DIgSILENT

PowerFactory 2016

What‘s New

I N T E G R AT E D P O W E R S Y S T E M A N A LY S I S S O F T W A R E F O R
TRANSMISSION / DISTRIBUTION / INDUSTRY / G E N E R AT I O N / I N T E G R AT I O N O F R E N E W A B L E S
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Copyright © 2016 DIgSILENT GmbH

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January 2016
r2569
 CONTENTS

Contents

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 Handling and Data Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2.1 New Look & Feel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2.2 New Network Model Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2.3 Approval Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3 Network Diagrams and Graphic Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.1 Diagram Layout Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.2 Plots in Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.3 View Bookmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.4 Print Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3.5 Invariant Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4 Analysis Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4.1 Load Flow Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4.2 Contingency Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4.2.1 Time Sweep Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

4.2.2 Quad Booster Effectiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.3 Quasi-Dynamic Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.4 Transmission Network Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.4.1 QV Curves Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4.5 Distribution Network Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.5.1 Phase Balance Optimisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.6 Reliability Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.6.1 Contributions to Reliability Indices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.6.2 Evaluating Reliability Analysis results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.6.3 Parallel Computation of Contingencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

4.7 Cable Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

4.7.1 Cable Ampacity Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

4.7.2 Cable Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.8 RMS/EMT Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.8.1 Access to state derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New i

 CONTENTS

4.8.2 Improvement of initialisation logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.8.3 Further enhancements of the simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.9 Frequency Analysis Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.9.1 Prony Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.9.2 Enhancements of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.10 Network Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

4.11 Boundary Definition Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4.12 Optimal Power Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4.12.1 Maximisation of reactive power reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4.12.2 Minimisation of losses (selection) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4.13 Techno-Economical Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5 Visualisation of Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.1 Network Colouring According to Voltage Angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.2 Plot Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.2.1 Statistic Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.2.2 Moving/Sliding and Compressing tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.2.3 Digital Signal Plots and Fault Recorder View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.2.4 Further New Plot Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

6 Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

6.1 Synchronous Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

6.1.1 Synchronous Machine Standard Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

6.1.2 Synchronous Machine Model 3.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

6.1.3 Synchronous Machine Model for Asynchronous Starting . . . . . . . . 32

6.1.4 Classical Synchronous Machine Model for EMT simulation . . . . . . . 32

6.1.5 Renaming of parameters according to IEEE nomenclature . . . . . . . 32

6.2 Asynchronous Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

6.3 Power Electronic Converters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

6.3.1 MMC with Half Bridge Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

6.3.2 Enhancements of HVDC Control Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

6.3.3 Further Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

6.4 2-Winding Transformer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

6.4.1 Reactive power control at a user-defined boundary . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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6.4.2 Active power control including participation of power flow through bound-
ary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

6.5 Station Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

6.6 Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

6.7 Frequency dependency for R-L-C elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

6.8 AC Voltage Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

6.9 Current and Voltage Transformers (CTs and VTs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

7 Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

7.1 Parallelisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

7.2 Task Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

8 Scripting and Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.1 Encryption of DPL Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.2 Python 3.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.3 DGS 6.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.3.1 Object Identification via FID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.3.2 Supports References to global types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.3.3 Enhanced database features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.4 Version Independent API . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

9 Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

9.1 CGMES Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

9.2 Integral 7 Import Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

10 Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

10.1 Oracle 12 and MS SQL 2014 Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

10.2 External Authentication via Active Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

11 Installation and Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

11.1 New Versioning Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

11.2 Automatic Online Check for Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

11.3 New Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

11.4 New Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

11.4.1 Licence Activation and Licence Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

11.4.2 Migration of former licences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New iii

 1 INTRODUCTION

1 Introduction

PowerFactory 2016 is the next step in a successful series of PowerFactory releases. It offers a com-
pletely refreshed look & feel and comes with a broad range of new functions, new electrical models and
extensions to the existing modelling suite. Special attention has been paid to improved calculation and
simulation performance through the incorporation of parallelisation techniques. Moreover, a variety of
new features for improved data management, handling of the graphical network representation as well
as analysis and visualisation of results has been made available. The large range of interfaces has
been enhanced with new and updated converters.

With its rich analysis and modelling capabilities, PowerFactory 2016 is perfectly suited for network
planning and operation studies, from small micro grids over distribution networks with distributed gen-
eration to larger transmission systems, taking new HVDC technologies and renewable generation into
account.

With this new version we intend to introduce a more transparent versioning concept and naming con-
vention. We will continue with a yearly release cycle where the latest version will be named according
to its release year. This explains the new version name PowerFactory 2016.

This document highlights the new key features and enhancements available in PowerFactory 2016.
Please note that the licensing technology for PowerFactory 2016 has been changed. For details refer
to Chapter 11.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 1

 2 HANDLING AND DATA MANAGEMENT

2 Handling and Data Management

2.1 New Look & Feel

PowerFactory 2016 comes up with a completely revised look & feel, making the handling more intuitive
and comfortable. Figure 2.1 shows PowerFactory with its new look. All toolbar icons have been re-
designed to make them more comprehensible and to enhance the legibility. A large number of them can
be seen at the top and on the right side of Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1: New look of PowerFactory 2016

The user interface of PowerFactory windows, e. g. of dialog boxes etc., has been adapted to the new
Windows style. PowerFactory supports Visual Styles now. The font in PowerFactory now conforms
with the Windows system font and its size will be changed automatically, when the Windows display
settings are modified.

2.2 New Network Model Manager

With the new PowerFactory version a Network Model Manager shown in Figure 2.2 is introduced,
which replaces the Edit Relevant Objects for Calculation function. The Manager contains only relevant
objects for the calculation, which are now neatly arranged in groups on the left side of the Network
Model Manager. Next to the well-known symbols the meaning of the symbols is indicated. Groups can
be collapsed/opened to hide/show their contents. All this helps in finding a desired object class more
quickly.

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2.2 New Network Model Manager 2 HANDLING AND DATA MANAGEMENT

Figure 2.2: The newly-introduced Network Model Manager

On the right side of the Network Model Manager all those objects are listed, which correspond to the
selected class on the left. For the tables on the right a new auto-filter function is available. These auto-
filters can be accessed via the arrow buttons in the column headers. The new filters include string as
well as number filters with various criteria. This allows the user to filter columns by the existing entries
or to define custom filters, providing the possibility to filter the objects in a more user-specific way. To
quickly identify filtered columns, the column headings are indicated in blue. Furthermore, as illustrated
in Figure 2.3, a balloon help appears and shows the applied filter settings, when the mouse cursor is
held still over the heading of a filtered column. One or more column filters can be consolidated to one
common filter, which can then be saved under any name to reuse it (see Figure 2.4).

Figure 2.3: Filtered columns are highlighted by blue headings and show balloon help texts with the
applied filter settings

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 3

2.3 Approval Information 2 HANDLING AND DATA MANAGEMENT

Figure 2.4: Reuse of saved, user-defined filters

Auto-filters for columns are now also available in the Data Manager and Browser Windows. This simpli-
fies and speeds up the search of particular objects. A further improvement is the opportunity to change
the column order on the Flexible Data page via Drag&Drop.

2.3 Approval Information

In PowerFactory 2016 the approval information status of an element or type will be automatically reset
from Approved to Not Approved, if element or type data is changed. In cases with an Operation Scenario
active, only adjustments of non-operational data will lead to a reset of the status flag.

This new feature helps to detect data modifications more quickly and prevent data changes being made
without prior review.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 4

 3 NETWORK DIAGRAMS AND GRAPHIC FEATURES

3 Network Diagrams and Graphic Features

3.1 Diagram Layout Tool

With the Diagram Layout Tool comes a powerful feature to create graphical representations of net-
work topologies automatically. The tool offers a manual, semi- and fully automatic drawing of nodes and
branch elements, which are existing in the network model, but not yet graphically represented in the
current Network Diagram. The tool is especially useful for networks, imported via interfaces, which do
not have a graphical representation yet and for which the Network Diagram is desired or needed. The
building process can create a whole network graphically in an empty diagram at once or may be split up
and divided into steps (see fig. 3.1), if manual adjustments after each call of the Diagram Layout Tool
are desired. The dialog of the tool provides further options to customise the output (see Fig. 3.2).

(a) Start from a single (b) Second step with first neighbours (c) Final Network Diagram
busbar

Figure 3.1: Exemplary steps of creating an automatically drawn Network Diagram

Figure 3.2: Dialog of the Diagram Layout Tool

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 5

3.2 Plots in Diagrams 3 NETWORK DIAGRAMS AND GRAPHIC FEATURES

3.2 Plots in Diagrams

The Network Diagrams are more flexible with the new version of PowerFactory: It is now possible to
insert any type of plot (e.g. result plot, Phasor Diagram or R-X Plot) directly into diagrams. It offers
the possibility to present more information about the network, its components and their behaviour in a
single line or a geographic diagram.

The new graphic element Plot can be found in the group of the Annotation Elements. For the source
of the plot, any existing Virtual Instruments (VI) can be selected. The Plot elements are linked to
their source and dynamically updated with every executed calculation. Plots in Network Diagrams are
associated to the active study case. This behaviour lets you configure the diagram individually for every
Study case with the corresponding plots. The handling of the Plot is intuitive and similar to other graphic
elements: It can be moved, resized or aligned with other elements.

(a) Motor Starting (b) Harmonics and Frequency Sweep

Figure 3.3: Examples for possible applications of Plots in Network Diagrams

3.3 View Bookmarks

The View Bookmarks improve the navigation in schematic and geographic diagrams. In bigger networks
it is often necessary to work on different parts of the network diagrams. Instead of manually navigating
and using the normal zoom functions, for each particular view a View Bookmark can be created. By
using hot keys or the drop down list in the graphics window icon bar, the current view is set to the one
of the selected bookmark.

Figure 3.4: Exemplary View Bookmarks in the drop down menu

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 6

3.4 Print Area 3 NETWORK DIAGRAMS AND GRAPHIC FEATURES

The bookmarked views can be defined in any of the existing Network Diagrams. A very convenient
switching between different Network Diagrams is therefore possible (see Fig. 3.4). All defined book-
marks can be altered or removed individually. The View Bookmarks may improve the work flow a lot,
especially for tasks with recurring actions.

3.4 Print Area

The Print Area introduces a very helpful feature for printing a user defined selection of the view of a
Network Diagram. By pressing the Define Print Area button a print area will be created, which
covers the whole view considering the page layout defined in the Drawing Format dialog. Like graphic
elements, the Print Area can be scaled and moved as needed to choose the desired part of the network
for printing. After defining the Print Area, the print dialog will automatically show the preview of the
selected area.

The print dialog itself has been updated too. It now starts with a bigger Print Preview window, compared
with previous PowerFactory versions, improving the clearness of the preview. The Margins are also
now directly configurable via the button. If only a selection (defined via a Print Area or a zoomed
view) is to be printed, the margins can be set to fit the page or if not, to centre the selection. The printer
settings can be configured by pressing the Printer Setup button.
Figure 3.5 displays an exemplary Print Area and the subsequently called Print Preview.

Figure 3.5: Print Area and renewed Print Preview for improving the printing process

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 7

3.5 Invariant Layers 3 NETWORK DIAGRAMS AND GRAPHIC FEATURES

3.5 Invariant Layers

In bigger networks, it is often desirable to have annotations such as text or logos in viewing range,
always visible, independent of zoom level or position in the network diagram. With the new version of
PowerFactory it is possible to define Invariant Layers1 . The size and position on the current view of the
associated Annotations remain unchanged regardless of the zoom level. Using Invariant Layers the user
may create for example individual legends or other grouped Annotations. Like all other layers, Invariant
Layers can be set to invisible in the Graphic Layers dialog (Annotation Layers tab), if for example the
layer is only used to add additional information to the Network Diagram when printed.

(a) Overview of the whole network (b) Detail of the network

Figure 3.6: Exemplary grouped Annotation as part of an Invariant Layer

1 Feature will be available with PowerFactory 2016 SP1.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 8

 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

4 Analysis Functions

4.1 Load Flow Analysis

The Load Flow Calculation for unbalanced systems is enhanced with several new variables to deter-
mine the unbalance. The voltage unbalance factor is calculated for nodes. For branch elements, the
unbalance factor for current and power is calculated for each side. Feeders give additional information
about the maximum and average unbalance of the elements within the feeder object. All values are
given in %. Tab. 4.1 lists all newly introduced variables and their description.

Element Variable Description

Ratio of negative to positive sequence
Nodes ubfac
voltage.
Ratio of negative to positive sequence cur-
ubfacI
Branches rent.
Ratio of maximum difference between the
ubfacS apparent power of the phases to the aver-
age apparent power over all phases.
Maximum voltage unbalance factor of all
maxUnbFacU
nodes in the feeder.
Average voltage unbalance factor of all
avgUnbFacU
nodes in the feeder.
Feeders Maximum current unbalance factor of all
maxUnbFacI
branches in the feeder.
Average current unbalance factor of all
avgUnbFacI
branches in the feeder.
Maximum power unbalance factor of all
maxUnbFacS
branches in the feeder.
Average power unbalance factor of all
avgUnbFaS
branches in the feeder.
Current unbalance factor of the element,
fedUnbFacI
from which the feeder starts.
Power unbalance factor of the element,
fedUnbFacS
from which the feeder starts.

Table 4.1: Newly introduced variables for the unbalanced load flow calculation

4.2 Contingency Analysis

4.2.1 Time Sweep Reports

By using the Time Sweep option in the Contingency Analysis command, it is possible to study different
study case times. This option is particularly useful in situations where the contingency analysis needs to
be automatically performed taking into account different system conditions, such as load and generation
profiles.

To support users in analysing the results of a contingency time sweep calculation, PowerFactory 2016
includes improvements in the Contingency Analysis Reports. Now besides showing results for a specific
study time, the reports include a new option called study time summary, which displays overall results
for all of the contingencies and study times analysed.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 9

4.2 Contingency Analysis 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

The following reports are available when the study time summary option is selected:

• Maximum Loadings
• Voltage Steps
• Maximum Voltages
• Minimum Voltages
• Non-convergent Cases

Additionally, the user may switch between different study time results within the individual report as
shown in figure 4.1.

Figure 4.1: Option to change Study Time in the Contingency Analysis Report

4.2.2 Quad Booster Effectiveness

The Quad Booster Effectiveness calculation within the contingency analysis command (ComSimoutage)
and the sensitivity calculation (ComVstab) has been enhanced to support an additional method.

Two methods are now available:

• Linearisation of transformer tap changes (The pre-existing method using sensitivity analysis)
• Discrete transformer tap assessment (The new method)

In PowerFactory , a measurement report can be used to describe a dependence between the impedance
and the tap position. Therefore, when varying the tap position of such a quadrature booster, the actual
effects on network flows and voltages may not be well approximated by a pure sensitivity approach, in
particular if the tap dependence of the impedance is highly non-linear. The new effectiveness calcula-
tion method is provided to assist in such cases. If the new method is selected the algorithm will first
examine the linearity of the tap dependent impedance, if the impedance characteristic is linear then the
pre-existing method using sensitivity analysis will be applied as this is the faster method. However, if
the algorithm detects a sufficient degree of non-linearity the new method will be applied. In contrast

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 10

4.3 Quasi-Dynamic Simulation 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

to sensitivity analysis, this method determines the effectiveness by two fast evaluations of load flow re-
sults, one at the current tap position of the quadrature booster and one with a setting at one tap position
higher. The new method has been implemented for AC and DC calculation methods.

Besides calculating sensitivities for a single transformer, it is now also possible to select a tap-controller
(ElmTapctrl) making reference to one or more transformers and calculate sensitivities with respect to the
tap controller itself. This facilitates analysis of the case of tapping multiple transformers simultaneously.

4.3 Quasi-Dynamic Simulation

PowerFactory 2016 offers a parallel computation feature for the Quasi-Dynamic Simulation, which con-
siderably shortens the computation time for a simulation. This is particularly noticeable for long-term
simulations with a large number of calculations. PowerFactory uses the parallel computation tool for the
Quasi-Dynamic Simulation if a user-defined minimum number of points in time is exceeded. The com-
putation will then be distributed to a predefined number of cores. More information about Parallelisation
can be found in Section 7.1.

4.4 Transmission Network Tools

4.4.1 QV Curves Calculation

QV curves are very useful when analysing voltage stability of power systems. The QV Curves show the
sensitivity and variation of bus voltages with respect to injected reactive power. The bottom of the curve
represents not only the voltage stability limit but also the minimum amount of reactive power required
for stable operation.

When executing a QV Curves Calculation, the critical reactive power and voltage are reported in the
output window. The reactive power (Q) and corresponding voltage drop (V), can then be plotted in a QV
curve, as shown in figure 4.2.

Figure 4.2: QV curves example

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 11

4.4 Transmission Network Tools 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

In PowerFactory 2016, the calculation and the corresponding plots are made available via two sepa-
rate commands, both of which are available either via the Transmission Network Tools toolbar or the
Calculation main menu:

• QV Curves Calculation (executes the calculation)

• QV Curves Plot (plots the QV curve)

The QV Curves Calculation offers the following options:

• Consider contingencies as shown in figure 4.3.

• Select one or more terminals to analyse.

• Define a global or individual voltage range for terminals.
• Define additional active power injection.

When plotting the QV curves, the following options are available:

• The user may choose to plot the critical busbar, or select the busbar/s to be plotted.
• If the QV Curves Calculation has been executed with consideration of contingencies, the user may
either choose to plot the busbar of the critical contingency, or select the busbar/s to be plotted for
each defined contingency. By default, the critical busbar of the critical contingency is plotted. An
option exists to plot the critical busbar of each contingency.

• If the QV Curves Calculation has been executed with additional power injections, the user may
either choose to plot all the active power injections or a user defined one.
• Additionally, it is possible to plot additional capacitors curves for each selected busbar.

Figure 4.3: QV Curves Calculation dialog

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 12

4.5 Distribution Network Tools 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

4.5 Distribution Network Tools

4.5.1 Phase Balance Optimisation

The set of Distribution Network Tools is enhanced by a new tool for Phase Balance Optimisation . In
networks with unbalanced power flows, the tool can reconnect automatically loads, generators and/or
branch elements on the available phases in order to achieve a minimum of power unbalance (see Basic
Options of the edit dialog shown in Figure 4.4). Elements whose connected phases should not change
can be excluded from the phase permutation.

The optimisation can be executed by choosing one of two optimisation methods, which can further be
configured:

• In the method Large loads and generators first all considered elements are reconnected in order of
their power. This self-explanatory algorithm uses a deterministic approach, which finds in almost
all cases a very good solution with a high degree of power balance in the network.
• The advanced method Simulated annealing implements the metaheuristic algorithm of the same
name, in which a properly chosen random process approaches the optimum during a ”cool down”
of the system. This algorithm is also able to find highly balanced solutions in cases in which power
balance is difficult to achieve.

The optimum is defined by the objective function, which can be:

• the Average power unbalance of all branch elements in the feeder,

• the Power unbalance at feeding point.

All changed elements can be displayed in the output window; additional information for every iteration
may be reported too. The optimal changes in the corresponding elements can be carried out in the
current network or in a new Variation.

Figure 4.4: Basic options of the Phase Balance Optimisation dialog

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 13

4.6 Reliability Analysis 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

4.6 Reliability Analysis

Reliability Analysis in PowerFactory 2016 has been greatly enhanced via the use of parallelisation for
performance, improved reports, and the analysis of contributions to reliability indices.

4.6.1 Contributions to Reliability Indices

This calculates the effects of the calculated contingencies on various reliability indices. The post pro-
cessing command analyses the impact on a predefined set of customers. The customers can be con-
tained within the following grouping elements:

• Grid
• Zone
• Feeder
• Area
• General Selection
• Loads (general, LV and MV loads)

In Figure 4.5, the contribution to EIC (Expected Interruption Cost) can be seen, with the focus on the
part of the network that is supplied by the substation shown in the left part of the figure.

Figure 4.5: Example of contribution to Expected Interruption Costs based on one part of the network

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4.6 Reliability Analysis 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

This feature allows the analysis of the contribution to reliability indices for only a part of the network,
assisted by the reporting functionality described in Section 4.6.2.

4.6.2 Evaluating Reliability Analysis results

The improved reporting functionality can be used to assess which element contributes most to the
calculated reliability indices, focusing on all loads or a selection of loads to be supplied.

The contribution of a single element to the reliability indices can now be analysed through this newly-
introduced reporting command. The report shows to what extent a single element is contributing to the
following reliability indices.

• SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index)

• SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index)
• ASIFI (Average System Interruption Frequency Index)
• ASIDI (Average System Interruption Duration Index)

• ENS (Energy Not Supplied)

• EIC (Expected Interruption Cost)

Note: ENS and EIC are two parameters introduced in PowerFactory 2016.

The results can later be studied with the aid of:

• Tabular Report, that contains the contributions of elements to the reliability indices mentioned
above in percentage values or through a coloured bar. The tabular report is shown in Figure 4.6.

• Listing in the output window, showing the contribution of different elements groups such as lines,
transformers, busbars, etc.
• Diagram colouring as shown in Figure 4.5. In this case the colouring is according to the contribu-
tion to EIC, considering one part of the network.

This assists in finding the critical (and therefore expensive) elements within the network and can be
used as a guide for the optimal replacement or reinforcement of network components.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 15

4.7 Cable Analysis 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

Figure 4.6: Example of Reliability Report showing contribution of elements to reliability indices

4.6.3 Parallel Computation of Contingencies

This new feature offers the possibility of using all available processor cores for the calculation of contin-
gencies. It results in improved performance, in particular for large networks containing many elements
and therefore a large number of possible contingencies. More information about parallel processing can
be found in Section 7.1.

4.7 Cable Analysis

A new calculation module “Cable Analysis” has been introduced in PowerFactory 2016. This module
contains the former Cable Sizing function, as well as a new Cable Ampacity Calculation method.

4.7.1 Cable Ampacity Calculation

Cable Ampacity Calculation is a new feature introduced in PowerFactory 2016.

Calculation of the cable ampacity or the cable maximum allowed current with respect to the cable laying
conditions has always been of interest in various studies for both medium and high voltage networks.

The new Cable Ampacity Calculation tool uses two widely accepted methods:

• IEC 60287 - based on standard IEC 60287 Part 1-1: Current rating equations (at 100 % load
factor) and calculation of losses (released in 1994)
• Neher-McGrath - calculation method derived from J. H. Neher and M. H. McGrath, “The Calcula-
tion of the Temperature Rise and Load Capability of Cable Systems”, AIEE Transactions, Part III,
Volume 76, pp 752-772, October, 1957

For both lines and line sections, the relevant settings such as ambient temperature, soil thermal re-
sistivity or direct sunlight exposition, etc. are stored in the Cable Analysis page under the subpage
IEC60287/Neher-McGrath.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 16

4.7 Cable Analysis 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

Figure 4.7: CableSizing/Ampacity page in ElmLne object

This calculation command offers different outputs.

• Report only - for successfully performed calculations a report will be printed in the Output window.
All relevant data and settings for calculation will be issued. The result data provides information
on maximum allowed current, losses and the total temperature for the provided load factor.
• Modify derating factor of lines - this option modifies the existing derating factor in the network
model.
• Create a new variation with modified lines - instead of modifying the current network, a new
variation that contains all modifications will be created.

Figure 4.8: Cable Ampacity Calculation command dialog

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 17

4.7 Cable Analysis 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

4.7.2 Cable Sizing

PowerFactory 2016 contains enhancements in the Cable Sizing interface, providing the user much
more comprehensive settings with respect to the international standards.

All standards available in the Cable Sizing command have their own corresponding tabs on the Cable
Analysis page of each line or line section element. Such representation helps the user to identify where
the relevant settings are to be used. Page settings are visible only if the line or line section is suitable
for the analysis.

Figure 4.9: Cable Sizing tabs in Cable Analysis page

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 18

4.8 RMS/EMT Simulation 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

4.8 RMS/EMT Simulation

4.8.1 Access to state derivatives

For Stability/EMT simulations as well as for Modal Analysis, the derivatives of state variables for various
dynamic models are now accessible. Built-in PowerFactory models and user defined DSL models
support this feature. State derivatives are named in relation to their corresponding state variable’s
name with an additional suffix “:dt” (e.g. “phi:dt” or “speed:dt”). An example of a state variable (rotor
speed) and its derivative counterpart (rotor acceleration) is shown in Figure 4.10.

Figure 4.10: Example of monitoring speed and acceleration using state derivative signals

4.8.2 Improvement of initialisation logic

PowerFactory 2016 adds flexibility to the DSL initialisation algorithm by enabling complex initialisation
procedures involving multiple DSL blocks.

4.8.3 Further enhancements of the simulation

Power interchange of a boundary available in a dynamic simulation

The calculation parameters “Pinter” and “Qinter” of a boundary object are now available as output
signals. These variables represent the active and reactive power interchange across the boundary.
Therefore, it is now possible in a dynamic simulation to use these signals within a DSL model.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 19

4.8 RMS/EMT Simulation 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

EMT Simulation: Various options of triggering breaker close events

The breaker switching event has been enhanced by a number of options, enabling the breaker to be
closed:

• depending on execution time

• at voltage zero crossing
• on minimum absolute voltage across contacts

• on maximum absolute voltage across contacts

• on maximum positive voltage across contacts
• on maximum negative voltage (maximum magnitude of a negative voltage) across contacts

Further customisation options are available when closing a breaker at voltage zero crossing or on mini-
mum absolute voltage across contacts, as shown in Figure 4.11.

Figure 4.11: Additional options for breaker close events

Load Event used on a selection of load elements

It is now possible to apply a single load event (EvtLod) to multiple load elements by referencing to a
selection object (SetSelect).

Parameter Event used on a selection of elements

It is now possible to apply a single parameter event (EvtParam) to multiple elements by referencing to a
selection object (SetSelect).

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 20

4.9 Frequency Analysis Tool 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

4.9 Frequency Analysis Tool

In PowerFactory 2016 a new Frequency Analysis Tool is introduced, allowing the user to study time-
domain signals in detail, see Figure 4.12. It supports the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) as well as the
newly introduced Prony Analysis.

Figure 4.12: Frequency Analysis Tool

4.9.1 Prony Analysis

Prony Analysis decomposes a given signal into damped sinusoidal oscillations, the so-called modes of
a signal. In contrast to the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), where the algorithm is only able to consider
predefined frequencies, Prony Analysis determines the exact value of the frequency of a mode.

The Frequency Analysis Tool offers the possibility to apply Prony Analysis for a single time point or over
a predefined time range. The calculation result for a single time point is presented in bar diagrams
showing the amplitude, damping and energy of each mode, see Figure 4.13. Calculation of Prony Anal-
ysis over a given time range is useful to detect changes in harmonic, interharmonic or subsynchronous
oscillations, see Figure 4.14. Figure 4.13 and Figure 4.14 show an example of a generator current in a
60 Hz power system, in which a subsynchronous resonance occurs at t = 0.0 s. The subsynchronous
resonance causes a current component with a frequency of 39.6 Hz (ca. 20 Hz below fundamental
frequency). In addition there are current components with a frequency of 81.3 Hz (ca. 20 Hz above
fundamental frequency) and higher frequencies, which are well damped and therefore do not impact
the system.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 21

4.9 Frequency Analysis Tool 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

Figure 4.13: Prony Analysis results, three plots showing the magnitude, energy and damping of the
modes of a given signal for a single time point

Figure 4.14: Prony Analysis calculated over a time range

4.9.2 Enhancements of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)

The already available Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) has been moved to the new command and is en-
riched with new functionality such as re-sampling settings and analysis of curves given in Comtrade
format.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 22

4.10 Network Reduction 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

4.10 Network Reduction

PowerFactory 2016 comes with a new network reduction method based on REI equivalents (Radial,
Equivalent, Independent).

The network reduction based on REI equivalents aggregates loads and generators, instead of inserting
voltages sources (Ward equivalents). Dependent on the further calculation which shall be carried out
using the reduced network, it might be necessary to retain different kinds of generators or to separate
load and generation. Therefore different kinds of retainment can be used, as shown in figure 4.15.

Figure 4.15: Different generator and load retainment options for the network reduction based on REI-
equivalents

While all loads can either be retained or reduced, generation units can be separated by their type
(synchronous or static generator). It is also possible to retain only the voltage controlled units. Important
elements like interchange lines between two neighbouring countries can be selected not to be reduced
either.

Additionally, synchronous generators can be aggregated by their Plant Category. This enables the user
to use individual controllers and characteristics for aggregated generation equivalents depending on
each plant category (for example a coal or a gas power plant). The names of the equivalent generators
contain the object class, control mode, active power flow sign and plant category. Figure 4.16 shows an
example of an REI-equivalent based network reduction.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 23

4.10 Network Reduction 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

Figure 4.16: REI-equivalents based reduction of the 14 Bus System

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 24

4.11 Boundary Definition Tool 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

4.11 Boundary Definition Tool

Boundaries play an important role in network reduction, for various interchange flow control options, as
well as in numerous Transmission Network Tools, such as the PTDF and Network Transfer calculations.
The boundary definition process has been improved in PowerFactory 2016, whereby the user can
define boundaries using the Boundary Definition Tool, which allows the definition of boundary element(s)
with simple and intuitive settings. The Boundary Definition Tool dialog is shown in Figure 4.17.

Figure 4.17: Boundary Definition Tool dialog

The following options are available when defining a boundary:

Based on regional elements

Zones, areas, grids and even existing boundaries can be used to define a boundary. The selection
supports multiple elements of the same type.

When regional elements are used, some additional options are available for the user:

• One common boundary: single boundary containing all the interior elements of the component
regions.

• Separate boundary for each region: a number of boundaries corresponding to the number of
regions will be defined with corresponding interior elements.
• All boundaries between neighbouring regions: each combination between selected regions is
considered and corresponding boundary is defined.

Based on branch elements

This option corresponds to boundary definition method available in previous versions of PowerFactory,
with the following improvement: A boundary can now be defined by selecting branch elements (e.g.
lines, transformers), in addition to the existing option of using cubicles. PowerFactory will automatically
define the boundary according to the selected branch elements. When this option is selected the user
can specify if the selected branch elements belong to the interior region of the boundary or not.

In addition the Boundary Definition Tool offers the possibility to define the boundary only if it splits the
network into two separated regions.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 25

4.12 Optimal Power Flow 4 ANALYSIS FUNCTIONS

4.12 Optimal Power Flow

4.12.1 Maximisation of reactive power reserve

The Optimal Power Flow command in PowerFactory 2016 includes a new objective function for the AC
Optimisation method called Maximisation of reactive power reserve.

The objective of this function is to maximise the overall reactive power reserve of all participating gen-
eration units. There are three options to select how the maximisation is performed:

• Min. deviations from Q target value: A target value is defined per generation unit. The optimisation
determines reactive power setpoints which minimise the deviations to these target values.
• Min. deviations from min. Q: Reactive power setpoints minimising the deviations from the lower
limits of the generation units are determined.

• Min. deviations from max. Q: Reactive power setpoints minimising the deviations from the upper
limits of the generation units are determined.

4.12.2 Minimisation of losses (selection)

A new objective function for selective loss minimisation has been integrated into PowerFactory 2016. It
facilitates the minimisation of active power losses for parts of the network only, e.g. for a specific zone,
area, grid or a user-defined selection of elements.

When the objective function Minimisation of losses (selection) is selected, the sum of active power
losses of all the elements within the set is minimised.

4.13 Techno-Economical Calculation

Since version 15.2, PowerFactory offers parallel evaluation of calculation points to enhance the per-
formance for techno-economical studies. However, if very few calculation points are considered or no
time-consuming calculations for interruption- or loss-costs are performed, the overhead of the parallel
set-up might override the overall performance gain. In PowerFactory 2016, a minimum number of cal-
culation points can be entered by the user. Parallel processing will then be executed only if this number
is exceeded. More information about parallelisation can be found in Section 7.1.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 26

 5 VISUALISATION OF RESULTS

5 Visualisation of Results

5.1 Network Colouring According to Voltage Angles

Power flowing through an AC network influences the voltage angle. Therefore the voltage angle indi-
cates whether an areas has a surplus of power, resulting in power flowing from the area into the grid
(power export), or an area is importing power, which flows through the grid into the area. The higher the
export, the larger the voltage angle, whereas power import leads to lower voltage angles. The deviation
of the voltage angle within a grid gives information about the stress on a grid and helps when analysing
its stability margins.

PowerFactory 2016 introduces a colouring mode for network diagrams according to relative voltage
angles. A relative voltage angle is the voltage angle purged from the angle shift caused by transformer
vector groups. By means of the relative voltage angle, the voltage angle deviation throughout a whole
grid can be analysed easily. PowerFactory allows colouring of the network diagram according to low
and high relative voltage angles at nodes, as well as colouring of branch elements (i.e. lines, cables,
transformers) according to the relative voltage angle deviations at the equipment.

Figure 5.1 shows an example of a large transmission system coloured according to relative voltage
angles (low and high relative voltage angles at nodes). The red colour at the top indicates an area
with a surplus of power. The blue colour indicates power importing areas. The deviation of the relative
voltage angle through the grid (also through a parts of the grid) shows how much stress the grid (the
part of the grid) is under.

Figure 5.1: Example for colouring of the network diagram according to the relative voltage angle

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 27

5.2 Plot Enhancements 5 VISUALISATION OF RESULTS

5.2 Plot Enhancements

PowerFactory 2016 comes with a series of convenience functions to analyse plots.

5.2.1 Statistic Labels

The newly-introduced Statistic Label function offers the possibility to label

• Minimum or Maximum in the visible area of the plot

• Global Minima or Maxima
• Local Minima or Maxima
• Global Average
• Average of the visible area of the plot
• Integral of the visible area of the plot

of curves. This simplifies the statistical evaluation of plots. Figure 5.2 shows the selection dialog and
an example of some statistic labels. By default the indicated names and values of the statistic labels
are automatically set. The user also has the opportunity to enter a user-defined text for each label. This
can be helpful to highlight the most important points of the curve.

Figure 5.2: Example for Statistic Labels in a plot

5.2.2 Moving/Sliding and Compressing tool

Further features introduced in PowerFactory 2016 are the Move and the Stretch-/compress tools for
the x-scale. With the Move tool the timeline can be shifted in both directions by clicking somewhere
into the plot, holding down the left mouse button and moving the cursor to the left or to the right. The
feature provides the advantage that a time range can now be moved easily. The curve can now also be
temporally stretched or compressed. This tool is helpful to quickly expand or shrink time ranges to see
more or less of a curve.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 28

5.2 Plot Enhancements 5 VISUALISATION OF RESULTS

5.2.3 Digital Signal Plots and Fault Recorder View

A completely new developed Digital Plot shown in the lower part of Figure 5.3 is now available. If a
digital signal is true (i.e. the absolute value of a signal is greater than 0.5), the Digital Plot displays it in
the form of a bar. In contrast to this, false values are represented as lines. Thereby digital signals can
be properly analysed.

Moreover the Digital Plot is an important component of the enhanced Fault Recorder View, which is
available in the PowerFactory Monitor profile. The new Fault Recorder View arranges the plots auto-
matically as shown in Figure 5.3. It assigns predefined spaces for the Digital Plots and for other plots
and scales the size of the plots according to their number to fit them into these areas. Even with a large
number of Digital Signals the Fault Recorder View stays clearly arranged. Two cursors are supplied,
which can be shifted as desired over the whole diagram.

Figure 5.3 depicts a possible case of application for the Fault Recorder View. It shows the three phase
currents of a line CT (secondary current of a CT connected to a line) and several digital signals from a
protection device (starting, tripping and detection of protection zones). At time 0 s a phase to ground
fault occurs on phase A at the end of the line (end of the line as seen from the protection device), which
develops into a two-phase fault (phases A and B) after 15 ms. The protection device detects the fault in
Zone 2, because it occurs at the end of the line. The tripping signal is being transmitted with the time
delay set for Zone 2 after 350 ms. The time between the first detection of the fault in phase A and the
tripping signal is 418 ms. With the help of the two cursors, this time can easily be measured, as shown
in Figure 5.3.

Figure 5.3: Fault Recorder View with Digital Plots

5.2.4 Further New Plot Options

PowerFactory 2016 offers new plot options. The legend for subplots with one or two y-axes (VisPlot
and VisPlot2 subplots) can now be placed on the right side of the diagram. In subplots the x- and y-
scale can be hidden if not needed. The y-axis of a subplot can now be scaled based on a decibel scale
by using the new option “dB” available on the y-Axis page of the subplot dialog. This provides improved
flexibility for the individual design of plots.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 29

 6 MODELS

6 Models

6.1 Synchronous Machine

PowerFactory 2016 offers a wide spectrum of state of the art simulation models for synchronous ma-
chines ranging from simplified representations where a minimum set of data is necessary, up to very
detailed models which can provide great insights into the behaviour of the machine, ideal for complex
and detailed power system analyses. PowerFactory 2016 gives the user the following modelling op-
tions:

• Classical model for stability (RMS) simulations

• NEW! Classical model for transient (EMT) simulations
• Standard Model for stability (RMS) and transient (EMT) simulations

• NEW! Model 3.3 for stability (RMS) and transient (EMT) simulations
• NEW! Asynchronous Starting Model for stability (RMS) and transient (EMT) simulations

6.1.1 Synchronous Machine Standard Model

To provide an easy to use simplified model definition for RMS and EMT simulation, the Standard Model
has been enhanced with multiple input parameters options as below (refer to Figure 6.1):

• Input via Equivalent circuit parameters (NEW!): The direct and quadrature axes equivalent circuit
parameters are set directly, or
• Input via Short-Circuit data: The typical data sheet information is set (e.g. synchronous, transient
and sub-transient reactances and corresponding time constants)

Figure 6.1: Input Parameters Options for the Synchronous Machine Standard Model

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 30

6.1 Synchronous Machine 6 MODELS

Further options are available for modelling the synchronous machine main flux saturation (see Fig-
ure 6.2).

• d- and q-axis (flux magnitude): identical saturation characteristic for both d- and q-axis based on
the open-circuit saturation characteristic
• d-axis (flux magnitude): saturation only on d-axis based on the open-circuit saturation character-
istic
• d- and q-axis (flux components): individual saturation characteristic for d- and q-axis based on
flux components (NEW!)
• d-axis (flux component, d-axis): individual saturation characteristic for d-axis based on the relevant
flux component (NEW!)

Figure 6.2: Multiple options for saturation of the main flux of the Synchronous Machine Standard Model

6.1.2 Synchronous Machine Model 3.3

For certain synchronous machine types and depending on their physical construction, a third order
model (either in direct, in quadrature or in both axis) reproduces in detail the behaviour of the equipment
for a large frequency range (including subsynchronous domain). Model 3.3 adds complexity in return
for greatly improved simulation results by integrating a field excitation and two damper windings in the
d-axis and three damper windings in the q-axis.

An overview of the additional features of the Model 3.3 as compared to the Standard Model is sum-
marised below:

• d-axis: additional damper winding loop

• q-axis: additional damper winding loop
• saturation of stator leakage reactance

The Synchronous Machine Model 3.3 includes main flux saturation as in the Standard Machine Model
(i.e. described in Section 6.1.1). Furthermore, the saturation of the stator leakage reactance is addi-
tionally supported as shown in Figure 6.3

The Synchronous Machine Model 3.3 is fully integrated in the Harmonics/Power Quality toolbox by
using the dynamic model parameters (defined for RMS and EMT-Simulation studies) to compute the
impedance and frequency dependency (via the Use frequency transfer functions option).

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 31

6.2 Asynchronous Machine 6 MODELS

Figure 6.3: Saturation of the stator leakage reactance in the Synchronous Machine Model 3.3

6.1.3 Synchronous Machine Model for Asynchronous Starting

PowerFactory 2016 is supplied with a new synchronous machine model suitable for representing eddy-
current effects of solid iron parts of the rotor. This model is particulary useful for investigating transient
phenomena (e.g. machine start-up) in both RMS and EMT type simulations (recommended for use in
EMT type analyses). The model is based on a “2.1” synchronous machine model type (i.e. in d-axis
- one damper and one field loop and in q-axis - one damper loop), but contains additional impedance
branches that are dependent on the square root of the slip which represent the eddy-current effects of
solid rotor.

The synchronous machine model for asynchronous starting includes main flux saturation as in the
Standard Machine Model (i.e. described in Section 6.1.1) and saturation of the stator leakage reactance
as described in Section 6.1.2.

6.1.4 Classical Synchronous Machine Model for EMT simulation

The Classical Synchronous Machine Model is now available also for transient (EMT) type simulations
in which the simplified behaviour of the machine can be reproduced. It provides a simple to use model
that integrates the complete mechanical equations of the Standard Model without needing a complete
set of data describing its electrical parameters.

6.1.5 Renaming of parameters according to IEEE nomenclature

The parameters of the equivalent circuit, together with the rotor currents and rotor fluxes have been
renamed to conform to the IEEE nomenclature.

6.2 Asynchronous Machine

The saturation characteristic of the Saturable Asynchronous Machine type (TypAsm1) is supported in
the load flow calculation as well now. This added functionality provides an accurate calculation of the
steady state condition in load flow as well as an improved starting point of a dynamic simulation.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 32

6.3 Power Electronic Converters 6 MODELS

6.3 Power Electronic Converters

Various enhancements have been made to models of power electronic converters, HVDC systems and
representation of their controls.

6.3.1 MMC with Half Bridge Topology

A modular multi-level converter (MMC) is available in PowerFactory 2016 by extending the function-
ality of the existing PWM converter model (ElmVsc). The model enables the user to have the best
combination between the necessity of performing a detailed analysis of HVDC systems, the scalability
requirements of a multi-level topology (e.g. hundreds of submodules per phase) and the challenges of
a large power system simulation.

The MMC model implemented in PowerFactory 2016 represents one of the most common hardware
topologies (based on half-bridge submodules) and may be used in all PowerFactory calculation func-
tions. The model equations implemented for the detailed EMT-simulation are derived according to the
Average Value Model (Type 5) presented in CIGRE’s WG B4.57 “Guide for the Development of Models
for HVDC Converters in a HVDC Grid”, which is a simplified model of a MMC where the switches are
not represented explicitly. The AC side is modelled using a controlled voltage source in each arm. This
allows the representation in the generated AC voltage waveform of the harmonic content due to the
switching according to the selected modulation method. The hardware topology is shown in Figure 6.4.
One submodule consists of a half-bridge as shown in Figure 6.5.

Figure 6.4: Overview hardware configuration of a Modular Multilevel Converter

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 33

6.3 Power Electronic Converters 6 MODELS

Figure 6.5: Half-bridge submodule of the MMC

The following modulation methods are supported:

• Phase Shift PWM modulation (PS-PWM)

• Phase Disposition PWM modulation (PD-PWM)
• Nearest Level Control modulation (NLC)

An example of the output AC voltage of a MMC using phase shift (PS-PWM) modulation is shown in
Figure 6.6.

Figure 6.6: EMT Simulation using a MMC converter

6.3.2 Enhancements of HVDC Control Modes

MW/deg droop control

For both the PWM converter (ElmVsc) and the rectifier element (ElmRec), a new “P-setpoint adap-
tion” method has been implemented for Load Flow Calculation, namely “Angle difference dependent
P-droop”. Using this function, the active power may be controlled depending on the angle between the
local busbar and a remotely selected busbar based on a customisable droop factor.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 34

6.4 2-Winding Transformer 6 MODELS

Active Power as percentage of power flow through boundary

Both the PWM converter (ElmVsc) and the rectifier element (ElmRec) support now in Load Flow Cal-
culation the possibility of adapting the active power as a function of the active power flow measured at
a boundary or a cubicle.

PWM Converter: MW/Hz Secondary Control

The PWM converter (ElmVsc) is now supported by the secondary controller element (ElmSecctrl) for
Load Flow calculation along other generator types (e.g. synchronous machines and static generators).
As a control option, the primary frequency bias can be set in MW/Hz.

PWM Converter: P/Q Orientation for remotely controlled cubicles in Load Flow

When controlling the power flow at a remote cubicle, the user must specify the “Orientation” of the active
and reactive power flow at the controlled remote cubicle, using two options: “+P/Q Flow” or “-P/Q Flow”
in the Load Flow page of the PWM converter (ElmVsc) dialog window.

6.3.3 Further Enhancements

PWM Converter: Active power limits

The Load flow option “Consider active power limits” is now supported by the PWM Converter (ElmVsc).
Both minimum and maximum limits are available to be set in the Load Flow page.

Static Generator / PWM Converter: Separate negative sequence impedance for short-circuit cal-
culation For the Static Generator (ElmGenstat), the PV system (ElmPvsys) and the PWM converter
(ElmVsc) the negative sequence impedance can now be defined in the Short Circuit Calculation page
of the element.

PWM Converter: Zero-Sequence Impedance

For the PWM converter (ElmVsc) it is now possible to specify the zero sequence impedance.

PWM Converter: Frequency dependency of negative sequence and zero sequence resistances
and reactances

The negative sequence and zero sequence resistances and reactances of the PWM Converter ElmVsc
can now be defined as frequency-dependent. This feature has already been available for the Static
Generator and PV System.

6.4 2-Winding Transformer

6.4.1 Reactive power control at a user-defined boundary

A boundary can now be selected to control the reactive power flow through it (via the tap changer of the
2-winding transformer).

6.4.2 Active power control including participation of power flow through boundary

The 2-winding transformer in the load flow calculation now supports the possibility of adapting the active
power flow as a function of the active power flow measured at a boundary (active power participation).

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 35

6.5 Station Controller 6 MODELS

Figure 6.7: Active power control options for a 2-winding transformer tap changer

6.5 Station Controller

A new option is implemented to select whether the reactive power dispatch of the generators shall be
considered or not considered for the reactive power distribution.

This option can be activated via the “Consider reactive power dispatch” checkbox from the Distribution
tab of the station controller’s Load Flow page.

Figure 6.8: Consider reactive power dispatch option in the Load Flow page of the Station Control dialog

If the option is enabled, the behaviour of the station controller is compatible with PowerFactory Version
15.2. The reactive power output of the generators is according to Equation 1. In the equation, 𝑄𝑖 is
the individual reactive power contribution, 𝐾𝑞𝑖 is the reactive power percentage contribution of the 𝑖-
th generator, 𝑄𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑖 is the reactive power dispatch of the 𝑖-th generator and 𝑑𝑞𝑠𝑐𝑜 is the required
reactive power for meeting the control target.

𝑄i = 𝑄dispatch i + 𝐾qi · 𝑑𝑞𝑠𝑐𝑜 (1)

If the option is disabled, the dispatch is not taken into account and the reactive power output is according
to Equation 2.
𝑄i = 𝐾qi · 𝑑𝑞𝑠𝑐𝑜 (2)

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 36

6.6 Lines 6 MODELS

6.6 Lines

Universal Line Model

A new model is available for modelling distributed parameter, frequency-dependent cables in the EMT
simulation. The “Universal Line Model” (ULM) facilitates highly-accurate modelling of cable systems.

A transmission line / cable can be characterised by two frequency-dependent matrix transfer functions:

• The propagation function, A(𝜔)

• The characteristic impedance, Z𝑐 (𝜔)

Low-order rational function approximations of these functions are obtained via vector fitting. Highly
accurate approximations can be obtained, as shown in Figure 6.9 for one column of the characteristic
impedance matrix of a reduced cable system.

The rational function approximations are then used to ensure a computationally-efficient time-domain
solution. Zc is generally a smooth function of frequency and is therefore fitted directly in the phase
domain. Fitting of the propagation function, A, is difficult because it contains modal components which
have differing time delays. In practicality, these differing time delays can be significant in the case of
cables due to the different permittivities in the insulation. Hence, A is fitted using a two-step approach;
(i) first in the modal domain; followed by (ii) final fitting in the phase domain.

Figure 6.9: Vector fitting approximation of the characteristic impedance

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 37

6.7 Frequency dependency for R-L-C elements 6 MODELS

6.7 Frequency dependency for R-L-C elements

The following elements have been enhanced with the possibility to define a frequency dependency for
each R, L and C component for the harmonic load flow calculation and the impedance frequency sweep:

• Shunt/filter: frequency dependency characteristics are now supported for all supported filter types,
incl. R-L-C1-C2-Rp filter

• Series reactor
• Series capacitor
• Series RLC filter

6.8 AC Voltage Source

It is now possible to select the leading input signal for sets of alternative input signals. This new ap-
proach allows parameter events in time-domain simulations on all input signals (i.e. even events on
input signals which were not supported in previous PowerFactory versions).

The voltage source has been revised further: The setpoint of the voltage source is now in p.u. based
on the voltage source’s nominal voltage instead of the connected terminal’s nominal voltage. Only in
cases when the voltage source controls a remote bus, is the setpoint in p.u. based on the bus’s nominal
voltage.

6.9 Current and Voltage Transformers (CTs and VTs)

The description page of the current transformer (CT) model as well as of the voltage transformer (VT)
model has been enhanced. This enhancement allows the storage of a serial number, the commissioning
date and the year of construction, as well as a link to the owner and operator, individually from the
settings of the substation or terminal element, at which they (respectively the cubicles) are connected. A
link to additional data, a free text description field as well as the approval information are now supported
as well.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 38

 7 PERFORMANCE

7 Performance

7.1 Parallelisation

In order to exploit the machine power of modern computer architectures, PowerFactory 2016 assists
the user with new parallelisation features to tackle massive power system analysis calculations. In
particular, beside the existing parallel Contingency Analysis, built-in functionality for parallelisation has
been added for other typical time intensive calculations, such as:

• Reliability Assessment: Parallel computation of faults.

• Techno-Economical Calculation: Parallel computation of calculation points.

• Quasi-Dynamic Simulation: Parallel computation of study periods.

7.2 Task Automation

Moreover, PowerFactory 2016 enables the user to run multiple studies with arbitrary calculations in
parallel. For this purpose, a new Task Automation command has been implemented. It allows the
user to configure a list of calculations or scripts for every study case to be processed. Then, either
the defined study cases (including all of their calculation commands) will be processed in parallel or its
configured commands only.

Figure 7.1: Simultaneous simulation of different system failures

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 39

7.2 Task Automation 7 PERFORMANCE

This offers new possibilities for the assessment of network studies, such as:

• Dynamic simulations can be configured using various study cases, each with different events
(compare Figure 7.1). Then, these configurations can be passed to the Task Automation com-
mand for parallel computation.
• Complete grid analyses can be configured and passed to the Task Automation command for par-
allel computation, as shown in Figure 7.2 and Figure 7.3 for example.

Figure 7.2: A complete transmission grid analysis in parallel

Figure 7.3: A complete distribution grid analysis in parallel

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 40

 8 SCRIPTING AND AUTOMATION

8 Scripting and Automation

8.1 Encryption of DPL Scripts

The DPL command now supports the possibility to encrypt scripts using a password. The code of
encrypted scripts is only accessible with the password. This makes it possible for scripts to be deployed
to other users or third parties who do not have the rights to view the scripting code or modify the script.

• When a script is encrypted, all the subscripts are also encrypted. The other content remains
untouched.
• Encrypted scripts can be executed like normal scripts without a password and all parameters
are configurable. That means that changing the general selection, input parameter and external
objects are all possible.
• Optionally, the script can be decrypted. A password is required for decryption.

8.2 Python 3.5

Python Version 3.5 is now supported.

8.3 DGS 6.0

PowerFactory 2016 introduces a new version of DGS. The new DGS version 6.0 comprises the follow-
ing improvements.

8.3.1 Object Identification via FID

The DGS 5.0 DGS-ID has been replaced by a foreign identification (FID). The FID value corresponds to
the foreign name in PowerFactory. PowerFactory ensures that foreign name values are unique within
the scope of a project. DGS 6.0 resolves all object references via a foreign-key. The foreign-key is either
a FID value within the same DGS data source or the foreign name value of an existing PowerFactory
object.

8.3.2 Supports References to global types

References to global types are now supported. Such references are resolved by using the foreign name
attribute.

8.3.3 Enhanced database features

DGS 6.0 supports create, update and delete operations. Records in a DGS table must be marked for
one of these operations using the operation (OP) column. The usage of the OP column is optional. If
no OP column is given all records of the respective table are marked internally as create operation.

Working with parts of huge grids can be done relatively easily when using file based DGS formats. A
huge grid can be handled in this way comfortably in manageable portions. DGS 6.0 now also sup-
ports the possibilities to manage multiple grid data within a DGS database using newly introduced grid
selectors (called Part ID).

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 41

8.4 Version Independent API 9 INTERFACES

8.4 Version Independent API

Beginning with PowerFactory 2016, the application programming interface (API) has been decoupled
from the PowerFactory version. This means, the interface now remains stable across different Pow-
erFactory versions. It is no longer required for third party applications to be re-compiled for specific
versions. Beyond that, API has been extended so that all scripting functions can now be used. Appli-
cations which were created before PowerFactory 2016 will need just a few minor adaptations to make
use of this new compatibility feature.

9 Interfaces

9.1 CGMES Converter

CGMES (Common Grid Model Exchange Standard) is the latest ENTSO-E profile in the Common Infor-
mation Model (CIM) and is supported by PowerFactory 2016 with new features. For optimal flexibility
the CIM data model can be modified within PowerFactory . This enables the user to change data
and configure the network, profiles and difference models within PowerFactory for both import and ex-
port purposes. Figure 9.1 shows the hierarchy of the CIM data model within the PowerFactory Data
Manager. Each object, e.g. with the “cim:HydroGeneratingUnit” type can be viewed and modified.

Figure 9.1: Structure of CIM archives within PowerFactory

Based on the type of the CimObject, PowerFactory allows the user to add missing attributes and as-
sociations based on the CGMES profile. Due to an internal type check, PowerFactory ensures that
only valid data will be used for parameters and references. Figure 9.2 shows all valid and not yet used
attributes for the “cim:HydroGeneratingUnit”. For those parameters that consist of an enumeration as
input, a list box is given based on the profile information, which includes all allowed possibilities.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 42

9.1 CGMES Converter 9 INTERFACES

CIM (and therefore CGMES) is based on Resource IDs. PowerFactory 2016 introduces new means to
navigate through all elements. Each CimObject enables the user to jump to objects with the same ID
(e.g. within other profiles), objects referencing the CimObject (e.g. sub-equipment) and PowerFactory
objects. If the CimObject contains references to other CimObjects, they can be accessed directly via a
double-click on the ID.

Figure 9.2: Possible attributes for CimObjects with the “HydroGeneratingUnit” type based on the
CGMES profile

Since the CGMES profile can be complex and many objects can have various parameters within different
profiles, PowerFactory 2016 comes with built-in CIM Profile Information. Figure 9.3 shows the profile
information of a “cim:GeneratingUnit” object containing all possible attributes and comments.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 43

9.1 CGMES Converter 9 INTERFACES

Figure 9.3: CGMES Profile information access within PowerFactory

The direct use of profile information also enables PowerFactory 2016 to validate imported CIM archives
against the UML based profile information. Figure 9.4 shows an example of the validation in the case
of a broken archive.

Figure 9.4: CGMES archive validation based on profile information

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 44

9.2 Integral 7 Import Enhancements 10 DATABASE

9.2 Integral 7 Import Enhancements

With PowerFactory 2016 the import of Integral 7 files has been improved. These improvements include
but are not limited to:

• more convertible network elements

• HVDC compatibility
• better adaptation of multiplication factors
• consideration of different power input modes

• starpoint switches are considered

• logical estimation of various missing parameters within Integral
• improvement of graphical conversion

10 Database

10.1 Oracle 12 and MS SQL 2014 Compliance

PowerFactory now supports Oracle 12 and MS SQL Server 2014 as database back-ends. As Oracle
Gold Partner and Microsoft Partner with Gold Application Development status, we are always interested
in supporting the latest technologies for our customers.

10.2 External Authentication via Active Directory

PowerFactory 2016 provides a mechanism for the external authentication of PowerFactory users via
Microsoft Active Directory. Credentials of PowerFactory users can be managed by using Active Di-
rectory functionalities. With that, user credentials are always compliant with the security policy of the
respective Windows domain. Furthermore, Active Directory user groups can be used to restrict access
to PowerFactory.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 45

 11 INSTALLATION AND LICENSING

11 Installation and Licensing

11.1 New Versioning Concept

In past years, DIgSILENT has followed the strategy of a yearly release cycle for new PowerFactory
main versions (e.g. releases of PowerFactory 15.0 in 2012, 15.1 in 2013, 15.2 in 2014). These main
versions have been maintained by delivering so-called service packs, which used to be indicated by the
third digit in the version name (e.g. PowerFactory 15.2.6).

With this new version we intend to introduce a more transparent versioning concept and naming con-
vention. We will continue with a yearly release cycle where the latest version will be named according
to its release year.

This explains the new version name PowerFactory 2016.

Corresponding service packs will follow the naming conventions PowerFactory 2016 SP1, PowerFac-
tory 2016 SP2, etc.

11.2 Automatic Online Check for Updates

General version information can be obtained via the main menu Help → About PowerFactory.

From now on, there is an additional option to inspect whether a new release and/or service pack has
been made available by DIgSILENT . Simply select from the main menu Help → Check online for up-
dates.

11.3 New Setup

Compared with previous versions of PowerFactory , the installation process has been largely simplified.
The software will be delivered with a common msi-installer package.

Figure 11.1: PowerFactory 2016 installation

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 46

11.4 New Licensing 11 INSTALLATION AND LICENSING

Two types of installation are offered, “typical” and “custom”. The latter allows for selective installation of
various additional packages. This includes example videos, API examples, DGS examples, DPL-DLL
templates, OPC examples, DSL models C interface, and DSL functions C interface.

Due to our new licensing concept (see Section 11.4), there is no need to install additional hardware
drivers for USB dongles any more.

11.4 New Licensing

In PowerFactory 2016, the internal licensing technology has been changed.

As a key advantage, the software can now also be run with softkeys.

There are several other advantages related to the new licence technology:

• More and more customers have requested softkey solutions rather than hardlocks. By default,
DIgSILENT will now issue softkey licences. Hardlocks are available upon request.
• For customers using a licence server new features for the automatic transfer of licence information
are provided.
• The new licence mechanisms allows for a more efficient way of issuing and updating licences to
our customers.
• The installation and licence activation processes have been made much easier for the customer
to perform.

• Our former hardlock provider has officially stopped supporting the old Sentinel HL USB keys which
requires a migration of these keys anyway.

11.4.1 Licence Activation and Licence Management

The new licence technology requires the activation of your licence:

When starting PowerFactory 2016 for the first time, the user is asked for the so-called Activation Key
(see Fig.11.2). This key, a 25-character-string, will be provided to you on your purchase of the licence.

For customers under maintenance who are using previous versions of PowerFactory , please refer to
Section 11.4.2.

For the general licence management, new menu entries have been made available in the main menu
(see Tools → Licence). This will replace the former licence setup of the general Configuration dialog.

• Select Licence: Allows for configuration of the licence that shall be used by the software. This is
mainly relevant for network licences as well as for users who have multiple licences.
• Activate Licence: Allows for initial activation of a new licence based on an Activation Key.

• Update Licence: Allows for activation of updates of your licence based on an Activation Key (e.g.
on purchase of new modules, or additional licences).
• Deactivate Licence: Allows for deactivation of a licence and its certified return to DIgSILENT .

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 47

11.4 New Licensing 11 INSTALLATION AND LICENSING

Figure 11.2: Activation of PowerFactory 2016 via Activation Key

11.4.2 Migration of former licences

For customers using PowerFactory 15.x and previous versions, it is important to note that PowerFac-
tory 2016 will not automatically work with the old keys any more. This implies that customers who wish
to move from former versions to PowerFactory 2016 will need to migrate their former keys. DIgSILENT
will support this licence migration process. This migration will be carried out in the following steps:

1. Customers interested in migrating their licence to PowerFactory 2016 can apply for this version
via the contact form

http://www.digsilent.de/index.php/LicenceMigration.html

2. We will initially issue a time-limited new PowerFactory 2016 softkey to your existing PowerFac-
tory licence. For a certain period, you will benefit from a co-existence of your old licence and the
new licence.
3. Once the old hardlock is returned to DIgSILENT, the time limitation on your new softkey will be
dropped.

Please note that the new licence can also be used to run former versions of PowerFactory.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2016, What’s New 48

DIgSILENT
Company Profile

access to relay manuals, interfaces with

manufacturer-specific relay settings and
integrates with PowerFactory software, allowing
powerful and easy-to-use settings coordination
studies.

PowerFactory Monitor is a flexible performance

recording and monitoring system that
copes easily and efficiently with the special
requirements for system test implementation,
system performance supervision and the
determination and supervision of connection
DIgSILENT is a consulting and software company DIgSILENT PowerFactory characteristics. Numerous monitoring systems
providing engineering services in the field DIgSILENT develops the leading integrated installed at various grid locations can be
of electrical power systems for transmission, power system analysis software PowerFactory, integrated into a Wide-Area-Measurement-
distribution, generation and industrial plants. which covers the full range of functionality from System (WAMS). PowerFactory Monitor can be
standard features to highly sophisticated and fully integrated with PowerFactory software.
DIgSILENT was founded in 1985 and is a fully advanced applications including wind power,
independent, privately owned company located distributed generation, real-time simulation DIgSILENT Consulting
in Gomaringen/Tübingen, Germany. DIgSILENT and performance monitoring for system testing DIgSILENT GmbH is staffed with experts of
continued expansion by establishing offices in and supervision. For wind power applications, various disciplines relevant for performing
Australia, South Africa, Italy, Chile, Spain, France PowerFactory has become the power industry’s consulting services, research activities, user
and the USA, thereby facilitating improved de-facto standard tool, due to PowerFactory training, educational programs and software
service following the world-wide increase in models and algorithms providing unrivalled development. Highly specialised expertise is
usage of its software products and services. accuracy and performance. available in many fields of electrical engineering
DIgSILENT has established a strong partner applicable to liberalised power markets and to
network in many countries such as Mexico, DIgSILENT StationWare is a reliable central the latest developments in power generation
Malaysia, UK, Switzerland, Colombia, Brazil, protection settings database and management technologies such as wind power and distributed
Peru, China and India. DIgSILENT services and system, based on the latest .NET technology. generation. DIgSILENT has provided expert
software installations have been conducted in StationWare stores and records all settings in a consulting services to several prominent PV and
more than 130 countries. central database, allows modelling of relevant wind grid integration studies.
workflow sequences, provides quick

DIgSILENT GmbH 72810 Gomaringen T +49 7072 9168-0 [email protected]

Heinrich-Hertz-Straße 9 Germany F +49 7072 9168-88 www.digsilent.de