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Chapter 4 PowerFactory v15.1

4.1. Introduction to DIgSILENT PowerFactory v15.1
The calculation program PowerFactory, as written by DIgSILENT, is a computer
aided engineering tool for the analysis of industrial, utility, and commercial electrical power
systems. It has been designed as an advanced integrated and interactive software package
dedicated to electrical power system and control analysis in order to achieve the main
objectives of planning and operation optimization [1].
The name DIgSILENT stands for "DIgital SImuLation and Electrical NeTwork
calculation program''. DIgSILENT Version 15.1 was released in late 2013 which included
more advanced functions, standard user interface, network graphics, new elements model,
python Integration and new key features.
1- PowerFactory core functions: definition, modification and organization of cases;
core numerical routines; output and documentation functions.
2. Integrated interactive single line graphic and data case handling.
3. Power system element and base case database.
4. Integrated calculation functions (e.g. line and machine parameter calculation based
on geometrical or nameplate information).
5. Power system network configuration with interactive or on-line SCADA access.
6. Generic interface for computer-based mapping systems.
To address users power system analysis requirements, PowerFactory was designed
as an integrated engineering tool to provide a comprehensive suite of power system analysis
functions within a single executable program.
PowerFactory incorporates an impressive and continuously growing list of
simulation functions including:
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Load Flow and Fault Analysis, allowing meshed and mixed 1-phase, 2-phase, and
3-phase AC and/or DC networks.
Low Voltage Network Analysis
Short-Circuit Analysis for meshed and mixed 1-phase, 2-phase, and 3-phase AC
Network
Harmonics Analysis
RMS Simulation (time-domain simulation for stability analysis)
EMT Simulation (time-domain simulation of electromagnetic transient)
Eigenvalue Analysis
Model Parameter Identification
Contingency Analysis
Reliability Analysis
General Adequacy Analysis
Optimal Power Flow
Distribution Network Optimization
Protection Analysis
Network Reduction
State Estimation
The Electromagnetics transient will be focused on this report in the following chapter.

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4.2. Operating Window and Data Structure
Graphic user interface consists of the main part as the following:
Menu bar entry has drop list for menu options
Main tool bar provides command buttons and icons to perform a task
Project overview Window helps to keep overview of the project
Graphic Window shows network diagram
Drawing toolbox allows user to pick up the element needs
Output Window generates output results and reports

User can access data in Data Manager which provides all the features required to
manage and maintain all the data from the projects. The data manager uses a tree
representation of the whole database, in combination with a versatile data browser. To
initially open a data manager window press the icon from the main toolbar.
PowerFactorys Project data is organized in form of set of folder (workbook
structure). This means that all information and operation scenarios of the network contains
and grouped into Element Data and Operational Data. In data base term, these data
has been set in to four folders, in PowerFactory, as followings:
2
3
5
4
1
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Figure 4.1 Main window for PowerFactory v15.1
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1- Network Data folder: Holds all the element data.
2- Operation Scenario folder: Holds the operational data defining a certain
operational point.
3- Equipment Type folder: Holds all the type data
4- Study Case folder: Holds all the study management data.

The PowerFactory database supports multiple users and each user can manage
multiple projects. User Account" folders with access privileges only for their owners (and
other users with shared rights) must then be used. User accounts are of course in a higher
level than projects. Figure 4.3 shows a snapshot from a database as seen by the user in a Data
Manager window, where there is a User Account for User", and one project titled
Project". The main folders used to arrange data in PowerFactory are summarized below:
1- Global Library 2- Project Library
3- Network Data 4- Diagram
Figure 4.2 PowerFactory Data Manager
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5- Variations 6- Operation Scenarios
7- Study Cases 8- Settings

Figure 4.3 Structure of a PowerFactory project in Data Manager
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Different Simulation tasks can be performed by selecting the Change toolbox and the
icons appear for user to command the simulation procedures and create the plots.

4.3. Basic Data of Components and EMT Simulation
4.3.1. Voltage Source
The AC voltage source model is represented as the equivalent network contains the
ideal source, treats as having zero current, with internal impedance of positive, negative and
zero sequence as shown in figure below.

4.3.2. Substations and Nodes
PowerFactory defines busbar as two options, Nodes and Substations. Nodes are
represented as Terminal which is connecting lines, generators, loads, etc. to the network.
Figure 4.4 Change Toolbox Selection
X1 R1
U1 U1
set
I1 X2 R2
U2 U2
set
I2 X0 R0
U0 U0
set
I0
Figure 4.5 Positive, Negative and Zero sequence voltage source model respectively
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Depending on their usage within the power system, Terminals can be used to represent
Busbars, J unctions, or Internal Nodes.
4.3.3. Transmission Lines Model
This subsection describes the models of transmission lines available in PowerFactory
for both the steady-state and the transient simulations. Cable type is not mentioned here.
System Phase Technology Element Type
DC Unipolar Elmlne Typlne
AC
1-phase Elmlne Typlne
2-phase Elmlne Typlne
3-phase Elmlne Typlne, TypTow. TypGeo
1-phase with Neutral Elmlne Typlne
2-phase with Neutral Elmlne Typlne
3-phase with Neutral Elmlne Typlne
AC, mutually
coupled circuits
Any combination of
phase technologies
ElmTow Typlne, TypGeo
- Elmlne : Line Element; - TypTow : Tower Type
- ElmTow : Tower Element; - TypGeo : Tower Geometry Type
- Typlne : Type Line
In the steady state condition, Transmission Lines have been modeled as PI normal
circuit (lumped parameters, or short and medium line) and PI equivalent circuit (Distributed
parameters, or long line). These two models, Lumped and Distributed, are still used to model
in time domain simulations, but Constant and Frequency Dependent parameters are used to
model the long Transmission Lines.

Table 4.1 Overview of line model as available in PowerFactory