PowerFactory Overview
Introduction
DIgSILENT has set standards and trends in power system modelling, analysis and simulation for more than 25 years. The proven advantages of the PowerFactory software are its overall functional integration, its applicability to the modelling of generation-, transmission-, distribution- and industrial grids, and the analysis of these grids’ interactions. Electrical grids, planning processes and operation processes are becoming increasingly complex due to market unbundling, expansion of interconnections and distributed generation. This increases the demands on software tools in terms of data quality, flexibility and manageability. With PowerFactory Version 14, DIgSILENT presents a further step towards seamless integration of functionality and data management within a multi-user environment. The building and organizing of schemes, scenarios, versions and running arrangements has been added for improved handling.
Version 14 Key Features
- Single- and multi-user project data administration environment
- Database with historical data storage and auditing functionality.
- Time-stamped data model
- Management of operational scenarios
- Baselining, versioning and publishing of models
- Integrated node and branch, and switch and component modelling
- Integrated overview diagrams, simplified and detailed single line diagrams
- Fast contingency analysis tools (AC and DC load flow)
- Contingency-constrained economic dispatch including quad booster optimization
- Distributed/embedded power generation modelling
- New models for wind power and virtual power plants
DIgSILENT PowerFactory is the most economical solution, as data handling, modelling capabilities and overall functionality replace a set of other software systems, thereby minimizing project execution costs and training requirements. The all-in-one PowerFactory solution promotes highly-optimized workflow. DIgSILENT PowerFactory is easy to use and caters for all standard power system analysis needs, including high-end applications in new technologies such as wind power and distributed generation and the handling of very large power systems. In addition to the stand-alone solution, the PowerFactory engine can be smoothly integrated into GIS, DMS and EMS supporting open system standards.
PowerFactory Overview
Functional Integration and Applications
- Implemented as a single software solution allowing for fast 'walk around' through the database and execution environment
- No need to reload modules and update, transfer and convert data and results between different program applications
- Vertically integrated power equipment model concept allowing models to be shared by all analysis functions
- Support of transmission-, distribution- and industrial system design and simulation
- Modelling and simulation of railway systems
- Simulation of any kind of wind turbines and wind parks
- Smart Grid modelling including virtual power plants and distributed generation such as PV-panels, micro turbines, battery storage, CHP, etc.
PowerFactory Software Concept
Single Database Concept
- Optimal data organization and project definitions for performing any type of calculation, storage of settings, diagrams and visualization options or software operation sequences.
- No need for tedious organization of several files for defining the various analysis aspects and project execution workflows.
- Database environment fully integrates all necessary data, such as that required for defining cases, scenarios, variants, single-line graphics, outputs, run conditions, calculation options, graphics or user-defined models. Saving a project includes everything required to rerun all defined cases at a later stage.
- Access to all data via a comfortable and powerful data manager, object browser, plus various types of diagrams and wizards.
- Comprehensive, non-redundant data model supporting all calculation functions
User Roles
- Access to user information through a user accounting system
- Protection of data through different types of access rights
- Folder sharing between users with “read-only” access. This is especially useful for libraries and network base cases which should be administrated only by authorized personnel.
Multi-User Operation and Team working
- Multi-user data administration supporting MS-SQL or ORACLE databases
- Support of user accounting, access rights and data sharing, featuring the powerful option of allowing several users to work on the same project in a coordinated way. This demonstrates the concept of non-redundant data management in PowerFactory.
- Management of multi-user data editing via the definition of a base project, project versions and derived projects (virtual projects).
- Support of version control including rollback functions and merge/compare tools.
Network Variations, Expansion Stages Management and Operational Scenarios
- Support of time-stamped network variations.
- Variation scheduler for easy handling of sub-projects
- Definition of study cases and operational scenarios
- Activation of network stages according to study time. This automatically addresses the handling of power system components according to their commissioning and de-commissioning dates
Multi-Level Models
- Data describing network models such as cables, machines, loads, transformers, etc., are subdivided into element data and type data which point to libraries.
- All data to be entered are grouped into basic data (data required for all calculations) and function level data (data required only for executing specific calculations).
- Data are simply entered in physical quantities rather than in per unit values, minimizing the need for manual recalculation and conversion of data.
- Verification of input data, with detailed warning and error messages
- Integrated calculators for asynchronous machines, cable data and tower configurations
Batch Mode, Engine Mode and Interfaces
- Fully interactive windowing mode according to the latest, proven standards
- Engine mode for background operation
- Various communication features to exchange data with other applications such as GIS, SCADA and real-time control systems via OPC, shared memory, DGS (CSV, ODBC), etc.
- Hybrid operation switching between background and windowing mode according to users’ needs
- Data exchange via CIM, PSS/E, UCTE and many other file formats
