Motor Driven Machina (MDM)
Creating and editing, 71
Motor Driven Machine (MDM)
Basics, 71
Motor Start Simulation
Performing, 70
Plots
Adding a new Graph, 83
Creating, 82
Power Plant
Editing, 68
Modelling, 67
Power System
Components Creation, 15
Connecting Two Grids, 62
PowerFactory
Closing and Restarting, 13
Project
Creating, 8
87

INDEX
Relevant Objects for Calculation, 55
Result Boxes
Format and Edit, 30, 31
Result Variables, 81
Defining, 81
Rotate Object, 69
Saving Data, 13
Short-Circuit Calculation
Performing, 33
Study Case
Adding a Grid, 61
Renaming, 11
Substations
Terminals and Cubicles, 17
Support, 3
Terminals
Creating, 16
Transient Simulation
Events, 79
Initialisation, 79
Result Plots, 83
Setting Up, 78
Variable Sets, 81
Tutorial
Creating the Project, 7
Tutorial Manager, 1
Variable Sets, 81
Virtual Instruments
Adding a new Graphic, 83
Basics, 83

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DIgSILENT

Company Profile

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manufacturer-specific relay settings and
integrates with PowerFactory software, allowing
powerful and easy-to-use settings coordination
studies.
PowerFactory Monitor is a flexible performance
recording and monitoring system that
copes easily and efficiently with the special
requirements for system test implementation,
DIgSILENT is a consulting and software company

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

system performance supervision and the

providing engineering services in the field

DIgSILENT develops the leading integrated

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