Release Notes 15 - SimTecsincal.simtec.cc › 15.5 › ReleaseNotes-Eng.pdfThis ensures that these can be used without any problem with the 32-bit and 64-bit applications of the PSS

SIEMENS PSS SINCAL Platform 15.5

Release Information

April 2019 1/43

Release Information – PSS®SINCAL Platform 15.5

This document describes the most important enhancements and changes to the new program version. See

the product manuals for a more detailed description.

General Remarks 3

Licensing 3

System Requirements 3

Standard Databases and Examples 4

Models 4

PSS®SINCAL 7

User Interface 7

Improved Performance 7

Enhanced Calculation Control 7

Toolbar for the Result Display 7

New Dialog Box for Characteristic Curves 7

Replacing Network Data and Setting Network Data 8

Enhanced Plot Definition Dialog Box 9

Enhanced Result Compilation 9

Enhanced Log View 9

Enhanced Feeder Documentation 10

Determining Line Data and Load Data 10

Electrical Networks 11

Load Flow 11

Short Circuit 13

Harmonics 13

Load Development and Load Profile 15

Hosting Capacity 16

Energy Storage Placement 19

Verify Connection Conditions 23

Arc Flash 25

Protection Coordination 27

Distance Protection 29

Protection Analysis 30

Checking of OC Protection Devices 32

PSS®NETOMAC 33

User Interface 33


Release Information

April 2019 2/43

General Improvements in the User Interface 33

New Functions in the Model Editor 34

New Functions in the Source Editor 36

CIM Import 36

Calculation Methods 37

Database for Results and Topology Information 37

Short Circuit Calculation for a Node 39

Passive Frequency Response with Machines in the Network Model 40

Enhanced Functions for Torsion Calculation 40

New FCT Controller Type 40

Enhanced Function for Blocks with Limits 41

Improved Support of External DLLs 42


Release Information

April 2019 3/43

General Remarks

Licensing

PSS SINCAL 15.5 Platform uses the same license file as the preceding PSS SINCAL 15.0 version. In order

to activate the software, it is only necessary to assign the license file to the new version using the PSS Tool

utility program.

If you need a new license file or have any questions about the licensing, please contact the PSS SINCAL

Platform Support (phone +43 699 12364435, email [email protected]).

System Requirements

The following hardware and software requirements include the minimum requirements to operate an

application of the PSS SINCAL Platform 15.5.

Recommended Hardware

PC or notebook

CPU: >= 2 GHz (MultiCore)

RAM: 8 GB

Hard disk: >= 20 GB

Graphics card: >= 1920 x 1200, True Color

Mouse: 3 buttons (wheel mouse)

Operating Systems Supported

Windows 7 (x86 & x64)


Windows 8.1 (x86 & x64)


Windows Server 2008 R2 (x64)

Windows Server 2012 R2 (x64)

Windows Server 2016 (x64)

Database Systems Supported

Microsoft Access

SQLite 3.x

Oracle 9i

Oracle 10g

Oracle 11g

SQL Server 2008, SQL Server Express 2008

mailto:[email protected]


Release Information

April 2019 4/43

SQL Server 2008 R2, SQL Server Express 2008 R2




Standard Databases and Examples

All standard databases and examples were changed from the Microsoft Access database system to SQLite.

This ensures that these can be used without any problem with the 32-bit and 64-bit applications of the

PSS SINCAL Platform without requiring a corresponding Microsoft Office package.

Standard Type Database

The standard type databases "StdElementDB.mdb", "StdElementDB_US.mdb" and

"StdElementDB_GOST.mdb", which were previously available in PSS SINCAL, have been combined in one

SQLite database. Now all standard types are available in the new "StdElementDB.db" standard type

database.

Protection Device Database

The "ProtectionDB.mdb", "ProtectionDB_US.mdb" and "ProtectionDB_UAE.mdb" protection device

databases, which were previously available in PSS SINCAL, have been combined in one SQLite database.

The new protection device database "ProtectionDB.db" now contains all OC devices.

Automation Examples

Extended automation examples are provided in the user directory under "Samples Dev". This directory

contains examples of automation programming in C++ and C# as well as a sample implementation for the

smart server. Examples of the implementation of user-defined DLLs that can be used in the load flow and in

the dynamic simulation are also provided.

Models

The standard models of the PSS SINCAL Platform were extended and comprehensive documentation is also

provided in the Models manual. The manual contains both information on the standard models as well as a

separate chapter on the use of external DLLs in the PSS SINCAL Platform.

Modifications with Standard Models

The following new models have been provided and documented:

• GovHydroPID2.xmac

• GovSteam2.xmac

• OverexcLim2.xmac

• PssELIN2.xmac

• PssWSCC.xmac

The following models were updated and documented:

• AC7B.xmac

• AC8B.xmac


Release Information

April 2019 5/43

• BUDCZT.xmac

• COMP.xmac

• DEGOV.xmac

• EXAC1.xmac

• EXAC1A.xmac

• EXAC4.xmac

• EXBAS.xmac

• ExcBBC.xmac

• ExcHU.xmac

• ExcCZ.xmac

• ExcSCRX.xmac

• ExcST1A.xmac

• ExcST2A.xmac

• ExcST3A.xmac

• ExcST4B.xmac

• ExcST6B.xmac

• ExcST7B.xmac

• EXST1.xmac

• EXST2.xmac

• EXST2A.xmac

• EXST3.xmac

• IEEET1.xmac

• IEEET2.xmac

• SCRX.xmac

• SEXS.xmac

• STAB1.xmac

• STAB2A.xmac

• TGOV1.xmac

• UnderexLimX1.xmac

The following models were enhanced and documented:

• GNE-I.xmac, implementation of the reactive current prioritization

The following MAC models were removed from the model library (their functionality is provided in the XMAC

models):

• AC7B.mac

• AC8B.mac

• BUDCZT.mac

• COMP.mac

• DEGOV.mac


Release Information

April 2019 6/43

• EXAC1.mac

• EXAC1A.mac

• EXAC4.mac

• EXBAS.mac

• ExcAC7B.xmac, double definition

• EXST1.mac

• EXST2.mac

• EXST2A.mac

• EXST3.mac

• IEEET1.mac

• IEEET2.mac

• SCRX.mac

• SEXS.mac

• STAB1.mac

• STAB2A.mac

• TGOV1.mac

The description of the #NAME parameter was adjusted in the following models:

• EXAC3.mac

• GGOV1.mac

• STATCON.mac

• TTDC.mac

• VSCDC.mac

• WESGOV.mac


Release Information

April 2019 7/43

PSS®SINCAL

User Interface

Improved Performance

The starting of the PSS SINCAL user interface was optimized with regard to performance. The start is now

normally approx. 50 % faster than in the previous versions.

The opening of PSS SINCAL files with several protection devices was also optimized. The loading time has

been shortened by up to 200 %, depending on the size of the network and the number of protection devices.

Enhanced Calculation Control

The parameters for enhanced calculation control are now directly available in the browser of the Options

dialog box in order to ensure improved accessibility.

The new Max. MKL Threads option now enables the use of the Intel Math Kernel Library for parallel

processing to be controlled. This makes it possible to specify the maximum number of threads for parallel

processing. If 0 is set, the use of MKL is completely deactivated.

Toolbar for the Result Display

The Results toolbar was extended. The toolbar now provides a new selection list, by which it is possible to

move easily between the results shown in the graphics editor. It is therefore possible to move more easily

between different results and input data and the current selection is also always shown.

New Dialog Box for Characteristic Curves

The dialog box for editing and visualizing characteristic curves was updated. The dialog box now features a

browser that displays all available characteristic curves. The integrated filter field enables the display range

to be restricted easily at any time.


Release Information

April 2019 8/43

On the right of the browser, the table can be displayed with the data or a diagram. The display is switched

via the integrated toolbar.

The table in the dialog box was completely renewed. This now makes the copying and pasting of data

particularly easy and straightforward. Copying and pasting was optimized for large data sets, i.e. the pasting

of approx. 100,000 characteristic curve points from a 10-year profile can be carried out without any problem.

The display of diagrams was also enhanced. Besides the characteristic curves, it is now also possible to

display the level diagrams and locus curves.

Replacing Network Data and Setting Network Data

The Replace Network Data dialog box was enhanced. The dialog box now has a new filter line for reducing

the display range with a filter entry field. The filter line has an integrated drop-down list by which the filter can

be created according to groupings in the data model. This enables the display range to be restricted, for

example, to just the converter data.

The Set Network Data dialog box was also enhanced. The new groupings for the attributes of the network

elements are also provided here.


Release Information

April 2019 9/43

Enhanced Plot Definition Dialog Box

The Plot Definition for Dynamics dialog box was provided with new functions to simplify the definition and

editing of the plotted signals.

The dialog box now has a new filter field (1) for reducing the display range with a filter entry field. It is

possible to filter all columns as well as only selected individual columns (for example, to only show the

synchronous machines).

The pop-up menu in the signal list of the dialog box (2) was also enhanced. This provides functions to mark

(select) or block functions as well as to deactivate set filters. The new multiple selection function in the signal

list is also particularly useful. This enables several signals to be reordered or deleted easily in the dialog box.

The selection of elements (3) was also enhanced. The filter field here was provided with a drop-down menu,

by which the display range of the list can be restricted to the network elements selected in the network

graphics. This enables those network elements that are to be plotted to be selected before opening the

dialog box. The display in the dialog box can then be easily reduced to these elements.

Enhanced Result Compilation

The result compilation function was enhanced. It is now also possible to display all the topology information

of network elements (element type, status, substation, bay etc.) in the compilation.

Enhanced Log View

The log information has been stored in an SQLite database since PSS SINCAL 15.0. This makes it possible

to better identify problems and weak points in the network on the basis of log information, even with very

complex and extensive calculation methods. The generated log information can, however, be very extensive.

It is necessary, for example with the hosting capacity calculation method, to analyze the logs of many

thousands of different load flow calculations for variable connection points at different times.

The Log view was enhanced in order to simplify these analyses and evaluations. The following new functions

are now available in the pop-up menu:

• Select in Tabular View:


Release Information

April 2019 10/43

This enables the network elements to be assigned to a log message in the Tabular View.

• Edit Network Data: This enables the network elements assigned to a log message to be edited directly in the screen form.

A highlighting function in the network graphics was also provided for the improved identification of network

elements. This can be activated in the Options dialog box of the Log View. If the highlighting function is

active, the network elements assigned to the selected log message are highlighted in the graphics editor.

Enhanced Feeder Documentation

The feeder documentation was enhanced in order to enable a more flexible evaluation of reserve capacity.

The actual idea behind it is that there is a primary main route in the feeder that has to be analyzed. It is not

practically possible to determine this main route automatically, a different approach was therefore selected.

Those network elements that are to be included in the feeder determination for calculating the reserve

capacity can now be stored in a network element group. This network element group can be optionally

selected in the feeder documentation.

Determining Line Data and Load Data

The Line Data dialog box provides an enhanced function for displaying line impedances. The Re/Rl, Ze/Zl

attributes as well as phi are now displayed.

The Load Data dialog box now also shows the number of customers that can be stored with the loads in the

Reliability tab.


Release Information

April 2019 11/43

Electrical Networks

Load Flow

Convergence Improvements in Unbalanced Networks

In unbalanced networks, the set power is observed as closely as possible for each phase for symmetrical

elements. The condition IL1 + IL2 + IL3 = 0.0 is observed without a ground by IL3 = -IL1 -IL2. This causes

convergence problems in severely unbalanced networks. The convergence can be improved by keeping the

current as symmetrical as possible.

The power per phase must be corrected with the ratio of the phase-ground and the average phase-ground

voltage. The convergence of power is no longer for each phase but across all phases:

𝑉𝑚 =|𝑉𝐿1| + |𝑉𝐿2| + |𝑉𝐿3|

3.0

𝑃1 =𝑃1233.0

×𝑉𝑚𝑉𝐿1

, 𝑃2 =𝑃1233.0

×𝑉𝑚𝑉𝐿2

, 𝑃3 =𝑃1233.0

×𝑉𝑚𝑉𝐿3

The convergence is controlled in the Load Flow tab of the Calculation Settings. The new Convergence

Control selection field is provided here:

• Default convergence control: The load flow calculation is closed if the preset accuracy settings were achieved and the control

conditions are fulfilled. After more than 50 % of the preset number of iterations, the load flow calculation

is ended if the preset accuracy settings have been reached.

• Fast convergence control: The load flow calculation is ended if the preset accuracy settings were reached and the control

conditions for active power are fulfilled. After more than 50 % of the preset number of iterations, the load

flow calculation is ended if the preset accuracy settings have been reached.

• No convergence control: This always provides a calculation result irrespective of whether the accuracy settings and the control

conditions could be observed. This kind of result enables basic input errors to be detected and rectified.

The load flow calculation is closed if the preset accuracy settings or the maximum number of iterations

were reached.

Convergence Improvements in Transmission Networks

In large transmission networks with thousands of machines and several control elements, it is in practice

hardly possible to observe all the set control limits. In these kinds of networks, it is also not so important to

observe the voltage and reactive power exactly. Only the required active power must be observed precisely

in order to ensure the power transfer. The relaxation of the check criteria considerably improves the

convergence behavior.

Active Power Reduction for the Benefit of Reactive Power Requirements

The control of network elements DC infeeder, synchronous machine, power unit and infeeder has been

enhanced. This is designed to provide better support for the current requirements of the behavior of

decentralized supply sources in power supply networks. The constant supply of active power is no longer

required over the entire voltage range. With voltages above or below a set limit value, the supply of active

power can be withdrawn in favor of the reactive power. To simulate this behavior, a combined active and

reactive power control has been formed from the basic reactive power control.


Release Information

April 2019 12/43

The new enhanced control can be activated in the Controller tab with the Active Power Controlling

selection field.

In the normal voltage range the decentralized supply sources supply the set active power to the network. The

decentralized supply source starts to change the power factor from a set voltage V1 or V1c in order to

contribute to the voltage stability. If the rated active power is supplied in the normal range, the decentralized

supply source would then be overloaded. The active power can now be reduced at the same time in order to

nevertheless maintain voltage stability. Up to a preset voltage V2 or V2c the decentralized supply source must

continuously reduce the active power. For voltages over V2 or below V2c the decentralized supply source

must supply again a constant active power.

The following diagram shows the operating principle:

P/Pn

V/Vn V2

0.5

0

inductive

V1 Vn

capacitive

V1c V2c

Pinput/Pn

Pmin/Pn

1.0

Pmax/Pn


Release Information

April 2019 13/43

Short Circuit

The implementation of the ANSI C37 short circuit procedure was extensively enhanced in PSS SINCAL.

These enhancements also included changing the name to IEEE C37. The following short circuit procedures

are now available in PSS SINCAL:

• VDE 0102/2016 – IEC 909/2016

• VDE 0102/2002 – IEC 909/2001

• VDE 0102/1.90 – IEC 909

• VDE 0102/IEC 909 (initial load)

• IEC 61363-1/1998

• IEC 61363-1/1998 (initial load)

• IEEE C37 1990

• IEEE C37 2016

• IEEE C37 (initial load)

• G74

• GOST R 52735/2007 – GOST 28249/1993

The IEEE C37 1990 short circuit procedure complies with the previous ANSI C37 1990 implementation.

The IEEE C37 2016 implementation is a new implementation based on the C37.010 2016 standard. Besides

the new standard, the possibility was also provided here to set parameters for the simulation of transformers

and equivalent branches in order to simplify the comparison with the IEC results.

The following options are available for transformers:

• Current Data: The controller data of the transformers is included in the determination of the transformer impedance.

• Rated Data: The impedance of the transformers is determined from the rated data of the transformer.

The following options are available for passive equivalent branches:

• Current Data: The impedance of the passive equivalent branches is determined from the input data.

• Zero-phase sequence data: The zero-phase sequence impedance is determined from the input data. Positive and negative-phase sequence data impedance are ignored.

• Ignore: Positive, negative and zero-phase sequence impedance are ignored.

The IEEE C37 (preloaded) short circuit procedure essentially corresponds to IEEE C37 2016, in which the

node result of the initial load flow is used as the source voltage. This enhancement makes it possible to use

this short circuit standard particularly in the protection coordination. Otherwise the currents and voltages

present in the network would be too high.

Harmonics

New Connection for Resonance Network

The resonance network was completely updated in the harmonic calculation. This was previously a separate

network element for which the assignment of the impedance areas for the different frequencies was relatively

complicated. Furthermore, only one resonance network could be used per network.


Release Information

April 2019 14/43

The resonance network element was removed. The resonance network is now simulated with the help of the

harmonic impedance. The following modeling types are essentially used:

• Impedance values for each frequency

• Impedance area for each frequency

The impedance areas are defined with the new screen forms for characteristic curves via Data – Harmonics

– Impedance Area. The areas of the resonance networks for a wide range of frequencies can be defined

easily in the dialog box. Data from external sources (e.g. Excel) can also be copied and pasted easily.

The impedance areas thus defined are assigned to a harmonic impedance. This then describes the

impedance according to frequency.

The Harmonic impedance can be assigned to virtually all network elements. The resonance behavior can

then be modeled with normal network elements which are also active in the other calculation methods, such

as load flow, short circuit, protection etc. In other words, the harmonic calculation no longer requires the

creation of "fictional" resonance network elements which are only included in this procedure.

Creating Impedance Areas from Calculation Results

The result diagrams of the harmonic variations correspond to the impedance areas which the neighboring

network operators require in order to simulate their adjoining network with a single element.

To make the use of these results more convenient, a new function was implemented in the user interface for

converting the result diagrams to a resonance network. The new function can be started via Tools –

Determine Data – Apply Harmonic Impedances. The frequency responses from which harmonic

impedances are to be generated are then selected easily in the dialog box.


Release Information

April 2019 15/43

Limit Values for Evaluations of the Harmonic Levels

The limit values for the harmonic levels were extended for interharmonics. An additional characteristic curve

with the limit for the interharmonic voltage limits is shown in the level diagrams.

Load Development and Load Profile

The Load Development calculation module enables the technical and financial state of the network in the

future to be analyzed. This is normally calculated annually. The Load Profile calculation module, on the

other hand, was designed for the very detailed analysis of the network on an hourly basis (or even smaller

intervals). This normally involves calculation periods of days or weeks but even years in special cases. Due

to the high variability of current networks, these calculation modules are becoming increasingly more

important since they can be used to examine supply quality.

Both calculation modules were enhanced in response to feedback from users.

Total Results in Load Development as per Economy

Total results are provided in the load development for the network, network area and network group results.

These are generated at the end for the entire calculation period.

New Maximum Value Determination for Load Profile

The maximum value determination in the load profile calculation has been enhanced. Up to now the

maximum voltage was always determined here by means of the VPI. It is now possible to select whether the

maximum values are determined via Vmin (minimum voltage), Vmax (maximum voltage) or via the largest VPI.

Improved Performance with Load Profile

Studies of the network often require the analysis of larger time periods. For this to also be possible with the

load profile calculation in PSS SINCAL, the maximum profile duration of a year (8760 hours) was removed. It

is now possible for periods of any length to be calculated. The internal processes in the calculation module

were also optimized for this in order to increase performance. The implemented enhancements now make

the calculation around twice as fast as before.

New Trimming in the Load Profile Calculation and Load Determination

Automatic trimming has already been possible in the load profile calculation for several product versions. The

algorithms for trimming have also been optimized in order to improve performance. The new Scaling method


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April 2019 16/43

is now also available in addition to the previous trimming methods. This has been specially designed for

forecast calculations, in which a complete network area is to be trimmed by means of measured values at

transition points.

Hosting Capacity

The Hosting Capacity calculation module makes it possible to determine the maximum possible

decentralized generated and consumed power in a selected subnetwork. This determines at all nodes of a

subnetwork the maximum power that can be fed/consumed without breaking the set constraints such as

voltages, utilizations, voltage changes etc.

The calculation module has already been available for several product versions and was now enhanced in

response to the feedback from users.

Input Data and Results in SQLite Database

The input data and also the results of the hosting capacity were previously saved in a number of different

XML files. This approach was chosen in order to allow the flexible storage and management of even

extensive results, also independently of the central network database. This product version now replaces this

approach with an improved solution.

The following is a brief description of the new concept of how PSS SINCAL manages input data and results.

The input data of the network, as well as the standard calculation results, such as load flow, short circuit etc.,

are managed in the network database. This allows use of the database systems (SQLite, Access, Oracle,

SQL Server) as preferred by the user.

The very extensive special results of different enhanced procedures are moved to individual SQLite

databases.

SINCAL

GUI

Server

Simulation

External

applications

SINCAL

network DB

SQLite

LOG

SQLite

ICA … …


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April 2019 17/43

This ensures that very large data sets can also be processed efficiently and rapidly while still maintaining the

transparency and accessibility of all data.

The SQLite databases can be used easily both by the applications of the PSS Suite as well as by external

applications. Access to these databases is also possible with all standard programming languages. However,

this is particularly easy with Python, as the standard installation already contains an SQLite module.

Frameworks are also available for C++ and Java, which allow easy access to SQLite databases.

The input data and results of the hosting capacity are stored in SQLite database "ICA.db". This is available in

directory "{Network}_files\ICA". With existing networks, the parameters stored in the XML configuration files

are automatically transferred to the new SQLite database.

The use of SQLite also made it possible to improve the processing speed, particularly if the calculation

module works with several processes in parallel. Previously, each process created a number of temporary

files which then had to be compiled at the end of the calculation in a complex and time consuming process.

When using SQLite, each calculation process creates an SQLite database. These can then be combined at

the end of the calculation with a few SQL commands to form a single SQLite ICA database containing all

results.

Enhanced Functions in the Calculation Module

The Area of Observation page of the control dialog box now contains the new Excluded Elements option.

This enables the optional selection of a network element group. The nodes and network elements contained

in this network element group are excluded from the limit values check. The nodes can also be excluded

from the installation of a load/infeeder. This enables network elements and nodes in the area of observation

to be excluded from the ICA processing entirely according to individual requirements.

The Data for New Element page provides the new Connect on all locations at the same time option. This

enables either infeeders or loads to be connected to the nodes in the area of observation at the same time.

These network elements are then varied between the set minimum and maximum values in exactly the same

way as with the previous calculation in order to determine the limit value of the possible power supply and


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April 2019 18/43

consumption.

The use of compressed load profiles is another new function for significantly increasing the processing

speed. The idea behind this is to significantly reduce the number of required calculations with profile values.

The load profiles assigned to the network elements here are reduced to four characteristic operating points:

• Min. supply and min. consumption

• Min. supply and max. consumption

• Max. supply and min. consumption

• Max. supply and max. consumption

This new function is activated on the Check Conditions page with the Type option.

The following new options are available:

• Load profile Min/Max: Four times with the following criteria are defined over the entire load profile: min. supply/min.

consumption, min. supply/max. consumption, max. supply/min. consumption and max. supply/max.

consumption.

• Load profile Min/Max gen.: The maximum and minimum power is calculated for each element over the entire load profile. The

elements are distinguished as either generating elements or consuming elements. Four temporary

operating points are calculated from this, in which the following criteria apply: min. supply/min.

consumption, min. supply/max. consumption, max. supply/min. consumption and max. supply/max.

consumption. The Create Variants option makes it possible to create these four criteria as variants in

which the power values are assigned to the elements according to the criteria.

New Functions in the Results View

The results view of the hosting capacity function provides new functions for analyzing and evaluating the

data. Additional information can be shown for each result corresponding to an installation location in the area

of observation. For this simply click on Show Details.


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April 2019 19/43

This then directly opens the display of the details of the installation location in the results view.

The example for installation location WSS-7a clearly shows the different calculations that were carried out.

Supply power values of S >= 0.086 MVA have violated the voltage limits and were therefore discarded. The

supply power value S = 0.085 MVA has not violated the limit value and therefore shows the result for the

installation location.

To generate the extended detailed results, the Log level for the calculation methods must be set to Standard

or Extended. It should, however, be taken into account that very many results will then be generated in

certain circumstances. The example shows the calculation for just one time. With an annual profile and an

hourly schedule the detailed results would have to be multiplied by 8760.

The Possibility to Change Units is also new in the results view. The power values in MW are simply too

large in low voltage networks, and so it is now possible to change the display to kW. The display units can be

changed via the Option dialog box of the results view.

Energy Storage Placement

The growing number of decentralized supply sources in the distribution networks is increasingly causing

problems in relation to supply quality, reliability and safety in the event of a fault. These problems are

considerably different, however, to those that occur in conventional network structures. Too much power is

fed through the decentralized supply sources which is not consumed. An undesired voltage increase and

also an overload of equipment can therefore occur in the feeder. This behavior is not constant but varies

over time depending on the consumption situation, feed power of the parent supply network, as well as on

the weather and other factors. The use of decentralized energy storage systems enables these problems to

be mitigated or largely prevented. This involves the placing of energy storage systems at suitable locations in

the feeder, which take up the excess energy and store it for later requirements.

The sizing of energy storage systems must therefore ensure that the limit values of the equipment in the

feeder are observed. The voltage must be kept in the permissible voltage range and the network elements

must also not be overloaded.

The new Energy storage placement calculation procedure supports the network planner in this task. This

enables the following to be determined:

• Installation location of the storage system in the feeder


Release Information

April 2019 20/43

• Maximum generated power in MW

• Required storage capacity in MWh

Starting the Energy Storage Placement

The calculation procedure can be started via Calculate – Optimization – Energy Storage Placement. This

opens a wizard in which all important control parameters can be defined.

The Area of Observation is defined on the first page in the wizard. This makes it possible to identify any

subnetwork in which the energy storage systems are placed and which contains the equipment used for

checking limit value violations. It is possible to either choose a network element group or also a feeder. The

Use cluster for faster calculation option is also provided here in the same way as for the hosting capacity

calculation. This combines nodes that are close together in order to reduce the calculation in complex

networks.

The second page of the wizard is used to define how the terminal power of the storage system is to be

specified. The Mode selection field is used to select the power determination method:

• Determine power: The optimum power of the storage system is determined by multiple load flow calculations within the

range of the set limits of Smin and Smax. The model for the energy storage is not considered here. This

enables the optimum maximum supply/consumption for each installation location in the area of

observation to be defined.

• Set power: This uses a power value specified by the user. This power is used as the maximum value for the energy

storage and the storage model then determines the actual power consumption and supply through the

energy storage. This mode is useful if the actual effects of the storage system have to be assessed.

It is also possible to set other control parameters for the storage system which are used to determine the

storage capacity. The Storage model is particularly important as this defines how the storage system

behaves in the network. If no individual energy storage model is assigned, the inherent PSS SINCAL

"EnergyStorage.mac" model is used.


Release Information

April 2019 21/43

The third and last page of the wizard define the Check Conditions. It is possible to select here which input

data is used to determine the power of the storage system. The determination can optionally be carried out

for the current state of the network, for preselected times from a load profile, for min/max values of a load

profile or for operating points.

The permissible limit values for voltages and utilizations in the area of observation can also be set. These

are used to ensure that no impermissible operating states occur in the network when the energy storage is

installed.

Results of the Energy Storage Placement

The results of the energy storage placement are shown in the results view. The results can also be evaluated

interactively here and further processed. The following illustration shows the results for a feeder.

The determined terminal power as well as the limit values for voltage and utilization in the feeder are shown

for all its analyzed installation locations. A quality rating of the effect of the energy storage on the feeder at

the installation location is also shown. The value 1.0 represents the best rating. The data records in the

Results View are listed in the order of this rating. The Display Top Results filter field above the table

enables the display range to be reduced to the specified number of the best data records. The example

above shows the 10 best installation locations out of the 16 determined.

The storage volume of freely selectable installation locations can be determined via the pop-up menu. This

carries out a complete load profile calculation with temporarily generated DC elements with assigned energy

storage systems at the selected installation locations. The behavior of the energy storage in the feeder, i.e.

the charging and discharging is specified by the model defined in the control parameters. The load profile


Release Information

April 2019 22/43

calculation can then determine with this the maximum energy Emax for the storage system.

The generation of the DC elements with the energy storage systems in the network can likewise be carried

out easily and conveniently via the pop-up menu.

The determined installation locations can be visualized in the network graphic. The visualization can be

activated via the Options dialog box. This highlights all installation locations displayed in the Results View in

blue and the currently selected installation location in orange. This makes it possible to easily evaluate the

locations in the network at which storage systems should be installed.


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April 2019 23/43

Verify Connection Conditions

The Verify Connection Conditions calculation module is used to check the connection of a generating

plant according to the following predefined regulations:

• VDE-AR-N: Generating plants connected to the medium voltage network – Guideline for the connection and parallel operation of medium-voltage distribution networks

• NER Australia: Based on IEC 61000-3-6/-7

• IEEE 1547-2018

The calculation module was extensively updated in order to improve both usability as well as the ability to set

detailed parameters.


All input data and results of the calculation module are managed in an SQLite database. This is provided in

the directory "{Network}_files\DES" and can also be read easily with external applications if required. This is

useful, for example, if the calculation module is to be used in automation solutions without the PSS SINCAL

user interface.

New Control Dialog Box

The control dialog box for the calculation module was completely updated. The settings are now entered in a

dialog box which lists the different entry categories in the browser.

The Project Data and Technical Data of the generating plant can be defined under General. The

Calculation Parameter tab is used to control the calculation method. The Connection rule selection field

makes it possible to define the guideline by which the check is to be carried out. The configuration pages for

the selected connection rule are displayed in the browser according to the selection made.

The possibility to overwrite the predefined limit values in the guideline with user-defined values is also new.

This can be carried out in the Evaluation configuration page. This shows all limit values for the checks

carried out. These can be adjusted as required. The modified limit values are then used for the check and

naturally also shown in the result documentation.


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April 2019 24/43

New Results View

The results view for this calculation procedure was completely redesigned. The most important input data

and results are shown clearly.

A table at the beginning of the Results section clearly shows the check result. This table shows the checks

that were carried out and also the status of the checks.

Details on the different checks are displayed directly after this table. The check carried out, the assigned

network elements, the check value and also the permissible limits are displayed.


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April 2019 25/43

The results view shows the listed network elements in the form of hyperlinks. Clicking the network elements

enables them to be selected in the graphics editor. It is also possible via the pop-up menu to display the

input data in the table or edit it directly in the screen forms.

Arc Flash

The Arc Flash calculation module enables the incident energy of arc flashes to be determined in low voltage

and medium voltage networks. The calculation can either be carried out in accordance with IEEE 1584 or via

the BGI/GUV-I 5188 arc flash calculation.

Changes in the User Interface

Arc flash configuration data is defined for the arc flash calculation on nodes/busbars. The configuration

describes the physical characteristics of the system that are required to determine the incident energy.

The input for the arc flash configuration was redesigned. The screen forms provide the input data for the

different standards in the separate IEEE and DGUV tabs. This is designed to improve the separation of the

different control data for each standard. It must be remembered here that the incident energy is only

calculated if the configuration for the standard is also activated.


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April 2019 26/43

The manual setting for the maximum clearing time is a new feature for IEEE 1584. If this option is

activated, the incident energy is determined without the protection coordination by using the set clearing

time.

When the calculation method is started via Calculate – Arc Flash, a dialog box is shown, in which the

calculation parameters can be set. It is possible to select how the energy is determined and also which

standards are to be used.

New IEEE 1584 2018 Standard and New Labels

PSS SINCAL previously only provided the IEEE 1584 standard from 2002. However, the standard IEEE

1584 2018 has been in force for a year. This new standard is now also supported in PSS SINCAL and the

previous standard is also available to ensure compatibility.

The arc flash labels have also been updated to match the new standard. The following illustration shows a

new arc flash label generated by PSS SINCAL.


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April 2019 27/43

The label only shows the energy and working distance. The note also stipulates that the personal protection

equipment (PPE) must be selected in accordance with NFPA 70E.

Protection Coordination

Enhanced Simulation for Breaker Malfunctions

Modern protection devices continue to measure the current after tripping. If the circuit breaker does not trip

(1), the protection device supplies a signal specially for this condition. The backup protection (2) can then

respond to this and clear the fault.

This behavior can also now be simulated with PSS SINCAL. For this the definition of the malfunction at the

location of the protection device has been enhanced.

The following states can be simulated with the enhanced malfunction feature:

• No malfunction: The protection device and the switchoff are simulated without any fault behavior.

• Protection device malfunction: This simulates the fault behavior of the protection device. The protection device remains in the "not

started" state. There is therefore also no switchoff.

• Breaker malfunction: This simulates a malfunction on switchoff. The protection device is excited depending on the current and

transfers the switchoff command on tripping. The switchoff command is not however executed. There is

also therefore no switchoff. The protection device also registers a current after the switchoff command is

sent. After a delay time has elapsed, the "Breaker malfunction" signal is also activated in addition to the

already available signals.


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April 2019 28/43

The backup protection devices can give a response to the breaker malfunction in the teleprotection. It is

possible to select for this the value Breaker malfunction under Zone/Element at the sender. It is then only

necessary to define in the Type field the action that the backup protection device is to execute. This is

normally a Transfer Trip.

Enhanced Checking of Destruction through Overheating

The protection coordination carries out a check of the elements for destruction through overheating. For each

time step the thermal energy is determined from current and duration of the time step for the checked

elements. This thermal energy is totalized up to the clearing of the fault.

𝐸 =∑𝐼2 ×∆𝑡

The energy is monitored for any violation of the destruction energy of the element. In the event of a limit

violation

• a warning is output in the protection coordination,

• an underfunction is displayed in the protection analysis (if the check for destruction is activated)

and the maximum disconnection time is logged.

If there are reclosers in the network, only the time up to the first clearing is used. The check of the

destruction through overheating is not carried out with stability protection coordination.

Enhanced U/I Pickup

Direction as well as directional and non-directional end time were added to the U/I pickup for phase and

ground tripping.

Reclosers

A second characteristic is provided with the reclosers for tripping in the switching sequences after the first

disconnection.

A time range (tmin and tmax) is also possible for the configuration of the tripping characteristics calculated from

a formula, in the same way as the current range (I/Ip min and I/Ip max).


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April 2019 29/43

Distance Protection

New ABB REF630 Protection Device

The ABB REF630 distance protection device is now available in PSS SINCAL. It is a digital protection device

with the setting values R, Rmin, Rmax, X, Z, Rev, angle α and .

The following measurement types are supported for this device:

• Impedance quadrilateral

• MHO circle

• MHO circle polarized

• Reactance quadrilateral

• Combined tripping area

This REF630 device has a different area shape than the already available ABB devices. The upper limit for

the arc reserve can also be specified and tilted.

Impedance Quadrilateral Measurement Type, Area for Phase Tripping:

Combined Tripping Area Measurement Type, Area for Phase Tripping:

Change in the Range for Grading

For the determination of setting values, the result for the achieved grading was adapted to the type of the

for Z = 0: for Z ≠ 0:

X

Rmin Rev

R

Rmin

Rmin

Rmax

Rmin Rev

Rmin

Rmin

Rmax

Z

for Z = 0: for Z ≠ 0:

X

Rev

R

Rmin

Rmax

Z

X

Rev

R

Rmin

Rmax


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April 2019 30/43

tripping area shape (measurement type). For circular areas the range is determined with the impedance and

for polygonal areas with the reactance.

Change to the Grading View

The observation limit was previously 5 zones, and has now been increased to 9 zones.

Protection Analysis

New Wizard for the Control of the Calculation Module

The control dialog box for the protection analysis was made more user-friendly. A wizard has now been

provided in the same way as for the check OC setting values calculation module. This offers an improved

structure for a wide range of control options and parameters and simplifies use.

The new wizard has two pages: Base Settings and Extended Settings.

The Base Settings page provides the important control parameters for the simulation and the check area.

The Extended Settings page contains additional parameters for setting the scope of the check.

Limitation of the Check Area

In large networks, it is often only necessary to simulate sections in detail for the protection. A protection

analysis would then in certain circumstances include many sections since limiting protection devices are

normally missing. The new Limit routes by selected group option makes it possible to avoid this. The route

determination stops then automatically at the end of the group. The other Discard routes beyond selected

group option is also provided. This virtually ignores the network outside of the area to be checked.


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April 2019 31/43

Check of the Pickup Safety

A new safety factor for the short circuit current at Additional Fault Data has been provided to check the

pickup safety. This makes it possible for the user to set a factor for decreasing or increasing the short circuit

current.

It must be noted that the short circuit current can only be changed at those tripping units that are purely

based on current.

Although the registered impedance is used to determine the direction of tripping units of OC protection

devices, only the impedance angle for the chosen direction is used. Pickup safety can thus be included

without any problems. The same applies to the minimum, directional and non-directional current pickup. If

the trip is executed through one of these tripping units, the currents are also shown corrected in the result

dialog boxes.

With tripping units of distance protection and differential protection devices, a safety factor would completely

corrupt the current for the pickup. The inclusion of a pickup safety factor is therefore not possible here.


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April 2019 32/43

Checking of Circuit Breaker Malfunction

The Extended Settings page now also enables the selection of the breaker malfunction as an extended

check.

If this is activated, start and end device are connected in all combinations (start, end, start and end) as if they

had a breaker malfunction. These devices are therefore not tripped and the tripping behavior of the backup

protection can be examined.

Extended Check Option for Machine Protection

The tripping of a voltage or frequency protection outside of the protection range causes an overfunction in

the protection analysis. This is disruptive for the basic evaluation of the cable protection. The new Include

machine protection only in protection area option has therefore been provided. If this is activated, the

trips of voltage and frequency protection outside of the protection area are ignored.

Cascading Determination of Destruction through Overheating

The destruction of equipment through overheating is now included automatically in the protection analysis.

The new function is documented in the section Protection Coordination.


All input data and results of the calculation module are managed in the SQLite database "ProtAnalysis.db".

This is provided in the directory "{Network}_files\ProtAnalysis" and can also be read easily with external

applications if required. This is useful, for example, if the calculation module is to be used in automation

solutions without the PSS SINCAL user interface.

Checking of OC Protection Devices

k Factor for Backup Protection

A separate safety factor for backup protection was added to the check. It is now possible in the control dialog

box to set the k factor for the main protection as well as one for the backup protection.


All input data and results of the calculation module are managed in the SQLite database "ProtAnalysis.db".

This is provided in the directory "{Network}_files\ProtAnalysis" and can also be read easily with external

applications if required. This is useful, for example, if the calculation module is to be used in automation

solutions without the PSS SINCAL user interface.


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April 2019 33/43

PSS®NETOMAC

User Interface

General Improvements in the User Interface

Save As Function

This new function is available at File – Save As. It is thus now possible to save the active document under a

new name in the Source Editor as well as in the Model Editor.

Enhanced Plot Definition Dialog Box

The dialog box for the plot definition was enhanced in order to make the work more efficient and user-

friendly. For this the dialog box now provides a filter line (1), by which the display range of the signals can be

filtered. This simplifies the search for specific data in extensive signal definitions. The filter can either be

used for all columns in the dialog box or only for one column. The selection is made via the drop-down menu

in the filter line.

Enhanced Copying in the Signal Browser

The signal browser now enables the copying of multiple signals to the Clipboard. The new function is

provided if the multiple selection is active.


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When the Copy Signal function is called, all signals selected in the browser are copied to the Clipboard. As

the signals selected here can have different X axes, the data is analyzed before copying. Identical X axes for

signals are combined and different axes cause the signal to be transferred to the Clipboard with 2 columns.

New Functions in the Model Editor

Improvements for Deactivated Blocks

Blocks can be deactivated in the Model Editor (1). These are then not included in the processing of the

XMAC file. This is useful if a model is designed and different variations have to be tested in the modelling.

However, connections from outputs of deactivated blocks to active blocks previously had to be manually

deleted in the model. Otherwise a fault related to an unavailable input would be output in the model

processing. To improve usability here, the deactivated blocks are now separated automatically in the model

processing.

Improvements for Creating and Aligning Connections

The function for the automatic creation of connections from selected blocks was made more intuitive. The

selected block is now automatically deactivated after a connection is completed. This makes handling more

intuitive and prevents connections from being changed unintentionally.

The alignment of connections was improved for mirrored blocks. Some of the connections were previously

"misaligned".

Modified Symbol Display for RATELIM Block (Slope Limiter)

The graphic display of the block was modified. This is then also shown without limits if the inputs

HZ1/HZ2/HZ4/HZ5 are supplied with signals/values.

Bitmap Graphics and Highlights in the Model Editor

It is now possible to integrate Bitmap graphics in the Model Editor. This supports BMP, GIF, JPG and PNG

formats. The inserted Bitmap graphics can be used for documentation purposes or for "drawing" a controller

model. The image files are stored as relative links to the selected source file in the XMAC file.

The possibility to insert a highlight in the model graphic is also new.

The new functions are available both in the toolbox as well as in the Graphic Objects toolbar:


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Improved Debug and Analysis of Models

The menus in the Model Editor for analyzing and testing models were made clearer and simpler. The

following illustration shows the new structure of the menus in the Model Editor:

Only the essential functions are now provided. The previously available function for the structural check of

the model is now carried out automatically when the model is executed and when the initial conditions are

displayed.

Enhanced Function for FORMAT Block

A new function is provided in the input dialog box of the FORMAT block, by which the format instruction can

be automatically generated. The new function is linked in the Format Block tab as a button (2). When

clicked, a format instruction (3) is automatically generated for the defined input blocks (1).


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April 2019 36/43

New Functions in the Source Editor

Improved Insertion of Models

The insertion of models in the Source Editor was further simplified. The Insert Model item in the pop-up

menu now makes it possible to open a pop-up list showing all standard models and those models assigned

in the current project. The required model can then be selected from this list. After selecting, the model is

inserted with the default parameters in the file.

Context Help for Controllers and Blocks

An enhanced context help is provided in the Source Editor. This can be activated via Display Help in the

pop-up menu. This attempts to open the appropriate Help based on the text beneath the cursor. This

operates for BOSL blocks in Name3 and controller types in Name1.

CIM Import

The user interface now enables CIM data to be directly imported and converted to a PSS NETOMAC project.

The import function can be started via File – Import – CIM. This opens the wizard in which the CIM files to

be imported can be selected and the required control parameters defined.


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The following CIM versions can be imported:

• CIM V10 (CIM Standard): This profile is a universal implementation based on the minimum requirements for CIM data exchange. It

is based on the specification for "CPSM Minimum Data Requirements in Terms of the IEC CIM Version

2.0" from Joe Evans and Kurt Hunter.

• CIM V12 (CIM for Planning): This profile is based on the specification for "CIM Planning Network Model Exchange Profile for Steady

State and Short Circuit", Revision 1.1. This addresses, in particular, network data exchange for planning

data and, as such, is more appropriate than earlier versions for exchanging network data.

• CIM V14 (CIM for ENTSO-E): This profile is based on the specification for "ENTSO-E Common Information Model (CIM) – Model

Exchange Profile, Revision 1.0 Version 14 from May 10th, 2009". This was conceived for universal data

exchange between the members in ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators

for Electricity).

• CIM V16 (CIM for ENTSO-E): This profile is based on the specification for "ENTSO-E Common Information Model (CIM) – Model

Exchange Profile, Version 2.4.15 from August 7th, 2014". This was conceived for universal data

exchange of load flow, short circuit and dynamic data between the members in ENTSO-E (European

Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity).

Calculation Methods

Database for Results and Topology Information

The results of the load flow and short circuit calculation but also the eigenvalue analysis are now saved in a

relational database. In other words, the XRES file used so far, which is based on the XML format, is

completely replaced by the new database.

SQLite is used as the database system. This perfectly combines the benefits of the compact and rapid

storage of large data volumes with the possibility to evaluate the data efficiently. This is basically the ideal

combination of the speed of binary files with the openness of readable XML files.


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An essential benefit of the SQLite database is that this can be filled and in particular read out more efficiently

than XML files. The database can also be updated in subareas without any problems, which is not possible

with XML files. With different calculations, such as load flow and short circuit, the previous results are thus

also retained since these are managed in different tables of the database. These tables can be updated

individually by the particular calculation module.

Other benefits also apply to external applications, since all the data is available in the database. Access to

this database is possible with all standard programming languages. However, this is particularly easy with

Python, as the standard installation already contains an SQLite module. Frameworks are also available for

C++ and Java, which allow easy access to SQLite databases. It is then no longer necessary to parse ASCII

logs with user-defined programs in order to further process the results of PSS NETOMAC, but these can be

taken from the SQLite database.

The following illustration shows an extract of the table structure of the new database:

As with the SQLite databases of PSS SINCAL, a Parameter table is also provided here. This contains both

control parameters as well as information on database type and database version. The table always has the

same structure in the PSS SINCAL Platform so that the database type can be checked with the applications

of the platform as well as external applications.

All other tables are structured in different areas, recognizable by the name prefix: DB, Topology,

NetworkData, Loadflow, ShortCircuit and EigenvalueAnalysis.

The DB tables contain general information on the database and also other topology and result tables.

The Topology tables essentially contain the input data of the network. Topology_Node, Topology_Terminal

and Topology_Element are used to add topology information to the results, in the same way as with XRES.

This makes it possible to display a short name, long name, designations from the NZD file or categories as

required.

The NetworkData tables contain the input data of the network according to output settings in the Calculation

Settings dialog box.

The other LoadFlow, ShortCircuit and EigenvalueAnalysis tables contain the results of the respective

calculations.


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Topology Information in the Database

As part of the new implementation, the topology information for the network browser was also moved to the

new result database. This can be saved more efficiently here and this information also forms the basis for

other IntelliSense functions in the user interface.

Enhanced Input Data

The output of the input data was also updated. Hard-coded names of the data fields were moved here to the

language-dependent resource files. The input data was also provided with topology information so that

enhanced information can be displayed in the table, in the same way as the results.

User-Defined Queries in the Database

The tabular view in PSS NETOMAC was enhanced so that this can directly display the data from the new

SQLite database. It is now possible (like in PSS SINCAL) to display user-defined queries in the user

interface in the table and evaluate them.

The following SQL instruction enables an individual query to be created in a suitable editor (e.g.

SQLiteStudio) for the load flow results in the database:

CREATE VIEW LFRes AS SELECT UID, Name, ShortName, NR.Un, NR.U_phi, NR.U_Un FROM Topology_Node LEFT OUTER JOIN Loadflow_NodeResults NR ON NR.NodeID = Topology_Node.Node_ID WHERE U_Un < 1;

The names and UIDs are output of all nodes with a voltage < 1 pu. Once defined in the database, this query

is also directly available in the user interface in the Tabular View.

Short Circuit Calculation for a Node

With this enhancement, which was implemented in response to user requests, a short circuit calculation can

also be carried out only for one manually selected node. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the

calculation time as well as the result range in large networks.

Clicking Calculate – Short Circuit for Node with the Ctrl key held down opens a dialog box before the

calculation is started, in which the name of the node can be specified.


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This node is then transferred as a parameter to the calculation and the short circuit calculation is only carried

out for this. The results are provided as before in the tabular view (only for the node and its terminals).

Passive Frequency Response with Machines in the Network Model

This enhancement is designed to simplify the examination in the frequency range. If machine data is present

in the data set, the load branch (G, S, V, I) is converted automatically to a suitable A type and is then used

for the calculation.

Enhanced Functions for Torsion Calculation

The torsion calculation provides enhanced control options for park transformation and to distribute the air

gap torque to the generator masses.

Control of the Park Transformation

• All g-lines in Name1: "" First generator mass is used.

• One g-line with Name1:"Park" Speed of this mass is used for the park transformation.

• One g-line with Name1: "ParkMean" The speeds of the individual generator masses are combined with the mean moments of inertia of the

generator masses to an equivalent speed, which is then used for the park transformation.

Distribution of the Air Gap Torque

• All g-lines with HZ4: "" Even distribution.

• All g-lines with contribution in HZ4: {Contribution} Specification of the contribution of the entire generator mass (total of contributions of all generator

masses must be 1).

• g-line with Name2: "MomMean" As with "ParkMean", the contributions are determined from the mean moments of inertia of the

generator masses.

New FCT Controller Type

The aim of the function blocks is to make it only necessary to enter frequently used algebraic equations

once, and particularly to provide memory for them only once in the internal structures of the PSS NETOMAC

calculation.

The following example shows the definition and the call of the new FCT controller type for a two-dimensional

function with the input variables I1 and I2:

[[models]]

$1.......2.......3.......AA1.....2.....3.....4.....5.....6.....7....8....9.

FCT FCT_Test I1 I2


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FUNK I1 FUNC2 ;File.csv

I2

OUT_FCT OUTPUT FUNK

ENDE

$1.......2.......3.......AA1.....2.....3.....4.....5.....6.....7....8....9.

AUSWERT Test1 N

A1=1

A2=1

OUT_FCT = FCT_Test(A1,A2)

ENDE

$1.......2.......3.......AA1.....2.....3.....4.....5.....6.....7....8....9.

AUSWERT Test2 N

A1=1

A2=1

$1.......2.......3.......AA1.....2.....3.....4.....5.....6.....7....8....9.

OUT_FCT FCT_TestFCT A1 A2 !Max 9 Inputs

ENDE

[end]]

The function must be defined before the function call. Ideally all FCTs are defined at the beginning when the

model is read in. As can be seen in the example, the new controller can be called both directly via

FORTRAN statements with the defined name and also as a normal block.

The definition of the FCT controller is also possible in the graphical model editor. For this a new Function

output has been implemented, which is provided with a dialog box that also contains the input variables as

well as the function variable. The defined function can be called in any other controller model in the graphical

model editor with the help of the FCT block.

Enhanced Function for Blocks with Limits

The following blocks can be limited in PSS NETOMAC: LIM, VARLIM, INT, VZ1, VZ, PI, PD, DIFF,

STEILBEG, PROP.

All these blocks were provided with an additional output that indicates whether the signal was limited. The

following states are possible:

• - 1: Limitation with lower limit value

• 0: No limitation

• + 1: Limitation with upper limit value

The new output is automatically formed with "Name.1" and can be used like this in the MAC file.

It is also possible to use it in the Model Editor. The additional output for the block limitation can be activated

here as required. The Enable Limit State option is provided here:


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If this option is activated, an output is automatically formed via the set output (example in previous

illustration, "A3.1"). This generated output value can be used in all block inputs and naturally also in

FORTRAN statements.

Improved Support of External DLLs

More Flexible Management of DLLs

The support of external DLLs was generally improved. Previously, the DLLs could only be loaded from

predefined directories from the project. However, this is problematic if DLLs and associated models are to be

used across several projects. The DLLs can now therefore also be stored in parallel with the models

connecting these DLLs.

The possibility to provide 32-bit and 64-bit DLLs at the same time is also new. Those DLLs are then loaded

that are suitable for the PSS NETOMAC version used. A 32-bit version can only use 32-bit DLLs and a 64-bit

PSS NETOMAC version can only use 64-bit DLLs. As the DLLs normally have the same file name,

preference is always given to the 64-bit DLLs loading from subdirectory "Dll64".

Enhancements for IEC DLLs

PSS NETOMAC allows the use of IEC DLLs. These DLLs are based on a generic software interface which

enables the independent use of different software environments. The structure and format of the DLL

interface are described in the standard IEC 61400-27-1:2015 (Annex F: "Generic Software Interface for Use

of Models in Different Software Environments").

Previously IEC DLLs were always controlled with a freely selectable but constant time step. The DLL

therefore had to be supplied with interpolated values for the equally spaced time step in order to synchronize

with the variable PSS NETOMAC time steps. This behavior is undesirable for algebraic models without time

constants. The possibility was therefore provided to also control the IEC DLLs with variable time steps.

This function can be activated in the MAC interface file. The new FixedTimeStep parameter has been

provided for this.


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If the parameter is set to "no", the equally spaced time step can be deactivated. If the parameter is not

present, the model is called with the predefined equally spaced time step.

Enhanced Documentation and Examples

The Models manual now provides comprehensive documentation on the use of external DLLs.

New and enhanced sample implementations of external DLLs in C, C++ and Fortran have also been

provided.

The new "Example DLL" shows the use of external DLLs in PSS SINCAL and PSS NETOMAC. The example

shows the photovoltaic installations, which are modelled as DC infeeders for the load flow and short circuit

calculation and simulated with BOSL models. The example integrates several model blocks each in a

compiled DLL (Dynamic Link Library) as subsystems in two of the models active in the network model, and

compares their behavior.

Documents

Release Notes 15 - SimTecsincal.simtec.cc › 15.5 › ReleaseNotes-Eng.pdfThis ensures that these can be used without any problem with the 32-bit and 64-bit applications of the PSS