Network Models
Data Management
Network Diagrams & Graphic Capabilities
Results and Reporting
External Data Format Support
DPL - DIgSILENT Programming Language
PowerFactory Modes of Operation

Network Models

Grid Representations and Power Equipment

Grid Models

Meshed and radial AC systems with 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-phases
Meshed and radial DC systems
Combined AC and DC system modelling
Model validity from LV up to ultra-high voltage

Phase Technologies

Single phase with/without neutral
Two-phase with/without neutral
Bi-phase with/without neutral
Three-phase with/without neutral

Substations

Simple terminal models to be used for “node and branch” representation, marshalling panels, terminal blocks, terminal strips, clamping bars, joints and junctions.
Complex substation models with the provision of various standard busbar configurations such as single- and double busbars with/without tie-breakers, bypass busbars, 1½ busbar systems and flexible busbar configurations according to user-specific needs.
Templates for holding any type of user-specific busbar configuration, including pre-configured protection schemes

Generators and Sources

Synchronous and asynchronous generator
Doubly-fed induction generator
Static generator (for PV, fuel cell, wind generator, battery storage, etc.)
External grid
AC voltage source
AC current source
2-terminal AC voltage source

Loads

General load model (for HV and MV-feeders)
Complex load model (for feeders with a large number of induction motors)
Low voltage load (can be assigned across line and cable sections)

Reactive Power Compensation

Static Var Compensator (SVC)
Shunt/Filter (RLC, RL, C, RLCRp, RLCCRp)

Branch models

Overhead line and cable models (p-models and distributed parameter models)
Circuits and line sub-sections
Mutual data, line couplings, tower geometries
2-, 2-N-winding transformer and auto transformer
3-winding transformer, booster transformer
Series reactor, series capacitor and common impedance

DC Models

1-terminal and 2-terminal DC voltage source and DC current source
DC/DC converter
Inductive DC-coupling

Power Electronics Devices

Thyristor/Diode converter models
Self-commutated converter models (VSC-converter)
DC valve (for building individual converter topologies)
Softstarter

Switches and Substation Equipment

Circuit Breaker and Disconnector
Load-Break-Disconnector
Load-Switch
Grounding Switch
Fuse
NEC/NER, grounding devices
Surge arrester

Composite Models

Composite node models, e.g. representing complex substations
Composite branch models
Template library for handling composite models

Parameter characteristics

Time characteristics and discrete characteristics • Scalar, vector and matrix characteristics
File references and polygons
Continuous and discrete triggers
Frequency and time scales

Controllers

Station controller, secondary controller (SCO), virtual power plant
Tap controller, shunt controller
User-definable capability diagrams and controllers

Organisation and Grouping

Site, station, substation, area, zone
Feeder, branch, bay
Operator, owner
Boundaries

Operational Library

Substation running arrangements
CB ratings
Thermal ratings
Library of faults/contingencies
Library of (planned) outages

Others

Protection relays with over 30 basic protection function blocks
Manufacturer-specific relay library with relay models from all major manufacturers
CT, VT and various measurement transducers (P, Q, f, etc.)
Fourier source, harmonic source, FFT
Clock, sample & hold, sample & hold noise generator

PowerFactory supports 500 different objects for defining, organizing and storing users’ grid definitions and project settings. The above-listed objects are a summary of those most frequently used.

Built-in Calculation and Integrated Modelling Functions

PowerFactory provides a number of functions which assist users in entering data which may have come from datasheets or product catalogues. Not only do these functions greatly simplify data entry, but they also provide valuable output and results.

Identification of asynchronous machine parameters

Support of two different parameter input modes: (a) electrical parameters and (b) slip-torque/current characteristic
When entering electrical parameters, such as the rated mechanical power, stator resistance and reactance, magnetisation reactance, etc., all electrical parameters which precisely define and describe the asynchronous machine are then calculated. This includes the determination of the torque-/speed characteristic.
The alternative definition via the slip-torque/current characteristic requires entering data such as characteristics at nominal operation point, torque at stalling point, locked rotor torque and other parameters typically available from manufacturer handbooks or test reports. This alternative data entering method will then determine the electrical machine parameters.

Calculation of Overhead Line Parameters and Cable Parameters

Please refer to section Overhead Line and Cable Parameter Calculation

Load and Generation Profiles

Load and generator parameter characteristics can be defined on a per-element basis for parametric studies. Parameter characteristics can be imposed on each input parameter. They may be time-dependent, refer to predefined discrete cases, or result from external sources.
All operational data (generation and demand patterns, switch positions, etc) can be saved and maintained in distinct Operation Scenarios.

Data Management

V14 Standard Data Model

Arrangement of Data in Project Folders

All data required for grid modelling, project organization and project execution are arranged in project folders. Project data are structured into Libraries, Network Models, Operation Scenarios and Study Cases.

Libraries

Libraries contain equipment types, special operation information, DPL scripts, templates and user-defined models.
The Equipment Type Library can store manufacturer and standard data for cables, conductors, circuit breakers, transformers, motors, generators, protection devices, PV panels, converters, wind turbines, etc.
Operational Libraries help organize standard settings and operational structures of grids. Typical entries include specific device Mvar limits and capability curves, outages, fault conditions and sequences, specific thermal ratings, running arrangements, etc.

Network Models

All network data are organized and stored in various folders such as grid- and area folders, folders for boundaries, circuits, feeders, routes, zones, etc.
Comprehensive network topology handling defining: Nodes, Substations, Sites, Boundaries, Circuits, Routes, Operators and Owners.
Graphical information such as overview diagrams, simplified single line diagrams and detailed single line diagrams are automatically organized in a separate diagram folder
Grid Variations are linked to the original grid data, allowing non-redundant grid variation management.
Easy and non-redundant handling of grid expansion alternatives.
Planned grid expansions are organized by time-stamped Expansion Stages which are considered depending on the selected Study Time. Expansion Stages are stored in Variations and handled via the Variation Scheduler. In other words, variations can be seen as expansion plans composed of different stages which are activated chronologically.

Operation Scenarios

Definition of operation and dispatch conditions, grid loading, ambient temperature, daily load variation pattern, etc
Organisation of characteristics to generate ranges of values such as daily load curves, temperature dependencies, wind conditions, solar radiation pattern, etc
Definition of triggers for easy selection of certain conditions to be analysed
Comparison of Operation Scenarios

Study Cases

Grid configurations, operation conditions, trigger settings, calculation options, fault sequences, results and DPL scripts to be executed are all stored in Study Cases
Study Cases can be activated to reproduce any grid condition and its associated calculation results

Study Time

PowerFactory V14 extends grid modelling into the dimension of time. The model may span a period of months or years considering network expansions, planned outages and other system events. The period of validity of a project therefore specifies the time span that the of the model’s validity.

The Study Time automatically determines which expansion stages of a variation will be considered.
Selection of Study Time along with the operational conditions will automatically create grid expansion scenarios

Data Organisation

Simultaneous use of grid data takes place when two different parties work with the same project. This kind of situation occurs most frequently in larger companies where software-based teamworking capabilities are a basic requirement.

Versioning

Project Versions constitute a snapshot of a project at a specific point in time
Project versions are under full control of owner rights
Rollback functions allow a controlled “Undo” of a project’s execution steps, thereby “rolling back” to a specific stage of the project
Reporting facilities for Derived Projects which depend on a certain version

Derived Projects

Master Projects can be published in a public area of the database
Derived Projects are “virtual” copies of a Version of a Master Project that can be developed by any number of users simultaneously. Only the differences to the original version are stored
Derived Projects are always linked to their original Master Project
The users will be automatically notified if a new version of their Master Project is available
Comprehensive tools for merging several derived projects and/or their versions into a new project via the Merge Tool. This allows the consolidation of independent and parallel model modifications introduced by different users.

Network Diagrams & Graphic Capabilities

Categories of Network Diagrams

Simplified Single Line Diagrams with various options for a schematic view of substation topology and switching status
Detailed Single Line Diagrams showing all switches (circuit breakers and disconnectors)
Intelligent Overview Diagrams providing a node and branch representation of the network. Can be schematically, geographically or semi-geographically arranged

General Features

Handle mixed representations of Detailed Single Line Diagrams, Simplified Single Line Diagrams and Overview Diagrams
Access equipment editing menus in the single line diagram via cursor selection of the appropriate element, region or composite model
Zoom-in or zoom-out of area networks or composite model graphics
Initiate calculation events directly within the graphical environment, including circuit breaker switching, fault implementation and other data changes
Option to immediately reflect any editing activity on the graphical level
Display any calculation results immediately in result boxes in single line diagrams. All program variables and signals can be displayed according to a highly flexible user definition for various object categories and analysis functions
Display any calculation result to be defined on various functional levels and categories for any object
Insert freely-configured result displays
Provision of auxiliary graphics editing for enhanced documentation
Perform copy/paste operation on single objects and groups
View and operate several graphic windows with different layers and grid sections simultaneously. Utilize several graphical representations of the same system simultaneously.
Spread large diagrams over several pages
Support of pre-defined and user-defined graphical layers
Placement of user-definable icons as buttons for executing DPL scripts. This way users can create custom panels of frequently-executed DPL-initiated commands.

Colouring of Network Diagrams

Provision of various colouring modes according to topology criteria such as areas, zones, owners, operators, routes, station connectivity, energizing status, boundaries/interior regions, isolated grids, etc.
Colouring options to display voltage levels, equipment loading and operation ranges
Define colouring based on AC/DC equipment category and phase technology
Display of grid modifications and variants, recording of expansion stage modifications, missing grid connections
Provision of feeder colouring and path definitions
User-defined filters based on complex equations or DPL scripts

User-definable Symbols

Support of user-definable symbols based on standard graphical formats (.wmf,.bmp). E.g. use your own symbols for wind turbines, PV panels, hydro units, etc.
Define specific graphical representations for transformers, shunts, circuit breakers, isolators to fit individual needs.

Composite Graphics

Elements can be grouped together and stored as Composite Graphics. Typical applications are standard busbar arrangements, switchboard configurations, HVDC structures, PV panels, typical wind turbine configurations or complete wind parks.
Composite Graphics can be easily handled via the Template Manager. Templates can be populated with type and element data. For drawing Composite Graphics, the Template Manager is operated as Drawing Tool Box.

Virtual Instruments

DIgSILENT PowerFactory applies the concept of Virtual Instruments (VI) as a tool for displaying any calculated result or variable.
Results may be displayed in the form of bar graphs, plotted curves, or even tables of values, with all of these representations being completely user-definable.
VIs are used to display protection curves, harmonics analysis results or to view electrical variables from any location in the network single line diagram, and any model variable during RMS and EMT simulations.
Many VIs provide additional built-in functionality such as curve labelling and measuring, scaling, curve fitting, filtering and digitizer functions.

Typical Virtual Instruments Available

x-t and x-y plots, bar diagrams, harmonic distortion diagram
Overcurrent-time-diagrams, distance-time diagrams, vector diagram, path diagram
Voltage sag diagram, waveform diagram
Eigenvalue diagram, phasor diagram
Bitmaps, buttons, DPL-command buttons, digital display
Curve-digitizing diagram
Text label

Results and Reporting

Text Reports

Automatic reports for calculation results, such as load flow, short-circuit, harmonic calculations, contingency calculation, reliability analysis, etc.

Numerous predefined reports for all key calculation functions
Flexible selection of elements for reporting
Reports can be user-configured allowing user-definable formatting

Automatic reports for documentation of network components, such as transformers, lines, generators, relay settings, etc.

Flexible selection of network components for documentation
Flexible selection of calculation module, e.g. report only input data required for load flow and short-circuit

Spreadsheet Reports (Tabular Views)

Numerous predefined spreadsheet reports for all key calculation functions via “Flexible Data Pages”
User-definable setup of “Flexible Data Pages”. Tabular view of any combination of input parameters/ calculation results
Several “Flexible Data Page” definitions (variable selections) may exist concurrently
Independent variable selections for every calculation
Sorting facilities for tabular views
Automatic statistical summaries for values in tables
Flexible filters for selecting elements for output
Output facilities to: Output window, clipboard and clipboard with column headers for use in spreadsheet programs such as MS Excel

Reporting in Network Diagrams

Concept of “result boxes” in network diagrams to flexibly display any element/type parameter, as well as any calculation result
Easy-to-configure “result box” format on both component and calculation levels

Result File Management

More complex calculation results can be stored in “Result Files”, e.g. for calculations such as transient stability results, harmonic analysis results, contingency results, etc.

Allows easy configuration of outputs (plots, reports, etc…)
Accessible by post-processing through DPL
Export functionality to export result data to:
- Output window
- Clipboard (compatible with spreadsheet programs such as MS EXCEL)
- Text file (compatible with spreadsheet programs such as MS EXCEL)
- COMTRADE (for transient data)
- PowerFactory measurement file (ASCII)

Plots and Diagrams

DIgSILENT PowerFactory applies the concept of Virtual Instruments (VI) as a tool for visualizing calculation results as plots and diagrams.
VIs are used to display (for example):
- Results of RMS and EMT simulations (any pre-selected monitoring variable/signal)
- Protection configurations and results (R-X diagrams, automatic time-distance diagrams, relay characteristics, etc)
Harmonic analysis results
Many VIs provide additional built-in functionality such as curve labelling and measuring, scaling, curve fitting, filtering and digitizer functions.

Selected List of Most Common Virtual Instruments:

Plots for simulation results
- Monitored variables/signals over time
- Trajectories

Harmonics

Harmonic distortion diagram
FFT diagrams
Waveform plots

Protection
- Time-overcurrent diagrams
- Time-distance diagrams
- Relay characteristic diagram

Additional diagrams for results of load flow, short circuit, harmonics, etc.:

Bar diagrams
Vector diagrams
Path diagram
x-y diagrams

Voltage sag diagram

Eigenvalue calculation

Eigenvalue diagram
Phasor diagrams and bar diagrams (controllability, observability, participation)

Measurement VIs
- Digital display
- Metering device (vertical/horizontal scales)
- Combination of both

Picture box for displaying graphic files. Supported file formats are:

Windows metafiles (*.wmf)
AutoCAD graphic file (*.dxf)
Bitmaps (*.bmp)

Curve-digitizing diagram

Additional Features

The PowerFactory graphic windows such as the single line graphic, plots, and block diagrams, offer the following functionality:

Printing or plotting to any device supported by the Windows Print Manager to produce high quality graphical documents from within the program.
Export to standard file formats such as:
- Windows Metafile (*.wmf) with high precision coordinates
- Bitmap (*.bmp)
Conversion of graphic files between several file formats such as *.png, *.dxf, *.gif, *.tiff, *.eps, etc. This is achieved via an external tool which is shipped with PowerFactory.

External Data Format Support

Standard Data Formats

In many cases, migration of data from other power system software is required. PowerFactory therefore supports foreign file Import of several versions from the following software packages:

PSS/E, PSS/U and PSS/Adept (Siemens)
DVG and UCTE (ucte.org)
NEPLAN (BCP)
ISU (SAP, billing data)
NETCAL (STZ Konstanz), NEPS ( I+P Consult) and ReticMaster (Inspired Interfaces)

Foreign file Export is supported for PSS/E and UCTE (optional).

CIM object and format definitions are increasingly used for standardized data exchange. Although the CIM standards are still under development, PowerFactory already supports CIM import and export:

CIM 61970 (CIM for Transmission)

DIgSILENT Data Base Level Exchange (DGS)

DGS is PowerFactory’s standard bi-directional interface specifically designed for bulk data exchange with other applications such as GIS and SCADA, and for example, for exporting calculation results to produce Crystal Reports, or to interchange data with any other power system software. DGS (“DGS”=DIgSILENT-GIS-SCADA) does not feature the exchange of PowerFactory execution commands.

User-specific definition of objects and object parameters
Supported objects: elements, types and libraries, graphics and results
Import and export of complete network models as well as incremental data for updating existing models
Database support for: Oracle, MS-SQL and ODBC System DSN
File formats supported: ASCII Text (CSV), XML, MS-Excel and MS Access
Available for PowerFactory Interactive Window Mode and PowerFactory Engine Mode

DPL - DIgSILENT Programming Language

The DPL-Programming Language offers a flexible interface for automating PowerFactory execution tasks. The DPL scripting language adds a new dimension to PowerFactory software by allowing the implementation of new calculation functions. Typical examples of user-specific DPL-scripts are:

Parametric sweep calculations (e.g. sliding fault location, wind profile load flows)
Implementation of user-specific commands (e.g. transfer capability analysis, penalty factor calculation)
Automatic protection coordination and device response checks
Specific voltage stability analysis via PV-/QV-curve analysis, etc.
Contingency screening according to user-specific needs
Verification of connection conditions
Data pre-processing including input/output handling
Equipment sizing and dimensioning
Report generation

The DPL object-oriented scripting language is intuitive and easy to learn. The basic set of commands includes:

C++- like, object-oriented syntax
Flow commands such as "if-then-else", "do-while"
Input/import, output/export and reporting routines
Mathematical expressions, support of vectors and matrices
Access to any PowerFactory object and parameter including graphical objects
Definition and execution of any PowerFactory command
Object filtering and batch execution
PowerFactory object procedure calls and DPL subroutine calls
New: Calling of external libraries (DLLs) for linking and executing other applications

Easy Development

DPL’s basic syntax allows for the quick creation of simple high-level commands to automate tasks. Such tasks may include renaming objects, search and replace, post-processing calculation results and creating specific reports.

Transparency

All parameters of all objects in the network models are accessible. DPL can be used to query the entire database and to process all user-input and result parameters without restrictions.

Standardizing Commands

The DPL language can be used to create new 'standardized' DPL commands that can be used over and over again. DPL commands allow input parameters to be defined, and can be executed for specific selections of objects. Proven DPL commands can be safely stored in DPL command libraries and be used from there without the risk of damaging the scripts.

Control

DPL commands can configure and execute all PowerFactory commands. This includes not only the load flow and short-circuits calculation commands, but also the commands for transient simulation, harmonic analysis, reliability assessment, etc. New objects can be created by DPL in the database, and existing objects can be copied, deleted and edited. New reports can be defined and written to the output window; new graphs can be created and existing graphs can be adjusted to reflect a user-defined selection or the current calculation results.

Modularity

A DPL command may contain other DPL commands as subroutines. This modular approach allows the execution of subroutines as independent commands. Existing commands can be combined to quickly create more complex commands.

PowerFactory Modes of Operation

Standard Windowing Mode

Engine & Hybrid Execution Mode

The standard execution of DIgSILENT PowerFactory is via the classical windowing mode operated via mouse and keyboard. When operated in “Engine Mode” PowerFactory is executed as a background process featuring a number of additional application options:

Bi-directional, high-speed exchange of data via “DIgSILENT Shared Memory Interface” or via “OPC” (OLE for Process Control). When using OPC, PowerFactory is executed as an OPC-Client.
Remote-execution of any PowerFactory command including activation of projects, modification of data, execution of analysis functions and DPL scripts, generation of output and reports, etc.
Temporary activation/popup of the “Windowing Mode” featuring interactive windowing operation until the windowing mode is closed and the engine mode resumes (“Hybrid Operation Mode”).

In principle, a number of additional application features may be operated as background processes in situations where it is integrated into GIS/NIS or SCADA systems or linked with other simulation tools such as Matlab/SIMULINK, ASPENTECH’s process simulation tool or other software systems requiring interaction with network analysis procedures. The engine mode also features parallel processing with other PowerFactory processes.

The “Engine Mode” permits the remote control of all PowerFactory functions with fast data and execution command exchange.

Hybrid operation mode is supported by activating the Windowing Operation mode for combined operation.