INTEGRATED POWER SYSTEM ANALYSIS SOFTWARE FOR

TRANSMISSION / DISTRIBUTION / INDUSTRY / GENERATION / INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLES

DIgSILENT

PowerFactory 2017

DIgSILENT PowerFactory
Version 2017

User Manual

Online Edition
DIgSILENT GmbH

Gomaringen, Germany

March 2017
 Publisher:

DIgSILENT GmbH

Heinrich-Hertz-Straße 9

72810 Gomaringen / Germany

Tel.: +49 (0) 7072-9168-0

Fax: +49 (0) 7072-9168-88

Please visit our homepage at:

http://www.digsilent.de
 Copyright DIgSILENT GmbH

All rights reserved. No part of this

publication may be reproduced or

distributed in any form without written

permission of the publisher.

March 2017

r3691
Contents

I General Information 1

1 About this Guide 3

1.1 Contents of the User Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Used Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Contact 5
2.1 Direct Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 Knowledge Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3 Documentation and Help System 7

4 PowerFactory Overview 9
4.1 General Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2 Database, Objects, and Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.3 PowerFactory Simulation Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.4 General Design of PowerFactory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.5 Type and Element Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.6 Data Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.6.1 Global Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.6.2 User Defined Global Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.6.3 Project Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.6.4 Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.6.5 Network Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
 4.6.6 Operation Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.6.7 Study Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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4.6.8 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.7 Project Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.7.1 Nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.7.2 Branches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.7.3 Cubicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.7.4 Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.7.5 Substations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.7.6 Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.7.7 Branch Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.8 User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.8.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.8.2 Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.8.3 Main Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.8.4 The Output Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.9 Scripting in PowerFactory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.9.1 DIgSILENT Programming Language (DPL) Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.9.2 Python Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

II Administration 33

5 Program Administration 35
5.1 Program Installation and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5.2 PowerFactory Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5.2.1 General Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5.2.2 Database Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5.2.3 Workspace Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5.2.4 External Applications Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5.2.5 Network Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5.2.6 Geographic Maps Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5.2.7 Advanced Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Licenc
5.3 e .............................................. 38
5.3.1 Select Licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5.3.2 Activate / Update / Deactivate / Move Licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
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 CONTENTS

5.4 Workspace Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 39

5.4.1 Show Workspace Directory . . . . . . . ..... .................. 39
Import and Export
5.4.2 Workspace . . . . . . ..... .................. 39
Show Default Export
5.4.3 Directory . . . . . ..... .................. 39
Import Workspace from 14.X or
5.4.4 15.0. . . ..... .................. 39
5.5 Offline Mode User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 40
Functionality in Offline
5.5.1 Mode . . . . . . . ..... .................. 40
Functionality in Online
5.5.2 Mode . . . . . . . ..... .................. 43
5.5.3 Terminate Offline Session . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 43
5.6 Housekeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 44
5.6.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 44
Configuring Permanently Logged-On
5.6.2 Users . . . .................. 45
Configuring Housekeeping
5.6.3 Tasks . . . . ..... .................. 45
5.6.4 Project Archiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 46
Configuring Deletion of Old Projects
5.6.5 .. ..... .................. 46
Configuring Purging of
5.6.6 Projects . . . . . ..... .................. 48
Configuring Emptying of Recycle
5.6.7 Bins . ..... .................. 49
5.6.8 Monitoring Housekeeping . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 49
Summary of Housekeeping
5.6.9 Deployment ..... .................. 49

6 User Accounts, User Groups, and Profiles 51

PowerFactory Database
6.1 Overview . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 51
6.2 The Database Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 52
Creating and Managing User
6.3 Accounts . . . . . ..... .................. 53
6.4 Creating User Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 54
6.5 Creating Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 55
6.5.1 Tool Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 56
6.5.2 Configuration of Toolbars . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 57
 6.5.3 Configuration of Menus . . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 59
Configuration of Dialog
6.5.4 Pages . . . . . . ..... .................. 59
Configuration of Dialog Parameters .
6.5.5 .. ..... .................. 60
6.5.6 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .................. 60

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7 User Settings 61
7.1 Data/Network Model Manager Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
7.2 Graphic Windows Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
7.2.1 General tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
7.2.2 Advanced tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
7.3 Output Window Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
7.4 Functions Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
7.5 Editor Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
7.6 StationWare Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
7.7 Miscellaneous Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

III Handling 67

8 Basic Project Definition 69

8.1 Defining and Configuring a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
8.1.1 Project Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
8.1.2 Project Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
8.1.3 Activating and Deactivating Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
8.1.4 Exporting and Importing Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
8.1.5 External References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
8.2 Creating New Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
8.3 Project Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

9 Network Graphics 79
9.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
9.2 Defining Network Models with the Graphical Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
9.2.1 Adding New Power System Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
9.2.2 Drawing Nodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
9.2.3 Drawing Branch Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
9.2.4 Marking and Editing Power System Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
9.2.5 Interconnecting Power Subsystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
9.2.6 Working with Substations in the Graphical Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
9.2.7 88
Working with Composite Branches in the Graphical Editor . . . . . . . . . . . .
 .

iv DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual

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S

9.2.8 Working with Single and Two Phase Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

9.2.9 Working with Sites in the Graphical Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

9.3 Defining and Working with Lines and Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

9.3.1 Defining a Line (ElmLne) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

9.3.2 Defining Line Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

9.3.3 Example Cable System

................................ 92

9.3.4 Example Line Couplings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

9.4 Neutral winding connection in network diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

9.5 Graphic Windows and Database Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

9.5.1 Network Diagrams and Graphical Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

9.5.2 Active Graphics, Graphics Board and Study Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

9.5.3 Single Line Graphics and Data Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

9.5.4 Editing and Selecting Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

9.5.5 Creating a New Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

9.5.6 Creating New Graphic Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

9.5.7 Basic Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

9.5.8 Page Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

9.5.9 Drawing Toolboxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

 9.5.10 Active Grid Folder (Target Folder) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

9.6 Graphic Commands, Options, and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

9.6.1 Freeze Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

9.6.2 Rebuild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

9.6.3 View commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

9.6.4 Select commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

9.6.5 Graphic Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

9.6.6 Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

9.6.7 Colouring Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

9.6.8 Graphic Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

9.6.9 Element Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

9.6.10 Node Default Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

9.6.11 Page and Print Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

9.6.12 Diagram Layout Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

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9.6.13 Insert New Graphic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

9.7 Drawing Diagrams with Existing Network Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
9.7.1 Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
9.7.2 Node Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
9.7.3 Edge Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
9.7.4 Protection Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
9.7.5 Draw existing elements using Drag & Drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
9.8 Editing and Changing Symbols of Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
9.9 Result Boxes, Text Boxes and Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
9.9.1 Result Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
9.9.2 Text Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
9.9.3 Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
9.9.4 Free Text Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
9.10 Annotation Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
9.11 Annotation of Protection Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
9.12 Navigation Pane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
9.13 Geographic Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
9.13.1 Using an External Map Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
9.13.2 Using Local Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
14
10 Data Manager 3
10.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
10.2 Using the Data Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
10.2.1 Navigating the Database Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
10.2.2 Adding New Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
10.2.3 Deleting an Item . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
10.2.4 Cut, Copy, Paste and Move Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
10.2.5 The Data Manager Message Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
10.2.6 Additional Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
10.3 Defining Network Models with the Data Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
 10.3.1 Defining New Network Components in the Data Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
10.3.2 Connecting Network Components in the Data Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
10.3.3 Defining Substations in the Data Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

vi DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual

Part I

General Information
Chapter 1

About this Guide

This User Manual is intended to be a reference for users of the DIgSILENT PowerFactory
software. This chapter provides general information about the contents and the used
conventions of this docu-mentation.

1.1 Contents of the User Manual

The first section of the User Manual provides General Information, including an overview of
PowerFac-tory software, a description of the basic program settings, and a description of the
PowerFactory data model.

The next sections describe PowerFactory administration, handling, and power system
analysis func-tions. In the Power System Analysis Functions section, each chapter deals
with a different calculation, presenting the most relevant theoretical aspects, the
PowerFactory approach, and the corresponding interface.

The online version of this manual includes additional sections dedicated to the mathematical
description of models and their parameters, referred to as Technical References. To
facilitate their portability, visualisation, and printing, the papers are attached to the online
help as PDF documents. They are opened by clicking on the indicated links within the
manual.

It is recommended that new users commence by reading Chapter 4 (PowerFactory

Overview), and completing the PowerFactory Tutorials.
1.2 Used Conventions

Conventions to describe user actions are as follows:

Buttons and Keys Dialog buttons and keyboard keys are referred to with bold and
underline text formatting. For example, press the OK button in the PowerFactory
dialog, or press CTRL+B on the keyboard.

Menus and Icons Menus and icons are usually referenced using Italics. For example, press
the User Settings icon , or select Tools → User Settings. . .

Other Items “Speech marks” are used to indicate data to be entered by the user, and also to
refer to an item defined by the author. For example, consider a parameter “x”.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 3

CHAPTER 1. ABOUT THIS GUIDE
4 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual
Chapter 2

Contact

For further information about the company DIgSILENT , our products and services please
visit our web site, or contact us at:

DIgSILENT GmbH

Heinrich-Hertz-Str. 9

72810 Gomaringen / Germany

www.digsilent.de

2.1 Direct Technical Support

DIgSILENT experts offer direct assistance to PowerFactory users with valid maintenance
agreements via telephone or online via support queries raised on the customer portal.

To register for the on-line portal, select Help → Register. . . or go to directly to the
registration page (link below). Log-in details will be provided by email shortly thereafter.
To log-in to the portal, enter the email (or Login) and Password provided. When raising a
new support query, please include the PowerFactory version and build number in your
submission, which can be found by selecting Help → About PowerFactory . . . from the main
menu. Note that including rele-vant *.pfd file(s) may assist with our investigation into your
query. The customer portal is shown in Figure 2.1.1.

Phone: +49-(0)7072-9168-50
(German)

+49-(0)7072-9168-51 (English)

Portal log-in and Registration: http://www.digsilent.de/index.php/support.html

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 5

CHAPTER 2. CONTACT

Figure 2.1.1: DIgSILENT customer portal

2.2 Knowledge Base

A “Knowledge Base” database of information, based on an FAQ format, is available for any
users (whether registered or not) to look for answers to their questions.
Knowledge Base: http://faq.digsilent.de/powerfactory.html

2.3 General Information

For general information about DIgSILENT or your PowerFactory licence, please contact us
via:

Phone: +49-(0)7072-9168-0

Fax: +49-(0)7072-9168-88

E-mail: mail@digsilent.de

6 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual

Chapter 3

Documentation and Help System

DIgSILENT PowerFactory is provided with a complete help package to support users at all
levels of expertise. Documents with the basic information of the program and its functionality
are combined with references to advanced simulation features, mathematical descriptions of
the models and of course application examples.

PowerFactory offers the following help resources:

Getting Started: a document describing the first steps to follow after receiving the
installation DVD or downloading the software from the DIgSILENT download area. The
Getting Started document covers the basic installation options.

Advanced Installation and Configuration Manual: in this document, advanced

installation options e.g. multi-user database, installation on an application server, and
the Offline mode installation, are covered. The Offline mode guide is available in
Section 5.5: Offline Mode User Guide.

Tutorial: basic information for new users and hands-on tutorial. Access via Help menu of
Power-Factory, and for registered users in the DIgSILENT download area:
http://www.digsilent.de/index.php/downloads.html

User Manual: this document. Access via Help menu of PowerFactory. Current and
previous manuals (PDF files) can also be found on the in the DIgSILENT download
area.

Technical References: description of the models implemented in PowerFactory for the

different power systems components. The technical reference documents are attached
to the online help (Appendix B: Technical References of Models).
 Additional Packages: additional information and/or examples about specific
PowerFactory func-tions are available on the menu Help → Additional Packages. The
additional packages are:

– Programming Interface (API)

– DGS Data Exchange Format

– C++ DPL Extensions

– OPC Interface

– DSL models C-Interface

– DSL functions C-Interface

– External C Interface for dynamic models

Context Sensitive Help: pressing the key F1 while working with PowerFactory will lead
directly to the related topic inside the User Manual.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 7

CHAPTER 3. DOCUMENTATION AND HELP SYSTEM

PowerFactory Examples: the window PowerFactory Examples provides a list of

application examples of PowerFactory calculation functions. Every example comes with
an explanatory docu-ment that can be opened by clicking on the Show Documentation
button ( ). Additionally, videos demonstrating the software handling and its
functionalities are available.
The PowerFactory Examples window will “pop up” automatically every time the
software is open, this could be deactivated by unchecking the Show at Startup
checkbox. PowerFactory Examples are also accessible on the main menu, by selecting
File → Examples. . . .

Release Notes: for all new versions and updates of the program Release Notes are
provided, which document the implemented changes. They are available from the
DIgSILENT download area.

Knowledge base: all PowerFactory users can access the Knowledge base section, on the DIgSI-

LENT Support area: http://www.digsilent.de/index.php/support.html. The knowledge

base con-tains interesting questions and answers regarding specific applications of
PowerFactory.

Technical Support: See Chapter 2: Contact

Portal log-in and Registration: http://www.digsilent.de/index.php/support.html

Website: www.digsilent.de
8 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual
Chapter 4

PowerFactory Overview

The calculation program DIgSILENT PowerFactory , is a computer-aided engineering tool for

the anal-ysis of transmission, distribution, and industrial 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 optimisation.

“DIgSILENT ” is an acronym for “DIgital SImuLation of Electrical NeTworks”. DIgSILENT

Version 7 was the world’s first power system analysis software with an integrated graphical
single-line interface. That interactive single-line diagram included drawing functions, editing
capabilities and all relevant static and dynamic calculation features.

PowerFactory was designed and developed by qualified engineers and programmers with many years of
experience in both electrical power system analysis and computer programming. The accuracy and validity
of results obtained with PowerFactory has been confirmed in a large number of implementations, by
organisations involved in the planning and operation of power systems throughout the world.

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. Key features include:

PowerFactory core functions: definition, modification and organisation of cases; core

numerical routines; output and documentation functions.

Integrated interactive single line graphic and data case handling.

Power system element and base case database.

 Integrated calculation functions (e.g. line and machine parameter calculation based on
geometri-cal or nameplate information).

Power system network configuration with interactive or on-line SCADA access.

Generic interface for computer-based mapping systems.

Use of a single database, with the required data for all equipment within a power system
(e.g. line data, generator data, protection data, harmonic data, controller data), means that
PowerFactory can easily execute all power simulation functions within a single program
environment - functions such as load flow analysis, short-circuit calculation, harmonic
analysis, protection coordination, stability analysis, and modal analysis.

Although PowerFactory includes highly-sophisticated power system analysis functions, the

intuitive user interface makes it possible for new users to very quickly perform common
tasks such as load flow and short-circuit calculations.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 9

CHAPTER 4. POWERFACTORY OVERVIEW

The functionality purchased by a user is configured in a matrix-like format, where the

licensed calcu-lation functions, together with the maximum number of buses, are listed as
coordinates. The user can then, as required, configure the interface and functions according
to their requirements.

Depending on user requirements, a specific PowerFactory licence may or may not include
all of the functions described in this manual. As requirements dictate, additional functionality
can be added to a licence. These functions can be used within the same program interface
with the same network data. Only additional data, as may be required by an added
calculation function, need be added.

4.1 General Concept

The general PowerFactory program design concept is summarised as follows:

Functional Integration

DIgSILENT PowerFactory software is implemented as a single executable program, and is

fully compat-ible with Windows Vista, Windows 7 Windows 8 and Windows 10. The
programming method employed allows for fast selection of different calculation functions.
There is no need to reload modules and update or transfer data and results between
different program applications. As an example, the Load Flow, Short-Circuit, and Harmonic
Load Flow analysis tools can be executed sequentially without resetting the program,
enabling additional software modules and engines, or reading and converting external data
files.

Vertical Integration

DIgSILENT PowerFactory software has adopted a unique vertically integrated model

concept that al-lows models to be shared for all analysis functions. Furthermore, studies
relating to “Generation”, “Transmission”, “Distribution”, and “Industrial” analysis can all be
completed within PowerFactory. Sep-arate software engines are not required to analyse
separate aspects of the power system, or to com-plete different types of analysis, as
DIgSILENT PowerFactory can accommodate everything within one integrated program and
one integrated database.

Database Integration

Single Database Concepts: DIgSILENT PowerFactory provides optimal organisation of

data and definitions required to perform various calculations, memorisation of settings or
software operation options. The PowerFactory database environment fully integrates all data
required for defining study cases, Operation Scenarios, single line graphics, textual and
graphical Results, calculation options, and user-defined models, etc. Everything required to
model and simulate the power system is integrated into a single database which can be
configured for single and/or multiple users.

Project Management: all data that defines a power system model is stored in “Project” folders within the
database. Inside a “Project” folder, “Study Cases” are used to define different studies of the system
considering the complete network, parts of the network, or Variations on its current state. This “project and
study case” approach is used to define and manage power system studies in a unique application of the
object-oriented software principle. DIgSILENT PowerFactory has taken an innovative approach and
introduced a structure that is easy to use, avoids data redundancy, and simplifies the task of data
management and validation for users and organisations. Additionally, the application of study cases and
project Variations in PowerFactory facilitates efficient and reliable reproduction of study results.

Multi-User Operation: multiple users each holding their own projects or working with data shared from
other users are supported by a “Multi-user” database operation. In this case the definition of access rights,
user accounting and groups for data sharing are managed by a database Administrator.

Offline Mode: in some instances, a network connection to a server database may not be available. To
address this, PowerFactory provides functionality to work in Offline Mode. The required project data is
cached to the user’s local machine, which can then later be synchronised to the server database. Offline
Mode functionality includes the ability to lock and unlock projects, edit projects as read-only, and

10 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual

 4.2. DATABASE, OBJECTS, AND CLASSES

limit the database size on the computer(s) working in offline mode.

Customisation

By default, “Base Package” and “Standard” user profiles are available in PowerFactory.
Profiles can be selected from the main menu under Tools → Profiles. The “Base Package”
profile limits the icons displayed on the main toolbar to those typically used by new users,
such as load flow and short-circuit commands. The database Administrator can create and
customise user profiles, in particular:

Customise the element dialog pages that are displayed.

Customise element dialog parameters. Parameters can be Hidden (not shown) or

Disabled (shown but not editable).

Fully configure Main Toolbar and Drawing Toolbar menus, including definition of
custom DPL Commands and Templates with user-defined icons.

Customise Main Menu, Data Manager, and context-sensitive menu commands.

Chapter 6: User Accounts, User Groups, and Profiles (Section 6.5 Creating Profiles) details
the cus-tomisation procedure.

Note: When right-clicking with the mouse button, the available menu options depend on the
location of the mouse pointer. For example, if a load is selected, the menu options are
those appropriate for loads, whereas when the mouse pointer is over the output
window, the menu options are those appropriate for the output window. These menus
are collectively referred to as ’Context sensitive menus’.

4.2 Database, Objects, and Classes

PowerFactory uses a hierarchical, object-oriented database. All the data, which represents
power sys-tem Elements, single line graphics, study cases, system Operation Scenarios,
calculation commands, program Settings etc., are stored as objects inside a hierarchical set
of folders. The folders are arranged in order to facilitate the definition of the studies and
optimise the use of the tools provided by the program.

The objects are grouped according to the kind of element that they represent. These groups
are known as “Classes” within the PowerFactory environment. For example, an object that
represents a synchronous generator in a power system belongs to a Class called ElmSym,
and an object storing the settings for a load flow calculation belongs to a Class called
ComLdf. Object Classes are analogous to computer file extensions. Each object belongs to
a Class and each Class has a specific set of parameters that defines the objects it
represents. As explained in Section 4.8 (User Interface), the edit dialogs are the interfaces
between the user and an object; the parameters defining the object are accessed through
this dialog. This means that there is an edit dialog for each class of objects.

Note: Everything in PowerFactory is an object, all the objects belong to a Class and are
stored accord-ing to a hierarchical arrangement in the database tree.

4.3 PowerFactory Simulation Functions

PowerFactory incorporates a comprehensive list of simulation functions, described in detail

in Volume II of the manual, including the following:

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 11

CHAPTER 4. POWERFACTORY OVERVIEW

Load Flow Analysis, allowing meshed and mixed 1-,2-, and 3-phase AC and/or DC
networks (Chapter 23: Load Flow Analysis).

Low Voltage Network Analysis (Section 23.4.2: Advanced Load Options).

Short-Circuit Analysis, for meshed and mixed 1-,2-, and 3-phase AC networks (Chapter
24: Short-Circuit Analysis).

Power Quality and Harmonics Analysis (Chapter 30: Power Quality and Harmonics
Analysis.

Quasi-Dynamic simulation, which allows to perform several load flow calculations in a

period of time (Chapter 26:Quasi-Dynamic Simulation).

RMS Simulation (time-domain simulation for stability analysis, Chapter 27: Stability and
EMT Simulations).

EMT Simulation (time-domain simulation of electromagnetic transients, Chapter 27:

Stability and EMT Simulations).

Eigenvalue Analysis (Chapter 29: Modal Analysis / Eigenvalue Calculation).

Model Parameter Identification (Chapter 28: Model Parameter Identification).

Contingency Analysis (Chapter 25: Contingency Analysis).

Reliability Analysis (Chapter 32: Reliability Assessment).

Optimal Power Restoration, including manual restorations (Chapter 33: Optimal Power
Restora-tion).

Generation Adequacy Analysis (Chapter 34: Generation Adequacy Analysis).

Optimal Power Flow (Chapter 44: Optimal Power Flow).

Transmission Network Tools (Chapter 35: Transmission Network Tools).

Distribution Network Optimisation (Chapter 36: Distribution Network Tools).

Protection Analysis (Chapter 38: Protection).

Network Reduction (Chapter 42: Network Reduction).

State Estimation (Chapter 45: State Estimation).

4.4 General Design of PowerFactory

PowerFactory is primarily intended to be used and operated in a graphical environment.
That is, data is entered by drawing the network elements, and then editing and assigning
data to these objects. Data is accessed from the graphics page by double-clicking on an
object. An input dialog is displayed and the user may then edit the data for that object.

Figure 4.4.1 shows the PowerFactory Graphical User Interface (GUI) when a project is
active. The GUI is discussed in further detail in Section 4.8

12 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual

4.4. GENERAL DESIGN OF
POWERFACTORY
 Figure 4.4.1: PowerFactory Main Window

All data entered for objects is hierarchically structured in folders for ease of navigation. To
view the data and its organisation, a “Data Manager” is used. Figure 4.4.2 shows the Data
Manager window. The Data Manager is similar in appearance and functionality to a
Windows Explorer window.

Within the Data Manager, information is grouped based on two main criterion:

Data that pertains directly to the system under study, that is, electrical data.

Study management data, for example, which graphics should be displayed, what
options have been chosen for a Load Flow Calculation command, which Areas of the
network should be considered for calculation, etc.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 13

CHAPTER 4. POWERFACTORY OVERVIEW

Figure 4.4.2: PowerFactory Data Manager

Note that most user-actions can be performed in both the single line graphic and the Data
Manager. For example, a new terminal can be added directly to the single line graphic, or
alternatively created in the Data Manager. In the latter case, the terminal could be shown in
the single line graphic by using the Diagram Layout Tool, by “dragging and dropping” from
the Data Manager, or by creating a new Graphical Net Object in the Data Manager
(advanced).

4.5 Type and Element Data

Since power systems are constructed using standardised materials and components, it is
convenient to divide electrical data into two sets, namely “Type” data and “Element” data
sets.

Characteristic electrical parameters, such as the reactance per km of a line, or the

rated voltage of a transformer are referred to as Type data. Type objects are generally
stored in the Global Library or Project Library, and are shown in red. For instance, a
Line Type object, TypLne ( ).

Data relating to a particular instance of equipment, such as the length of a line, the derating factor of
a cable, the name of a load, the connecting node of a generator, or the tap position of a transformer
are referred to as Element data. Element objects are generally stored in the Network Data folder, and
are shown in green. For instance, a Line Element object, ElmLne ( ).

Consider the following example:

• A cable has a Type reactance of “X” Ohms/km, say 0.1 Ohms/km.

• A cable section of length “L” is used for a particular installation, say 600 m, or 0.6 km.

• This section (Element) therefore has an reactance of X * L Ohms, or 0.06 Ohms.

Note that Element parameters can be modified using Operation Scenarios (which store sets
of network operational data), and Parameter Characteristics (which can be used to modify
parameters based on the study case Time, or other user-defined trigger).

14 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual

 4.6. DATA ARRANGEMENT

4.6 Data Arrangement

The PowerFactory database supports multiple users (as mentioned in 4.1) 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 4.6.1 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 summarised below:
 Figure 4.6.1: Structure of a PowerFactory project in the Data Manager

4.6.1 Global Library

This global Library contains a wide range of pre-defined models, including:

Type data for standard components such as conductors, motors, generators, and
transformers.

Standard control system frames, models, and macros (i.e. transfer functions and logic
blocks, etc).

Standard CT, VT, fuse, and relay models.

Pre-defined model templates, including:

– Battery System with frequency control (10 kV, 30 MVA).

– Double Fed Induction Wind Turbine Generator (0.69 kV, 2 MW).

– Fully Rated Converter Wind Turbine Generator (0.4 kV, 2 MW).

DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual 15

CHAPTER 4. POWERFACTORY OVERVIEW

– Variable Rotor Resistance Wind Turbine Generator (0.69 kV, 0.66 MW).

– Photovoltaic System (0.4 kV, 0.5 MVA)

Standard DPL scripts, including scripts to:

– Minimise the Net Present Value of project (Variation) costs by varying the project
service date.

– Conduct time-sweep load flow calculations.

Documentation about the various elements and types in the global library can be found
directly in the description page of the elements, in the Appendix B.13 and D of the manual
and in additional documents (linked in the corresponding appendix parts).

4.6.2 User Defined Global Library

Sometimes it is useful to share a library with another PowerFactory user in a Global Library.
This requires the creation of a library folder, which can be done by the Administrator as
shown in Figure 4.6.2. To do this, the Administrator must proceed as follows:

Right-click on the “Database”

Click on New → Folder

Chose a library name and select “Library” as Folder Type

Click OK

The new Library is now created at the same level of the hierarchy as the Global Library.
Every user of this database has full read access, however the Types within this Library must
be created and edited by the Administrator.
 Figure 4.6.2: Creation of a user-defined Global Library

16 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual

 4.6. DATA ARRANGEMENT

Note: The user-defined library should not be named “Library”, as this name is reserved for
the standard Global Library. Furthermore, the data within the standard Global Library
should not be changed by the User, as this folder will be overwritten when installing a
new PowerFactory version. This also applies to the Library folder within the standard
Global Library.

4.6.3 Project Library

The Project Library contains the equipment types, network operational information, scripts,
templates, and user-defined models (generally) only used within a particular project. A
particular project may have references to the project library and / or global library. The
Project Library folder and sub-folders are discussed in detail in Chapter 13 (Project Library).

4.6.4 Diagrams

Single line graphics are defined in PowerFactory by means of graphic folders of class
IntGrfNet ( ). Each diagram corresponds to a IntGrfNet folder. They are stored in the
Diagrams folder ( ) of the Network Model. Single line diagrams are composed of graphical
objects, which represent components of the networks under study. Graphical components
reference network components and symbol objects (IntSym).

The relation between graphical objects and network components allows the definition and modification of
the studied networks directly from the single line graphics. Network components can be represented by
more than one graphical object (many IntGrf objects can refer to the same network component).

Therefore, one component can appear in several diagrams.

These diagrams are managed by the active study case, and specifically by an object called
the Graphics Board. If a reference to a network diagram is stored in a study case’s Graphics
Board, when the study case is activated, the diagram is automatically opened. Diagrams can
be easily added and deleted from the Graphics Boards.

Each diagram is related to a specific Grid (ElmNet). When a grid is added to an active study
case, the user is asked to select (among the diagrams pointing to that grid) the diagrams to
display. References to the selected diagrams are then automatically created in the
corresponding Graphics Board.

Chapter 9 (Network Graphics (Single Line Diagrams)), explains how to define and work with
single line graphics.
4.6.5 Network Data

The Network Data folder holds network data (Element data) in “Grid” folders, network
modification information in “Variation” folders, and object Grouping information.

Grids

In PowerFactory, electrical network information is stored in “Grid” folders (ElmNet, ). A power system
may have as many grids as defined by the user. These grids may or may not be interconnected. As long as
they are active, they are considered by the calculations. Data may be sorted according to logical,
organisational and/or geographical areas (discussed further in Section 4.7: Project Structure).

Note: A Grid (and in general any object comprising the data model) is active when it is
referred to by the current study case. Only objects referred in the current (active) study
case are considered for calculation. In the Data Manager, the icon of an active Grid is
shown in red, to distinguish it from inactive Grids.

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CHAPTER 4. POWERFACTORY OVERVIEW

For details of how to define grids refer to Chapter 8.Basic Project Definition, Section 8.2
(Creating New Grids).

Variations

During the planning and assessment of a power system, it is often necessary to analyse
different vari-ations and expansion alternatives of the base network. In PowerFactory these
variations are modelled by means of “Variations”. These are objects that store and
implement required changes to a network, and can be easily activated and deactivated. The
use of Variations allows the user to conduct studies under different network configurations in
an organised and simple way.

Variation objects (IntScheme, ) are stored inside the Variations folder ( ) which resides
in the Network Model folder. Variations are composed of “Expansion Stages” (IntStage),
which store the changes made to the original network(s). The application of these changes
depends on the current study time and the activation time of the Expansion Stages.

The study time is a parameter of the active study case, and is used to situate the current
study within a time frame. The activation time is a parameter given to the Expansion Stages,
to determine whether or not, according to the study time, the changes contained within the
Expansion Stages are applied to the network. If the activation time precedes the study time,
the changes are applied to the original network. The changes of a subsequent expansion
stage add to the changes of its predecessors.

In order that changes to the network configuration are applied and can be viewed, a
Variation must be activated. These changes are contained in the expansion stage(s) of this
active Variation. Once the Variation is deactivated, the network returns to its original state.
Changes contained in an Expansion Stage can be classified as:

Modifications to network components.

Components added to the network.

Components deleted from the network.

Note: If there is no active Operation Scenario, modifications to operational data will be

stored in the active Variation.

Grouping Objects
In addition to Grid folders, the Network Data folder contains a set of objects that allow further
grouping of network components. By default, when a new project is created, new empty
folders to store these grouping objects is created inside the Network Model folder.

For details of how to define grouping objects, refer to Chapter 14: Grouping Objects.

4.6.6 Operation Scenarios

Operation Scenarios may be used to store operational settings, a subset of Element data.
Operational data includes data that relates to the operational point of a device but not to the
device itself e.g. the tap position of a transformer or the active power dispatch of a
generator. Operation Scenarios are stored in the Operation Scenarios folder.

4.6.7 Study Cases

The Study Cases folder holds study management information. Study cases are used to store information
such as command settings, active Variations and Operations Scenarios, graphics to be displayed, and

18 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual

 4.7. PROJECT
STRUCTURE

study results. See Chapter 11 (Study Cases) for details.

4.6.8 Settings

Project settings such as user-defined diagram styles for example, which differ from global
settings, are stored inside the Settings folder. See section 8.1.2 (Project Settings)

4.7 Project Structure

The structure of project data depends on the complexity of the network, use of the model,
and user preferences. The user has the flexibility to define network components directly
within the Grid, or to organise and group components in a way that simplifies management
of project data.

Consider the example network data arrangement shown in Figure 4.7.1 In this case, two
busbar systems (ElmSubstat in PowerFactory ) have been defined, one at 132 kV, and one
at 66 kV. The two busbar systems are grouped within a Site, which includes the 132 kV / 66
kV transformers (not shown in Figure 4.7.1). A Branch composed of two line sections and a
node connects “132 kV Busbar” to “HV terminal”. Grouping of components in this way
simplifies the arrangement of data within the Data Manager, facilitates the drawing overview
diagrams, and facilitates storing of Substation switching configurations.

Figure 4.7.1: Example Project Structure

The following subsections provide further information regarding the PowerFactory
representation of key network topological components.

4.7.1 Nodes

In PowerFactory, nodes connecting lines, generators, loads, etc. to the network are
generally called “Terminals” (ElmTerm). Depending on their usage within the power system,
Terminals can be used to represent Busbars, Junctions, or Internal Nodes (their usage is
defined by a drop down menu found in the Basic Data page of the terminal dialog).
According to the selected usage, different calculation functions are enabled; for example the
short-circuit calculation can be performed only for busbars, or for busbars and internal
nodes, and so on.

4.7.2 Branches

Elements with multiple connections are referred to “Branches” (as distinct from a “Branch
Element”, which is a grouping of elements, discussed in Section 4.7.7). Branches include
two-connection el-ements such as transmission lines and transformers, and three-
connection elements such as three-winding transformers, AC/DC converters with two DC
terminals, etc.

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CHAPTER 4. POWERFACTORY OVERVIEW

For information about how to define transmission lines (and cables) and sections refer to
Chapter 9: Net-work Graphics, Section 9.2(Defining Network Models with the Graphical
Editor). Technical information about transmission line and cable models is provided in
Appendix B (Line (ElmLne)).

4.7.3 Cubicles

When any branch element is directly connected to a Terminal, PowerFactory uses a

“Cubicle” (StaCu-bic) to define the connection. Cubicles can be visualised as the panels on
a switchgear board, or bays in a high voltage yard, to which the branch elements are
connected. A Cubicle is generally created automatically when an element is connected to a
node (note that Cubicles are not shown on the single line graphic).

4.7.4 Switches

To model complex busbar-substation configurations, switches (ElmCoup) can be used. Their

usage can be set to Circuit-Breaker, Disconnector, Switch Disconnector, or Load Switch.
The connection of an ElmCoup to a Terminal is carried out by means of an automatically
generated Cubicle without any additional switch (StaSwitch) object.

4.7.5 Substations

Detailed busbar configurations are represented in PowerFactory as Substations

(ElmSubstat). Sepa-rate single line diagrams of individual substations can be created.
Substation objects allow the use of running arrangements to store/set station circuit breaker
statuses (see Chapter 13: Project Library, Section 13.3: Operational Library).

For information about how to define substations refer to Chapter 9: Network Graphics,
Section 9.2(Defin-ing Network Models with the Graphical Editor) and Chapter 10, Section
10.3(Defining Network Models with the Data Manager).

4.7.6 Sites

Network components including Substations and Branches can be grouped together within a
“Site” (ElmSite). This may include Elements such as substations / busbars at different
voltage levels. For information about how to define sites refer to Chapter 10, Section
10.3(Defining Network Models with the Data Manager).
4.7.7 Branch Elements

Similar to Substations, Terminal Elements and Line Elements can be stored within an object called a
Branch Element (ElmBranch). Branches are “composite” two-port elements that may be connected to a
Terminal at each end. They may contain multiple Terminals, Line sections (possible including various line
types), and Loads etc, but be represented as a single Branch on the single line graphic. As for Substations,
separate diagrams for the detailed branch can be created with the graphical editor.

For information about how to define branches refer to Chapter 9: Network Graphics, Section
9.2(Defin-ing Network Models with the Graphical Editor) and Chapter 10, Section
10.3(Defining Network Models with the Data Manager).

20 DIgSILENT PowerFactory 2017, User Manual

 4.8. USER
INTERFACE

4.8 User Interface

An overview of the PowerFactory user interface is provided in this section, including general
discussion of the functionality available to enter and manipulate data and graphics. Aspects
of the user interface are discussed in further detail in the following chapters, in particular:

Chapter 6 (User Accounts, User Groups, and Profiles).

Chapter 9(Network Graphics (Single Line Diagrams)).

Chapter 10 (Data Manager).

4.8.1 Overview

The main PowerFactory window is shown in Figure 4.8.1

 Figure 4.8.1: PowerFactory user interface

Key features of the main window are as follows:

The main window includes a description of the PowerFactory version, and standard
icons to Minimise, Maximise/Restore, Resize, and Close the window.

The main menu bar includes drop-down menu selections. The main menu is discussed
further in Section 4.8.2 (Menu Bar).

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The Main Toolbar includes commands and other icons. The Main Toolbar is discussed
in further detail in Section 4.8.3 (Main Toolbar).

The Graphical Editor displays single line diagrams, block diagrams and/or simulation
plots of the active project. Studied networks and simulation models can be directly
modified from the graphical editor by placing and connecting elements.

When an object is right clicked (in the graphical editor or in the Data Manager) a
context sensitive menu with several possible actions appears.

When an object is double clicked its edit dialog will be displayed. The edit dialog is the interface
between an object and the user. The parameters defining the object are accessed through this edit
dialog. Normally an edit dialog is composed of several “pages”. Each page groups parameters that
are relevant to a certain function. In Figure 4.8.1 the Load Flow page of a generator is shown, where
only generator parameters relevant to load flow calculations are shown.

The Data Manager is the direct interface with the database. It is similar in appearance
and functionality to a Windows Explorer window. The left pane displays a symbolic tree
representation of the complete database. The right pane is a data browser that shows
the content of the currently selected folder. The Data Manager can be accessed by
pressing the Data Manager icon ( ) on the left of the main toolbar. It is always
’floating’, and more than one can be active at a time. Depending on how the user
navigates to the Database Manager, it may only show the database tree for selecting a
database folder, or it may show the full database tree. The primary functionality of the
Data Manager is to provide access to power system components/objects. The Data
Manager can be used to edit a group of selected objects within the Data Manager in
tabular format. Alternatively, objects may be individually edited by double clicking on an
object (or right-click → Edit).
The output window is shown at the bottom of the PowerFactory window. The output
window cannot be closed, but can be minimised. The output window is discussed in
further detail in Section 4.8.4 (The Output Window).

The Project Overview window is displayed by default on the left side of the main
application window between the main toolbar and the output window. It displays an
overview of the project allowing the user to assess the state of the project at a glance
and facilitating easy interaction with the project data.

4.8.2 Menu Bar

The menu bar contains the main PowerFactory menus. Each menu entry has a drop down
list of menu options and each menu option performs a specific action. To open a drop down
list, either click on the menu entry with the left mouse button, or press the Alt key together
with the underlined letter in the menu. Menu options that are shown in grey are not available,
and only become available as the user activates projects or calculation modes, as required.
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 4.8. USER INTERFACE

Figure 4.8.2: The help menu on the Menu bar

For example as show in Figure 4.8.2:

To access PowerFactory tutorials: Press Alt-H to open the help menu. Use the
keyboard to select Start Tutorial. Press Execute to open the Tutorial.

To access the User Manual: Left click the Help menu. Left-click the option User Manual
to open the electronic User Manual.

4.8.3 Main Toolbar

The main PowerFactory toolbar provides the user with quick access to the main commands
available in the program (see Figure 4.8.1). Buttons that appear in grey are only active when
appropriate. All command icons are equipped with balloon help text which are displayed
when the cursor is held still over the icon for a moment, and no key is pressed.

To use a command icon, click on it with the left mouse button. Those icons that perform a
task will automatically return to a non-depressed state when that task is finished. Some
command icons will remain depressed, such as the button to Maximise Output Window.
When pressed again, the button will return to the original (non-depressed) state.

This section provides a brief explanation of the purpose of the icons found on the upper part
of the toolbar. Icons from the lower part of the toolbar are discussed in Chapter 9(Network
Graphics (Single Line Diagrams)). Detailed explanations for each of the functions that the
icons command are provided in the other sections of the manual.

Open Data Manager

Opens a new instance of the Data Manager. When the option “Use multiple Data
Manager” is enabled in the user settings menu (User Settings → Data/Network Model
Manager ) the user will be able to open as many instances of the Data Manager as
required. If “Use multiple Data Manager” is disabled, the first instance of the Data
Manager will be re-opened. For more information on the Data Manager refer to
Chapter 10.

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Open Network Model Manager

Opens the Network Model Manager, which is a browser for all calculation relevant
objects. It provides a list of all elements (coloured in green) and types (coloured in red)
that are in an active Grid: e.g. transformer types, line elements, composite models, etc.
For more information, see Chapter 12 (Network Model Manager).

Date/Time of Calculation Case

Displays the date and time for the case calculation. This option is used when
parameter charac-teristics of specific elements (e.g. active and reactive power of
loads) are set to change according to the study time, or a Variation status is set to
change with the study time.

Edit Trigger

Displays a list of all Triggers that are in the active study case. These Triggers can be
edited in order to change the values for which one or more characteristics are defined.
These values will be modified with reference to the new Trigger value. All Triggers for
all relevant characteristics are automatically listed. If required, new Triggers will be
created in the study case. For more information, see Chapter 17: Parameter
Characteristics, Load States, and Tariffs. Section 17.2 (Parameter Characteristics).

Network Data Assessment

Activates the Network Data Assessment command dialog to generate selected reports
on net-work data or to perform model data verification. For more information see
Section 24.6 (Capaci-tive Earth-Fault Current) or Section 23.6 (Troubleshooting Load
Flow Calculation Problems).

Calculate Load Flow

Activates the Load Flow Calculation command dialog. For more information about the
specific settings, refer to Chapter 23 (Load Flow Analysis).

Calculate Short-Circuit

Activates the short-circuit calculation command dialog. For more information, refer to
Chapter 24 (Short-Circuit Analysis).

Edit Short-Circuits
 Edits Short-Circuit events. Events are used when a calculation requires more than one
action or considers more than one object for the calculation. Multiple fault analysis is
an example of this. If, for instance, the user multi-selects two busbars (using the
cursor) and then clicks the right mouse button Calculate → Multiple Faults a Short-
circuit event list will be created with these two busbars in it.

Execute Scripts

Displays a list of scripts that are available. See Section 4.9.1 for a general description
of DPL scripts, and Chapter 21(Scripting) for detailed information.

Output Calculation Analysis

Presents calculation results in various formats. The output is printed to the output
window and can be viewed, or copied for use in external reports. Several different
reports, depending on the calculation, can be created. For more information about the
output of results refer to Chapter 18:Reporting and Visualising Results, Section 18.2.3
(Output of Results).

Documentation of Device Data

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 4.8. USER INTERFACE

Presents a listing of device data (a device is the model of any physical object that has
been entered into the project for study). This output may be used in reports, and for
checking data that has been entered. Depending on the element chosen for the report,
the user has two options; generate a short listing, or a detailed report. For more
information refer to Chapter 18:Reporting and Visualising Results, Section 18.2.3
(Output of Results).

Comparing of Results On/Off

Turns on/off comparing of calculation results. Used to compare results where certain
settings or designs options of a power system have been changed from one
calculation to the next. For more information refer to Chapter 18:Reporting and
Visualising Results, Section 18.3 (Comparisons Between Calculations).

Edit Comparing of Results

Enables the user to select the cases/ calculation results that are to be compared to one another, or
to set the colouring mode for the difference reporting. For more information refer to Chap-ter
18:Reporting and Visualising Results, Section 18.3 (Comparisons Between Calculations).

Update Database

Utilises the current calculations results (i.e. the calculation ’output’ data) to change
input param-eters (i.e. data the user has entered). An example is the transformer tap
positions, where these have been calculated by the Load Flow command option
“Automatic Tap Adjust of Tap Chang-ers.” For more information refer to Chapter
18:Reporting and Visualising Results, Section 18.3 (Comparisons Between
Calculations).

Save Operation Scenario

Saves the current operational data to an Operation Scenario (e.g. load values, switch
statuses, etc.). See Chapter 15 (Operation Scenarios).

Break

Stops a transient simulation or DPL script that is running.

Reset Calculation

Resets any calculation performed previously. This icon is only enabled after a
calculation has been carried out.
Note: In User Settings, on the Miscellaneous page, if ’Retention of results after network
change’ is set to ’Show last results’, results will appear in grey on the single line
diagram and on the Flexible Data tab until the calculation is reset, or a new calculation
performed.

User Settings

User options for many global features of PowerFactory may be set from the dialog
accessed by this icon. For more information refer to Chapter 7 (User Settings).

Maximise Graphic Window

Maximises the graphic window. Pressing this icon again will return the graphic window
to its original state.

Maximise Output Window

Maximises the output window. Pressing this icon again will return the output window to
its original state.

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Change Toolbox

In order to minimise the number of icons displayed on the taskbar, some icons are
grouped based on the type of analysis, and are only displayed when the relevant
category is selected from the Change Toolbox icon. In Figure 4.8.3, the user has
selected RMS/EMT Simulation, and therefore only icons relevant for RMS and EMT
studies are displayed to the right of the Change Toolbox icon. If, for example,
Reliability Assessment were selected then icons to the right of the Change Toolbox
icon would change to those suitable for a reliability assessment.

Figure 4.8.3: Change Toolbox selection

4.8.4 The Output Window

In addition to results presented in the single line graphics and / or Data Manager, the output
window displays other textual output, such as error messages, warnings, command
messages, device docu-mentation, result of calculations, and generated reports, etc. This
section describes output window use and functionality.

4.8.4.1 Sizing and Positioning the Output Window

The default location of the output window is “docked” (fixed) at the bottom of the main
window, as shown in Figure 4.8.1 It can be minimised, but not closed. When right-clicking
the mouse button with the cursor in the output windows area, the context sensitive menu of
the output window appears. The output window can then be undocked by deselecting the
Dock Output Window. The undocked output window is still confined to the main window, but
now as a free floating window. This can occur unintentionally when the user left clicks the
tool bar for the output window and drags the mouse (keeping the mouse button down) to
somewhere outside of the output window boundaries. To rectify this simply left-click in the
title bar of the undocked window and drag it down to the bottom of the screen where it will
dock once more (if you have right-clicked and unticked “Docking View” then right click and
select “Docking View” once more).

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 4.8. USER INTERFACE

The upper edge of the output window shows a splitter bar which is used to change the size
of the output window. The “drag” cursor appears automatically when the cursor is placed on
the splitter bar. The left mouse button can be pressed when the “drag” cursor is visible. This
will turn the splitter bar to grey and the output window can now be resized by holding down
the mouse button and moving the mouse up or down.

The output window may be moved and resized by:

Dragging the splitter bar (grey bar at the upper edge of the output window) when the
output window is in “docking mode”.

Double-clicking the frame of the output window to dock/undock it from the main
window.

Pressing the Maximise Graphic Window icon ( ) on the main toolbar to enlarge the
graphics board by hiding the output window.

Pressing the Maximise Output Window icon ( ) icons on the main toolbar to enlarge
the output window.

4.8.4.2 Output Window Options

The contents of the output window may be stored, edited, printed, etc., using the icons
shown on the right-hand pane of the output window. Some commands are also available
from the context sensitive menu by right-clicking the mouse in the output window pane.

Opens the User Settings on the Output Window page.

Saves the selected text to an ASCII file, or the complete contents of the output window if
no selection was made.

Copies the selected text to the Windows Clipboard. Text may then be pasted in other
programs.

The contents of the output window are displayed and saved in a file.

Redirects the output window to be printed directly.

Searches the text in the output window for the occurrences of a given text.
 Clears the output window by deleting all messages. Note that when the user scrolls back
and clicks on previous messages in the output window, the output window will no
longer automatically scroll with new output messages. The Clear All icon will “reset”
scrolling of the output window. Ctrl\End can also be used to “reset” scrolling.

4.8.4.3 Using the Output Window

The output window facilitates preparation of data for calculations, and identification of
network data errors. Objects which appear blue in the output window generally have a
hyperlink so that they can be double-clicked with the left mouse button to open an edit dialog
for the object. Alternatively, the object can be right-clicked and then Edit, Edit and Browse
Object, or Mark in Graphic selected. This simplifies the task of locating objects in the single
line graphic. For example, if an element does not have a type defined, the load flow will not
solve and a message will be reported.

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4.8.4.4 Output Window Context Sensitive Menu

As mentioned in the previous section, to show the output window’s context sensitive menu,
right-click the mouse button whilst pointing at the object name (see Figure 4.8.4). The
available option are as follows:

Edit Object: Opens the edit dialog of the selected object.

Edit and Browse Object: Opens a Data Manager and displays the Element and its
parameters.

Mark in Graphic: Marks the selected element in the single line graphic and zooms into
the region it is placed.

Figure 4.8.4: Output Window Context Sensitive Menu

4.8.4.5 Output Window Filters

In the output window, shown in figure 4.8.5, the messages are not only coloured, but icons are also used to
indicate the category (error, warning, info, events,...); these categories can be filtered using the predefined
filtering tabs. There is also a text filter, to find specific text strings in the output messages.
 Figure 4.8.5: Output window

The messages in the output window are classified as following:

Error message: red.

Warning message: dark yellow.

Information messages: black.

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 4.8. USER INTERFACE

Events messages: blue.

Output text: black.

The button Clear all filters can be used to remove all the selected filters.

4.8.4.6 Output Window Graphical Results

Reports of calculation results may contain bar graphical information. The “voltage profiles” report after a
load flow calculation, for instance, produces bar graphs of the per-unit voltages of busbars. These bars will
be coloured blue, green or red if the option Show Verification Report in the Load Flow Calculation
command has been enabled. They will be cross-hatched if the bars are too large to display.

Part of a bar graph output is shown in Figure 4.8.6 The following formatting is visible:
 Figure 4.8.6: Output window bar diagram

Green Solid Bar: Used when the value is in the tolerated range.

Blue Solid Bar: Used when the value is below a limit.

Red Solid Bar: Used when the value is above a limit.

Cross-hatched Bar: Used when the value is outside the range.

4.8.4.7 Copying from the Output Window

The contents of the output window, or parts of its contents, may be copied to the built-in
editor of PowerFactory, or to other programs. The lines that are to be copied are determined
by the output window settings; by default what is shown in the output window is copied. The
filters can be used to show only the messages of interest.

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4.9 Scripting in PowerFactory

4.9.1 DIgSILENT Programming Language (DPL) Scripts

The DIgSILENT Programming Language DPL offers an interface to the user for the
automation of tasks in PowerFactory. By means of a simple programming language and in-
built editor, the user can define automation commands (scripts) to perform iterative or
repetitive calculations on target networks, and post-process the results.

To find the name of an object parameter to be used in a DPL script, simply hover the mouse
pointer over the relevant field in an object dialog. For example, for a general load, on the
Load Flow page, hover the mouse pointer over the Active Power field to show the parameter
name plini.

User-defined DPL scripts can be used in all areas of power system analysis, for example:

Network optimisation

Cable-sizing

Protection coordination

Stability analysis

Parametric sweep analysis

Contingency analysis

DPL scripts may include the following:

Program flow commands such as ’if-else’ and ’do-while’

PowerFactory commands (i.e. load-flow or short-circuit commands: ComLdf, ComShc)

Input and output routines

Mathematical expressions

PowerFactory object procedure calls

Subroutine calls
DPL command objects provide an interface for the configuration, preparation, and use of
DPL scripts. These objects may take input parameters, variables and/or objects, pass these
to functions or subrou-tines, and then output results. DPL commands are stored inside the
Scripts folder ( ) in the project directory.

Consider the following simple example shown in Figure 4.9.1 to illustrate the DPL interface,
and the versatility of DPL scripts to take a user-selection from the single line graphic. The
example DPL script takes a load selection from the single line graphic, and implements a
while loop to output the Load name(s) to the output window. Note that there is also a check
to see if any loads have been selected by the user.

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 4.9. SCRIPTING IN
POWERFACTORY

Figure 4.9.1: Example DPL Script

For further information about DPL commands and how to write and execute DPL scripts
refer to Chap-ter 21 (Scripting), and the DPL Reference.

4.9.2 Python Scripts

Additionally to DPL it is also possible to use the Python language to write scripts to be
executed in PowerFactory.
Pythons scripts should be written in an external editor and linked to the Python command
(ComPython) inside PowerFactory.

For further information about the Python command and how to write and execute Python
scripts refer to Chapter 21 (Scripting), and the Python Reference.

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 Part II

Administration
Chapter 5

Program Administration

This chapter provides information on how to configure PowerFactory, and how to log on.
More de-tailed descriptions of the installation, database settings and additional information
can be found in the Advanced Installation and Configuration Manual.

5.1 Program Installation and Configuration

A detailed description of the installation procedure and the program configuration

alternatives is pro-vided in the Advanced Installation and Configuration Manual.

In general there are 3 primary questions to consider before installing PowerFactory software,
which will determine the installation settings:

Licence: Where should the licence key(s) reside?

Installation: Where should PowerFactory be installed?

Database: Where should the database reside?

Once PowerFactory has been installed, it can be started by clicking either on the Desktop or
by selecting PowerFactory in the Windows Start menu. PowerFactory will then start and
create a user account upon the initial user log-in. If the user is working in a single-user-
database environment, PowerFactory will take the username from Windows by default. In
the case that several user accounts have been created, a log-on dialog will pop up allowing
the user to select their username. The user will be asked to enter a password if one has
been defined for that particular account.

In a multi-user-database installation (see Chapter 6: User Accounts, User Groups, and

Profiles) new accounts and passwords are created by the administrator. The ’Administrator’
account is created when installing PowerFactory and is used to create and manage users’
accounts in a multi-user environment (see Chapter 6: User Accounts, User Groups, and
Profiles). To log on as Administrator, the shortcut from the Windows Start Menu can be
used. By default the administrator account password is Adminis-trator. When already
running a PowerFactory session, the user can select Tools → Switch User in the main menu
to log-on as Administrator.

For further information about the roll of the database administrator refer to Section 6.2: The
Database Administrator.

Changes to the default installation settings can be made using the PowerFactory
Configuration dialog. Once PowerFactory is started, the Configuration dialog can be
accessed via Tools → Configuration in PowerFactory ’s main menu. The Database tab of
the Configuration dialog provides options to

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CHAPTER 5. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

determine how the program installation should be configured. Administrator rights are
necessary to perform changes to these settings.

5.2 PowerFactory Configuration

The PowerFactory Configuration (SetConfig) dialog is used to apply changes to the

configuration set-tings. Windows Administration rights are required. All the pages of the
PowerFactory Configuration command are described in the following sections.

5.2.1 General Page

On this page the user can select the application language for the session.

5.2.2 Database Page

This page allows the selection of how the database will be used. The options are:

A single-user database which resides locally on each computer

A multi-user database which resides on a remote server. Here all users have access to
the same data simultaneously. In this case, user accounts are created and
administrated exclusively by the Administrator.

DIgSILENT PowerFactory provides drivers for the following multi-user database systems:

Oracle

Microsoft SQL Server

For further information regarding the database configuration refer to the PowerFactory
Advanced Instal-lation and Configuration Manual.
5.2.3 Workspace Page

The Workspace page allows the user to set the workspace directory and the workspace
backup direc-tory. The workspace is used to store the local database, result files and log
files. For further information regarding options for configuring and using the workspace, refer
to Chapter 5.4.

5.2.4 External Applications Page

The External Applications page is used to configure the external programs.

Python

Here the Python version and editor are set. The are three options to set the editor:

internal: uses the internal editor provided by PowerFactory. This editor is the same
used when writing DPL scripts. More information about this editor can be found in
section 21.1.3.

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 5.2. POWERFACTORY CONFIGURATION

system default: uses the system’s default editor for Python files (*.py); if no editor is defined as
default for Python files, then the default editor for text files (*.txt) is used. This is the default option.

custom: here the user can customise which editor should be used to open Python files.

Visual Studio

Here the Version and Shell Extension of Visual Studio can are set. Visual Studio is used
during the compilation of DSL models.

PDF Viewer

Here the User can select which program should be used to open “.pdf” files. The are three
options to set the PDF viewer:

h system viewer: uses the system’s default editor for pdf files (*.pdf). This is the
default option.

h Sumatra PDF: uses “Sumatra PDF” which is included in the PowerFactory

installation.

h custom: here the user can customise which viewer should be used to open Python
files.

5.2.5 Network Page

The Network page is used to specify an HTTP proxy in the case the user’s computer
connects to the internet via a proxy server. Format: host:port , e.g.: “myproxy:1234”

5.2.6 Geographic Maps Page

On the Geographic Maps page, the default settings for background maps can be changed.
The following parameters can be set:

Directory: Map cache directory where downloaded map tiles are stored (default:
workspace directory). A custom directory can be specified if the cache should be
shared across different PowerFactory installations.

Preferred tile size [pixels]: Pixel dimensions of map tiles.

 Max server connections: Maximum number of map tiles that are downloaded
simultaneously.

Download time-out: Timespan after which a non-finished tile download is cancelled.

This value may need to be increased for slow/unstable internet connections.

If Google Maps© should be used as the map provider, the “Google Maps for Business
account” data must be set on this page as well. To acquire a licence, please contact Google
sales: (http://www. google.com/enterprise/mapsearth).

5.2.7 Advanced Page

Settings on the Advanced page should only be changed under the guidance of the
DIgSILENT Power-Factory support (see Chapter 2 Contact).

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5.3 Licence

5.3.1 Select Licence

In order to run PowerFactory, the user is required to define licence settings in theDIgSILENT
Power-Factory Licence Manager, its dialog can be accessed via Tools → Licence→ Select
Licence. . .

Note: TheDIgSILENT PowerFactory Licence Manager can be started externally using the correspond-ing
shortcut in the main installation folder of PowerFactory or in the Windows start menu.

The Licence Access defines the type of licence, which can be a local licence (either a
licence file or a USB dongle) or a network licence.

Automatic search

This option searches automatically local and network licences via a broadcast and chooses
the first one found without further input.

Local Softkey / USB dongle

If local softkey / USB dongle is chosen, the Local Licence Settings require the selection of a
Licence Container. The locally found containers are available in the drop-down-list.

Network licence

If network licence is chosen, the server name has to be selected from the drop-down-list or
entered manually in the Network Licence Settings. Pressing will refresh the list of
available licence servers in the network. For the specified server the Licence container can
be chosen from a drop-down-list or entered manually.

Selected Licence:

The field on the right side of the dialog shows various information about the selected licence.
It contains, amongst others, the order ID (useful for any contact with the sales department),
the customer ID (useful for contact with technical support), the number of possible users for
a multi user environment and a list of the licensed additional modules.
If problems with the licence occur, the button Create Licence Support Package creates a
zipped file with the needed information for the support to identify the cause of the problems.

5.3.2 Activate / Update / Deactivate / Move Licence

These options are relevant for local licences, where the user has to manage the licence. In a
network licence environment, this is done by the network administrator.

For the activation, the update and the deactivation process the licence related Activation Key
has to be entered into the upcoming dialog.

A PowerFactory software licence softkey can be moved between computers a limited

number of times per year. The licence move is a two-stage process:

An activated licence needs to be transferred back to the DIgSILENT server via the
Deactivate Licence feature of the Licence Manager.

The deactivated licence can be activated again on any computer.

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 5.4. WORKSPACE OPTIONS

More information regarding licence types and their management is available in the
Advanced Installation and Configuration Manual.

5.4 Workspace Options

By selecting Tools → Workspace from the main menu, the options described below are
available.

5.4.1 Show Workspace Directory

The workspace directory can be seen by clicking Tools → Workspace→ Show workspace
directory.

5.4.2 Import and Export Workspace

To import the workspace, select Tools → Workspace→ Import Workspace. . . . This is a

convenient way to import the entire workspace after a new installation. To export the
workspace, select Tools → Workspace→ Export Workspace. . . . The package will be saved
as a .zip file.

5.4.3 Show Default Export Directory

The selection Tools → Workspace→ Show Default Export Directory from the main menu
shows the user the directory that is used for the export.

5.4.4 Import Workspace from 14.X or 15.0. . .

This option allows the migration of the database from an older PowerFactory version (e.g
14.X, 15.0. . . ) to the newest version.

This can be selected from the main menu, under Tools → Workspace→ Import Workspace
from 14.x or 15.0. . . . After “Import Workspace from 14.x or 15.0. . . ” has been selected, the
user can choose the working directory. The database that is saved in selected working
directory will be migrated.

Depending on the database size, a migration may take several hours. Figure 5.4.1 shows
the two different migration types available.

Figure 5.4.1: Database migration settings

5.4.4.1 Migration Types

Complete: the database structure and all projects will be altered and migrated immediately
upon pressing the OK button.

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CHAPTER 5. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Minimal: the database structure will be altered immediately, but the project migration will
occur upon activation.

Minimal migration is recommended for the migration of large databases.

5.5 Offline Mode User Guide

This section describes working in offline mode. Installation of the offline mode is described in
the Advanced Installation and Configuration Manual.

5.5.1 Functionality in Offline Mode

5.5.1.1 Start Offline Session

Preconditions:

A PowerFactory user account must already exist in the online database. The
PowerFactory “Administrator” user is able to create user accounts.

The user must not be logged-on to an online session. In the example in Figure 5.5.1,
User 2 and User 3 are able to start an offline session, but User 1 is not, as s/he is
already logged-on to an online session.
 Figure 5.5.1: Offline and online sessions

Note: the Administrator user is only allowed to work in online mode (not in offline mode).

To create an offline session, follow these steps:

Start PowerFactory. In the Log-on dialog enter the user name and password.

On the Database page, enter the Offline Proxy Server settings (see Figure 5.5.2)

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 5.5. OFFLINE MODE USER GUIDE

Figure 5.5.2: Log-on dialog, Database page

Note: Using a floating licence with the offline mode allows working with PowerFactory
without connection to the licence server. Please note, that the usage of floating
licences has to be included in the network licence and activated in the user
settings.

Press OK

If the usage of a floating licence is configured, PowerFactory will generate the floating
licence and adapt the licence settings. PowerFactory has to be started again
afterwards.

An info message is shown. (fig. 5.5.3)

 Figure 5.5.3: Info message

Press OK

Following initialisation, the usual PowerFactory application window is shown.

5.5.1.2 Release Offline Session

From the main menu, select File → Offline→ Terminate Offline session

A warning message is shown to confirm the synchronisation

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Press Yes

All unsynchronised local changes will then be transferred to the server and the local
offline database is removed.

If a floating licence has been used in offline mode, this licence will be returned to the
licence server.

5.5.1.3 Synchronise All

Synchronises global data (new users, projects added, projects removed, projects moved)
and all sub-scribed projects.

Open the main menu File → Offline→ Synchronise all

5.5.1.4 Subscribe Project for Reading Only

Open the Data Manager and navigate to the project.

Right-click on the project stub. A context menu is shown.

Select Subscribe project in offline mode for reading only.

The project will then be retrieved from the Offline Proxy Server and stored in the local Offline DB cache.

5.5.1.5 Subscribe Project for Reading and Writing

Write access to the project is required.

Open the Data Manager and navigate to the project.

Right-click on the project stub. A context menu is shown.

Select Subscribe project in Offline mode for reading and writing.

5.5.1.6 Unsubscribe Project

 Open the Data Manager and navigate to the project.

Right-click on the project. A context menu is shown.

Select Unsubscribe project in Offline mode.

5.5.1.7 Add a New Project

A new project is created in offline mode. It is available only in this offline session. Later this
project should be published to other users and synchronised to the online database.

Create a new project or import a PFD project file.

Open the Data Manager and navigate to the project.

Right-click on the project stub. A context menu is shown.

Select Subscribe project in Offline mode for reading and writing.

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5.5.1.8 Synchronise Project

Synchronises a subscribed project. If the project is subscribed for reading only, the local
project will be updated from the online database. If the project is subscribed for reading and
writing, the changes from the local offline database will be transferred to the online
database.

Open the Data Manager and navigate to the project

Right-click on the project stub. A context menu is shown.

Select Synchronise

5.5.2 Functionality in Online Mode

5.5.2.1 Show Current Online/Offline Sessions

The session status for each user is shown in the Data Manager.

Figure 5.5.4: Online and offline users

In Figure 5.5.4:
 User 1 and Administrator are logged on to an online session. They are indicated by the
green ONLINE icon.

User 2 has started an offline session. It is indicated by the red OFFLINE icon.

Public, Demo, and User 3 are not logged on.

5.5.3 Terminate Offline Session

There may occasionally be cases which require that an offline session be terminated by the
Adminis-trator; e.g. if the computer on which the offline session was initialised has been
damaged and can no longer be used, and the user wants to start a new offline session on a
different computer.

The Administrator is able terminate a session as follows:

Right-click on the user; the context menu is shown.

Select Terminate session (see Figure 5.5.5)

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Figure 5.5.5: Terminate offline session

A warning message is shown to confirm the synchronisation.

Press Yes

As shown in Figure 5.5.6, User 2 no longer has an active session:

 Figure 5.5.6: Online users

5.6 Housekeeping

5.6.1 Introduction

Housekeeping automates the administration of certain aspects of the database; in particular

purging projects, emptying user recycle bins and the deletion of old projects. Housekeeping
is triggered by the execution of a Windows Scheduled Task; this can be set up to run at
night, thus improving performance during the day by moving regular data processing to off-
peak times. An additional benefit to housekeep-ing is that users will need to spend less time
purging projects and emptying recycle bins, something that can slow down the process of
exiting PowerFactory.

Housekeeping is only available for multi-user databases (e.g. Oracle, SQL Server). For
details on scheduling housekeeping, see the PowerFactory Advanced Installation and
Configuration Manual.

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5.6.2 Configuring Permanently Logged-On Users

Normally, housekeeping will not process data belonging to logged-on users; however, some
user accounts (e.g. those for a control room) may be connected to PowerFactory
permanently. These users can be configured to allow housekeeping to process their data
while they are logged-on. This is done from the User Settings dialog (see Figure 5.6.1).
Regardless of this setting, housekeeping will not operate on a user’s active project.
 Figure 5.6.1: The User Settings dialog: housekeeping for connected users

5.6.3 Configuring Housekeeping Tasks

The Housekeeping command (SetHousekeeping) is used to control which housekeeping

tasks are enabled (see Figure 5.6.2). It is recommended that the user move this object from
Database \Sys-tem\Configuration\Housekeeping to Database∖Configuration∖Housekeeping,
in order to preserve the user’s configuration throughout database upgrades.

The following sections discuss the different housekeeping tasks available in the
Housekeeping dialog.

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Figure 5.6.2: Housekeeping dialog

5.6.4 Project Archiving

Project archiving provides the following options:

Disable: Archiving is not used.

Immediate archiving by the user: by selecting “Archive” from the context menu, the
project will be immediately archived and placed in the vault directory.
 Deferred archiving by Housekeeping job: by selecting “Archive” from the context
menu, the project will be immediately archived, but not placed in the vault directory.
This will happen automatically depending on the Housekeeping settings.

Important: The vault directory can be defined under “Tools\Configuration\Database \Vault

Directory”

A project cannot be archived unless it is deactivated. By right-clicking on the project a

context menu will appear. By selecting “Archive”, the project will be moved to the Archived
Projects folder of the user (IntUser ). If specified in the Housekeeping archiving options, the
project will be immediately placed in the vault directory.

Conversely, archived projects may also be restored. To restore an archived project, the user
must select “Restore” from the context menu which appears after right-clicking on a
deactivated project.

5.6.5 Configuring Deletion of Old Projects

If the option Remove projects based on last activation date has been selected in the
Housekeeping dialog, when the Housekeeping is executed, for each user, each project will
be handled according to the selected Action.

The Action options are:

• Delete project: deletes the project

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• Archive project: archives the project

The project properties determine whether a project can be automatically deleted or archived,
as shown in Figure 5.6.3. The default setting for “Housekeeping project deletion” is disabled.
When enabled, the default retention period is 60 days. These defaults can be changed for
new projects by using a template project (under Configuration/Default in the Data Manager
tree).
 Figure 5.6.3: Project properties

The settings for multiple projects may be selected using the tabular pane of the Data
Manager window (select the relevant column, right-click and select Modify Values). A value
of ’1’ is equivalent to the Housekeeping option Delete project being selected (see Figure
5.6.4). Many projects can be changed via the tabular window which appears following a Find
operation, though it should be noted that execut-ing a Find is potentially a lengthy operation.

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Figure 5.6.4: Setting parameters for multiple projects

A project will be deleted/archived by the housekeeping task if it meets the following criteria:

The project is configured for automatic deletion/archiving on the Storage page of the
project properties.

The last activation of the project is older than the retention setting on the project.

It is not a base project with existing derived projects.

It is not a special project (e.g. User Settings, or anything under the System or Configuration trees).
 The project is not locked (e.g. active).

The owner of the project is not connected, unless that user is configured to allow
concurrent housekeeping (see Section 5.6.2).

5.6.6 Configuring Purging of Projects

If Purge projects has been ticked in the Housekeeping dialog, when the Housekeeping is
executed, each project will be considered for purging. A project that is already locked (e.g.
an active project) will not be purged.

The criteria used by Housekeeping to purge a project are:

If the project has been activated since its last purge.

If it is now more than a day past the object retention period since last activation, and
the project has not been purged since then.

If the project is considered to have invalid metadata (e.g. is a pre-14.0 legacy project,
or a PFD import without undo information).

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Once housekeeping has been configured to purge projects, the automatic purging of
projects on acti-vation may be disabled by the user, thus preventing the confirmation dialog
popping up. To do this, the option Automatic Purging should be to Off on the Storage page
in the Project Properties dialog. This parameter can also be set to Off for multiple projects
(see Section 5.6.5 for details).

5.6.7 Configuring Emptying of Recycle Bins

If Delete recycle bin objects is set in the Housekeeping dialog, when Housekeeping is
executed, each user’s recycle bin will be examined. Entries older than the number of days
specified in the Housekeeping dialog (as shown in Figure 5.6.2) will be deleted.

5.6.8 Monitoring Housekeeping

In order to ensure that housekeeping is working correctly, it should be regularly verified by an adminis-
trator. This is done by inspecting the HOUSEKEEPING_LOG table via SQL or the data browsing tools of
the multi-user database. For each run, housekeeping will insert a new row to this table showing the start
and end date/time and the completion status (success or failure). Other statistics such as the number of
deleted projects are kept. Note that absence of a row in this table for a given scheduled day indicates that
the task failed before it could connect to the database. In addition to the HOUSEKEEPING_LOG table, a
detailed log of each housekeeping run is stored in the log file of the housekeeping user.

5.6.9 Summary of Housekeeping Deployment

The basic steps to implement housekeeping are:

ᜀĀᜀĀ Set up a Windows Scheduled Task, as described in the PowerFactory

Advanced Installation and Configuration Manual.

ᜀĀᜀĀ Configure those users expected to be active during housekeeping, as described in

Section 5.6.2.

ᜀĀᜀĀ Configure the Housekeeping dialog as described in Section 5.6.3.

ᜀĀᜀĀ If using the project deletion/archiving task, configure automatic

deletion/archiving properties for new projects, as described in Section 5.6.5.

ᜀĀᜀĀ If using the project deletion/archiving task, configure automatic

deletion/archiving properties for existing projects, as described in Section 5.6.5.
 ᜀĀᜀĀ Regularly monitor the HOUSEKEEPING_LOG table to verify the status of
housekeeping runs, as described in Section 5.6.8.

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Chapter 6

User Accounts, User Groups,

and Profiles

This chapter provides details of how to create and manage user accounts, user groups, and
profiles.

Key objectives of the user account managing system are to:

Protect the ’system’ parts of the database from changes by normal (non-Administrator)
users.

Protect parts of the databases belonging to user “A” from changes by user “B”.

Facilitate sharing of user data.

The user account managing system provides each user with their own “private” database
space. The user is nevertheless able to use shared data, either from the common system
database or from other users, and may enable other users to use data from their private
database.

The user account managing system manages this whilst using only one single database in
the back-ground, which allows for simple backup and management of the overall database.

The default name for a PowerFactory user is the Windows user name, which is automatically
created when PowerFactory is started for the first time.
6.1 PowerFactory Database Overview

A brief introduction to the top level structure of the PowerFactory database is convenient
before pre-senting the user accounts and their functionality.

The data in PowerFactory is stored inside a set of hierarchical directories. The top level
structure is constituted by the following folders:

Configuration: contains company specific customising for user groups, user default
settings, project templates and class templates for objects. Configuration folder is read
only for normal users.

Library: contains all standard types and models provided with PowerFactory. The main
library folder is read only for normal users.

System: contains all objects that are used internally by PowerFactory. The system folder
is read only for all normal users. Changes are only permitted when logged on as the
Administrator, and should be conducted under the guidance of DIgSILENT customer
support.

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User account: contains user project folders and associated objects and

settings. The structure described above is illustrated in Figure 6.1.1

Figure 6.1.1: Basic database structure

6.2 The Database Administrator

A database administrator account is created with the PowerFactory installation. The main
functions of the administrator are:

Creation and management of user accounts.

System database maintenance under the guidance of the DIgSILENT customer support.

Under a multiuser database environment, the administrator is the only user with permissions
to:

Add and delete users.

Define users groups.

 Set individual user rights.

Restrict or allow calculation functions.

Set/reset user passwords.

Create and edit Profiles (see Section 6.4 for details).

The administrator is also the only user that can modify the main library and the system
folders. Although the administrator has access to all the projects of all the users, it does not
have the right to perform any calculation.

To log on as administrator, there are two options:

Select the Shortcut in the Windows Start Menu PowerFactory 2016 (Administrator).

Log into PowerFactory as a normal User and select via the Main menu Tools → Switch
User. Se-lect Administrator and enter the corresponding password. By default the
administrator password is Administrator.

For further information about the administrator roll, refer to the PowerFactory Advanced
Installation and Configuration Manual.

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ACCOUNTS

6.3 Creating and Managing User Accounts

In the case of an installation with a local database, the default name for a PowerFactory user
is the Windows user name, which is automatically created when PowerFactory is started for
the first time. (see Chapter 5: Program Administration). In this case the program will
automatically create and activate the new account, without administrator intervention. In
order to create other PowerFactory users if required, the ’User Manager’ object can be used
as described below:

In multi-user database installations, the administrator creates new user accounts by means
of a tool called the ’User Manager’, which is found in the Configuration folder.

To create a new user:

Log on as Administrator. You can do so by starting the PowerFactory Administrator

shortcut in the Windows Start menu or by switching the user via Tools → Switch User
in the main tool bar.

In the left pane of the Data Manager click on Configuration folder to display its contents.

Double click on the User Manager icon ( , right pane) and press the Add User. . .
button.

The User edit dialog will be displayed. The settings are the following:

General page

– User Name: user Name that will be used for login to PowerFactory at startup

– Full Name: full Name of the appropriate user. In case, that the parameter User
Name is set to be an abbreviation.

– Change Password: the Administrator can change the user password here, without
knowing the previous password. If this button is clicked by the user itself, the
current password has to be entered as well.

– Publishing user: by setting this flag, the user can be defined to be a publishing
user. This means, that the user is visible to other users within the database and
marked with a different symbol within the data manager. This option can be used
to provide an user within the multiuser database, who publishes projects.
 – User account enabled: this setting can be used to enable/disable the user Account

– User account is time-limited: this option will set the account to be time limited and
therefore can be used for temporary users within the database.

– Force Authentication server usage: setting this option also requires the definition of
an authentication server within the PowerFactory configuration as explained in the
manual, de-livered within the download package of the AD authentication service.
If this is set and the server is entered, Active Directory can be used for user login.

– Password hash: this password hash can be used to hand over the user password
in a protected way via a certain API function (CreateApiInstanceSecuredV1).

Licence page: if a licensed version with a restricted number of functions is used (i.e. you
may have 4 licences with basic functionality, but only 2 stability licences), the Licence
tab may be used to define the functions that a user can access. The Multi-User
Database option should be checked for all users that will access the multi user
database.

Parallel Computing: it can be defined, whether the user is allowed to use parallel
processing possibilities within PowerFactory.

User sharing: by adding different users into the list of permitted users, access for these
users can be granted to login to the appropriate user account. If User A is in the list of
permitted user, User A can access the user account without entering the user
password.

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The administrator can edit any user account to change the user name, set new calculation
rights or change the password. To edit an existing user account:

Right-click on the desired user and select Edit from the context sensitive menu. The User
edit dialog will be displayed.

Any user can edit her/his own account by means of the User edit dialog. In this case only the
full name and the password can be changed.

Note: The Administrator is the only one who may delete a user account. Although users can
delete all projects inside their account folder, they cannot delete the account folder
itself or the standard folders that belong to it (i.e. the Recycle Bin or the Settings
folder).

6.4 Creating User Groups

Any project or folder in a user account may be shared. This action can be performed
selectively by sharing only with certain user groups. User groups are created by the
administrator via the User Manager. To create a new user group:

Log on as Administrator.

In the Data Manager open the Configuration folder and double click on the User Manager icon( ).

In the User Manager dialog that appears press Add Group. . .

Enter the name of the new group, optionally a description and press Ok.

The new group is automatically created in the User Groups directory of the Configuration
folder.

The Administrator can change the name of an existing group by means of the corresponding
edit dialog (right clicking on it and selecting Edit from the context sensitive menu). Via the
context sensitive menu, groups can also be deleted.

The Administrator can add users to a group by:

 Copying the user in the Data Manager (right click on the user and select Copy from the
context sensitive menu).

Selecting a user group in the left pane of the Data Manager.

Pasting a shortcut of the copied user inside the group (right-click the user group and
select Paste Shortcut from the context sensitive menu).

Users are taken out of a group by deleting their shortcut from the corresponding group.

The Administrator can also set the Groups Available Profiles on the Profile tab of the Group
dialog.

For information about sharing projects, refer to Section 19.6 (Sharing Projects).

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6.5 Creating Profiles

Profiles can be used to configure toolbars, menus, dialog pages, and dialog parameters. By
default, PowerFactory includes “Base Package” and “Standard” profiles, selectable from the
main menu under Tools → Profiles. Selecting the “Base Package” profile limits icons shown
on the Main Toolbar to those that are used with the Base Package of the software. The
“Standard” profile includes all available PowerFactory icons.

Profiles are created in the Configuration → Profiles folder by selecting the New Object icon
and then Others → Settings → Profile. An Administrator can create and customise profiles,
and control User/User Group selection of profiles from the Profile tab of each group.

Figure 6.5.1 shows the Profile dialog for a new profile, CustomProfile, and Figure 6.5.2
illustrates aspects of the GUI that may be customised using this profile. This section
describes the customisation procedure.

Figure 6.5.1: Profile dialog

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Figure 6.5.2: GUI Customisation using Profiles

6.5.1 Tool Configuration

Definition of Icons

Icons can be defined in the Configuration → Icons folder by selecting the New Object icon
and then Others → Other Elements→ Icon (IntIcon). From the Icon dialog, icon images can
be imported and exported. Icons should be 24 pixels by 24 pixels in Bitmap format
(recommended to be 24-bit format).
Command Configuration

The User-defined Tools toolbar can be used to make commonly-used tools such as scripts
and Add On Modules available to users. Changes and additions to the User-defined Tools
toolbar can only be made by the Administrator; from the top menu, Tools → Tool
Configuration. . . is selected and the fields described below can be edited.

Command: in this field, the relevant command or script is selected from the location
where it has been stored.

– Scripts: scripts may be stored within the Tool Configuration itself or in the
Configuration, Scripts folder

– Com* objects: generally, commands Com* are stored within the Tool
Configuration itself.

– Add On Modules: add On Module commands can be stored in the Configuration,

Add On folder.

Edit: if selected, the DPL command dialog will appear when a Command is executed. If
de-selected, the DPL command dialog will not appear when a Command is executed.

Icon: previously created icons can be selected, which will be shown on the menu where
the command is placed. If no icon is selected, a default icon will appear (a Hammer,
DPL symbol, or default Com* icon, depending on the Class type).

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PROFILES

Template Configuration

Template: the name of the template. The name may be for a unique template, or include
wildcards (such as *.ElmLne) for selection of a group of templates. Templates should
be in ’System/Library/Busbar Systems’ folder, or in the ’Templates’ folder of the active
project.

Drawing mode: the drawing mode can be set where there are multiple diagrammatic
representa-tions for a template (such as for a substation). Three options are available:

– Blank will place the default (detailed) graphic of the template.

– Simplified will place the simplified graphic of the template.

– Composite will place a composite representation of the template.

Symbol name: sets the representation of templates with a composite drawing mode
(e.g. Gen-eralCompCirc or GeneralCompRect).

Icon: previously created icons can be selected, which will be shown on the menu where
the template is placed. If no icon is selected, a default icon will appear (a Template
symbol or custom icon).

Description: this description will be displayed when a user hovers the mouse pointer
over the icon. If left blank, the template name will be displayed.

6.5.2 Configuration of Toolbars

The Main Toolbar and Drawing Toolbars can be customised using the Toolbar
Configuration. The field Toolboxes may either refer to a Toolbox Configuration
(SetTboxconfig) or a Toolbox Group Configuration (SetTboxgrconfig), which may in-turn
refer to one or more Toolbox Configurations.

Figure 6.5.3 shows an example where there is a main toolbox, and a toolbox group. The
toolbox group adds a Change Toolbox icon to the menu, which allows selection of Basic
Commands and Custom Commands groups of commands.
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Figure 6.5.3: Toolbar Configuration

Each toolbox can be customised to display the desired icons, such as illustrated in Figure 6.5.4
 Figure 6.5.4: Toolbox Configuration

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PROFILES

Prior to customising the displayed buttons and menu items etc, the user should first define
any required custom Commands and Templates. A Tool Configuration object can be created
in the Configuration → Profiles folder, or within a user-defined Profile, by selecting the New
Object icon and then Others → Settings→ Tool Configuration. If created in the Profiles
folder, the commands will be available from the “Standard” profile. Conversely, if the Tool
Configuration object is created within a profile (SetProfile) the commands and templates will
only be available for use in this profile. If there is a Tool Configuration within a user-defined
profile, as well as in the Profiles folder, the Tool Configuration in the user-defined profile will
take precedence. Optionally, customised icons can be associated with the Commands and
Templates.

6.5.3 Configuration of Menus

The Main Menu, Data Manager, Graphic, Virtual Instruments, and Output Window menus
can be customised from the Menu Configuration dialog. The Change to Configuration View
button of the Profile dialog is used to display description identifiers for configurable items,
such as illustrated in the context-sensitive menu shown in Figure 6.5.5. The Menu
Configuration includes a list of entries to be removed from the specified menu. Note that a
Profile may include multiple menu configurations (e.g. one for each type of menu to be
customised).

Figure 6.5.5: Menu Configuration

6.5.4 Configuration of Dialog Pages

The Dialog Page Configuration may be used to specify the Available and Unavailable dialog
pages shown when editing elements, such as illustrated in Figure 6.5.6. Note that Users can
further customise the displayed dialog pages from the Functions tab of their User Settings.

Figure 6.5.6: Dialog Page Configuration

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6.5.5 Configuration of Dialog Parameters

The Dialog Configuration may be used to customise element dialog pages, such as
illustrated for a Synchronous Machine element in Figure 6.5.7. “Hidden Parameters” are
removed from the element dialog page, whereas “Disabled Parameters” are shown but
cannot be modified by the user. A Profile may include multiple dialog configurations (e.g.
one for each class to be customised).

Note that if a there is a Dialog Configuration for say, Elm* (or similarly for ElmLne,ElmLod),
as well as a dialog Configuration for ElmLne (for example), the configuration settings will be
merged.

Figure 6.5.7: Dialog Configuration

Note: Configuration of Dialog parameters is an advanced feature of PowerFactory, and the

user should be cautious not to hide or disable dependent parameters. Seek assistance
from DIgSILENT support if required.

6.5.6 References
Profiles can also contain references to configurations. This allows several profiles to use the same
configurations. These referenced configurations can either be stored in another profile or in a subfolder of
the “Profiles” folder (e.g. a user-defined profile can use configurations from a pre-defined profile).

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Chapter 7

User Settings

The User Settings dialog, offers options for many global features of PowerFactory. This
chapter is dedicated to describe this options. The User settings dialog may be opened either
by clicking the User Settings button ( ) on the main tool bar, or by selecting the Tools →
User Settings. . . menu item from the main menu.

7.1 Data/Network Model Manager Settings

The Data/Network Model Manager settings include:

Browser

Save Data Automatically. The Data Manager and the Network Model Manager will not
ask for confirmation every time a value is changed in the data browser when this option
is selected.

Confirm Delete Activity. Pops up a confirmation dialog whenever something is about to

be deleted.

Data Manager

Sort Automatically. Specifies that objects are automatically sorted (by name) in the data browser.
 Remember last selected object. The last selected object will be remember when a new
Data Manager window is opened.

Use multiple Data Manager. When enabled, more than one Data Manager dialog can
be opened at a time. When disabled only one Data Manager may be opened at a time
and pressing the New Data Manager button will pop up the minimised Data Manager.

Use custom font. When enabled, a customised font can be defined.

Operation Scenario

If Save active Operation Scenario automatically is enabled, the period for automatic
saving must be defined.

Export/Import Data (DZ)

Configures the export and import of PowerFactory ’DZ’-files, as follows:

Binary Data. Saves binary data, such as results in the result folders, to the ’DZ’ export
files according to selection.

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Export References to Deleted Objects. Will also export references to objects which
reside in the recycle bin. Normally, connections to these objects are deleted on export.

Folders for Global Library

The default global type folder is the Database/Library/Types folder. This default folder
contains many predefined object types, but objects within this folder may not be
changed by the user (read-only access). This option allows the user to specify a
different “Global Type Folder”, possibly a company specific and defined type library.

For information about the PowerFactory Data Manager refer to Chapter 10.

7.2 Graphic Windows Settings

7.2.1 General tab

Open graphic automatically

Causes the graphics windows to re-appear automatically when a project is activated.

When not checked, the graphics window must be opened manually via Window →
Graphic Board.

Enable anti-aliasing for single line diagrams

When this option is activated, the single line diagram will look slightly smoother and
less pixelated. It should be noted that it is not recommended to enable this setting
when working on projects with large diagrams, due to potential graphic performance
issues.

Mark in Graphic

The colour and opacity used when the objects are marked in the graphics can be
defined in the option Colour.

Drawing Toolbar

No. of Columns in Drawing Tools Floater. Specifies the width of the graphics toolbar
when this is a floating window.
 No. of Columns in Drawing Tools Docker. Specifies the width of the graphics toolbar
when it is docked on the right side of the drawing space.

General Options

Show Grid only if step size will be least. Grid points smaller than the selected size will
not be shown.

Show Text only if height will be least. Text smaller than the selected size will not be
shown.

Line Width Factor when Printing. The width of all lines in the graphics will be multiplied
by the specified percentage when printing.

Update Graphic while Simulation is running

The graphic will be updated during the simulation.

Use own background colour for single line graphics

If the option is enabled, the user can define the background colour of the single line
graphics by using the pop up menu.

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7.2.2 Advanced tab

Cursor

Defines the cursor shape:

Arrow. A normal, arrow shaped cursor.

Tracking Cross. A small cross.

Default Font for New Graphic

When the Use custom font. is enabled, a customised font can be defined.

Allow Resizing of branch objects

If the option is enabled, the user can left click a branch element within the single line
graphic and then resize it.

7.3 Output Window Settings

Message filter

This is where the filters used in the output window are defined. This, however, can be
directly done in the output window.

Message format

Date and time. The date and time of the system will be printed in every line of the output window.

Full object names. When an object is printed, the complete name (including the location
path) is printed.

Font

The font used in the output window is set by clicking the button Font...
7.4 Functions Settings

The functions settings page provides check boxes for the function modules that are
accessible from the Data Manager or from the object edit dialogs. The user may choose to
see only certain modules in order to “unclutter” dialogs.

This may also be used to protect data by allowing only certain calculation functionality to be
seen by certain users. This is particularly useful in a multi-user environment or in when
inexperienced users utilise PowerFactory.

7.5 Editor Settings

The editor used for DPL scripts, DSL equations and, if selected, Python scripts, can be
configured on this page.

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Options

Enable Font Antialiasing. When this option is selected, the editor will display a
smoother (less pixelated) version of the used font.

Enable Virtual Space. Allows the cursor to move into empty areas.

Enable Auto Indent. Automatically indents the next line.

Enable Backspace at Start of Line. Will not stop the backspace at the left-most
position, but will continue at the end of the previous line.

View blanks and Tabs. Shows these spaces.

Show Selection Margin. Provides a column on the left side where bookmarks and other
markings are shown.

Show line Numbers. Shows line numbers.

Tab Size. Defines the width of a single tab.

Enable Autocomplete. A list of possible functions will be shown when writing a word
inside the editor.

Tabs

Toggles between the use of standard tabs, or to insert spaces when the tab-key is
used.

Language colouring

Defines the syntax-highlighting used when the type of text is not known.

ShortCuts

Opens the short-cut definition dialog.

Font

The font type and size used inside the editor is set.

7.6 StationWare Settings

When working with DIgSILENT ’s StationWare , connection options are stored in the user
settings.The connection options are as follows:

Service Endpoint

Denotes the StationWare server name. This name resembles a web page URL and
must have the form:

http://the.server.name/psmsws/psmsws.asmx or

http://192.168.1.53/psmsws/psmsws.asmx

http denotes the protocol, the.server.name is the computer name (or DNS) of the
server computer and psmsws/psmsws.asmx is the name of the StationWare
application.

Username/Password

Username and Password have to be valid user account in StationWare . A

StationWare user account has nothing to do with the StationFactory user account. The
very same StationWare

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account can be used by two different PowerFactory users.The privileges of the

StationWare account actually restrict the functionality. For device import the user
requires read-access rights. For exporting additionally write-access rights are required.

7.7 Miscellaneous Settings

Localisation

Decimal Symbol. Selects the symbol selected to be used for the decimal point.

Use operating system Format for Date and Time. The operating system date and time
settings are used when this is checked.

Retention of results after network change

When the option Show last results is selected, modifications to network data or switch
status etc. will retained the results, these will be shown on the single line diagram and
on flexible data pages in grey until the user reset the results (e.g. by selecting Reset
Calculation, or conducting a new calculation).

Check for application updates

PowerFactory will remind the User if there are new updates available for the software.
In this field is defined how often PowerFactory shall check for available updates. By
default there will be a reminder every 14 days. The possible options are:

Manually: the User will check for updates manually, no reminder will be shown.

On each application start: a reminder will be shown every time PowerFactory is

started.

According to interval: a reminder will be shown according to the time defined in this
field.
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 Part III

Handling
Chapter 8

Basic Project Definition

The basic database structure in PowerFactory and the data model used to define and study
a power system is explained in Chapter 4 (PowerFactory Overview). It is recommended that
users become familiar with this chapter before commencing project definition and analysis in
PowerFactory. This chapter describes how to define and configure projects, and how to
create grids.

8.1 Defining and Configuring a Project

There are three methods to create a new project. Two of them employ the Data Manager
window and the third employs the main menu. Whichever method is used the end result will
be the same: a new project in the database.

Method 1: Using the main menu:

On the main menu choose File → New→ Project.

Enter the name of the project. Make sure that the Target Folder is set to the folder in
which the project should be created. By default it is set to the active user account
folder.

Press Execute.
Method 2: Using the element selection dialog from the Data Manager:

In the Data Manager click on the New Object button ( )

In the field at the bottom of the Element Selection window (IntPrj) (after selecting option
Others in the Elements field). Note that names in PowerFactory are case-sensitive.

Press Ok. The project folder dialog will then open. Press Ok.

Method 3: Directly via the Data Manager:

Locate the active user in the left-hand pane of the Data Manager.

Place the cursor on the active user’s icon or a folder within the active user account and right-click.

From the context-sensitive menu choose New → Project. Press Ok. The project folder
dialog will then open. Press Ok.

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Note: The ComNew command is used to create objects of several classes. To create a new
project it must be ensured that the Project option is selected.

In order to define and analyse a power system, a project must contain at least one grid and
one study case. After the new project is created (by any of the methods described), a new
study case is automatically created and activated. A dialog used to specify the name and
nominal frequency of a new, automatically-created grid pops up. When the button OK is
pressed in the grid dialog:

The new grid folder is created in the newly-created project folder.

An empty single line diagram associated with the grid is opened.

The newly-created project has the default folder structure shown in Figure 8.1.1. Although a
grid folder and a study case are enough to define a system and perform calculations, the
new project may be expanded by creating library folders, extra grids, Variations, Operation
Scenarios, Operational Data objects, extra study cases, graphic windows, etc.

Projects can be deleted by right-clicking on the project name in the Data Manager and
selecting Delete from the context-sensitive menu. Only inactive projects can be deleted.

Note: The default structure of the project folder is arranged to take advantage of the data
model structure and the user is therefore advised to adhere to it. Experienced users
may prefer to create, within certain limits, their own project structure for specific
advanced studies.

If the user wishes to change the default structure of the project, it can be modified from
the Administrator account. The default structure is defined in a project held the folder:
System, Configuration, Default.
 Figure 8.1.1: Default project structure

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 8.1. DEFINING AND CONFIGURING A
PROJECT

8.1.1 Project Dialog

The project (IntPrj) dialog can be accessed by selecting Edit → Project Data→ Project. . . on
the main menu or by right-clicking the project folder in the Data Manager and selecting Edit
from the context-sensitive menu.

The Basic Data page contains basic project settings and allows the creation of new study
cases and grids:

Pressing the button in the Project Settings field opens the Project Settings dialog
(SetProj). See section 8.1.2 for more information regarding the settings of the project.

Pressing the New Grid button will create a new grid and will open the grid edit dialog. A
second dialog will ask for the study case to which the new grid folder should be added.
For additional information about creating a new grid refer to Section 8.2(Creating New
Grids)

The New Study Case button will create a new study case and will open its dialog. The
new study case will not be activated automatically. For further information about
creating study cases refer to Chapter 11: Study Cases, Section 11.2 (Creating and
Using Study Cases).

When a project is created, its settings (i.e. result box definitions, report definitions,
flexible page selectors, etc.) are defined by the default settings from the system library.
If these settings are changed, the changes are stored in the folder “Settings” of the
project. The settings from another project or the original (default) ones can be taken by
using the buttons Take from existing project or Set to default in the Changed
Settings field of the dialog. The settings can only be changed when a project is inactive.

The button Calculate in the Licence Relevant Nodes field, calculates the number of nodes relevant to
the PowerFactory licence, this number is the number of equipotential nodes on the network.

The name of the active study case is shown in the lower part of the dialog window under
Active Study Case. Its dialog can be opened by pressing the button.

Pressing the Contents button on the dialog will open a new data browser displaying all
the folders included in the current project directory.

The Sharing page of the dialog allows the definition of the project sharing rules. These rules
are particularly useful when working in a multi-user database environment. Further
information is given in Chapter 19 (Data Management).

The Derived Project page provides information if the project is derived from a master project.
The Combined Project panel enables the user to combine additional projects with the current
project if it is active. See section 19.7.1.3 for more details.

The Storage page provides information about the data stored inside the project. By default all changes
within the last 7 days will be stored. This is called the retention period and can be changed on this page.

The Migration page provides information about the migration status of the project. The
migration priority of the project is also set in this page, this priority is used when using the
Minimal migration option described in section 5.4.4.1.

The Description page is used to add user comments and the approval status.

8.1.2 Project Settings

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The project setting dialog (SetPrj)can be accessed by selecting Edit → Project Data→
Project set-tings. . . on the main menu or by pressing the button in the Project Settings
field of the project’s dialog.

In the project settings, the validity period of the project, the input units to be used within the
project (i.e. units and the decimal prefixes for input dialogs) and the calculation settings (i.e.
base apparent power and the minimal value of the resistances and conductances in p.u) are
defined.

8.1.2.1 Validity Period

PowerFactory projects may span a period of months or even years considering network
expansions, planned outages and other system events. The period of validity of a project
specifies the time span the network model is valid for.

The validity period is defined by the Start Time and End Time of the project. The study case
has study time, which must fall inside the validity period of the project.

To specify the validity period of the Project:

On the Validity Period page of the Project Setting dialog, adjust the Start Time and End
Time of the project.

Press OK to accept the changes and close the window.

8.1.2.2 Advanced Calculation Parameters

On the Advanced Calculation Parameters page, additional parameters used during the
calculation are defined.

Base Apparent Power: this is the value used during the calculation, the base power of each
element is defined by their nominal value.

Minimum Resistance, Minimum Conductance: the minimum resistance and conductance

that will be assigned to the elements in case none is defined.

Auto slack assignment: this option only influences the automatic slack assignment (e.g. if
no machine is marked as “Reference Machine”)
 Method 1: all synchronous machines can be selected as slack (reference machine);

Method 2: a synchronous machine is not automatically selected as slack if, for that machine, the

option on its Load Flow page: Spinning if circuit-breaker is open is disabled.

Off: auto slack assignment is switched off; the grid will be considered as de-energised if
no reference machine is defined.

The criteria used for automatic selection of a reference machine are described under the
Load Flow options, in section 23.3.2.

Calculation of symmetrical components for untransposed lines: The selection of one of

these methods defines how the sequence components of lines in PowerFactory will be
calculated:

Method 1: apply the 012-transformation (irrespective of line transposition). This is the

standard method used;

Method 2: first calculate a symmetrical transposition for untransposed lines, and then
apply the 012-transformation.

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PROJECT

8.1.3 Activating and Deactivating Projects

To activate a project use the option File → Activate Project from the main menu. This shows
a tree with all the projects in the current user’s account. Select the project that should be
activated. Alternatively, a project may be activated by right-clicking on it in the Data Manager
and using the context-sensitive menu.

The last 5 active projects are listed under File in the main menu. The currently active project
is the first entry in this list. To deactivate the currently active project, select it in the list.
Alternatively, you may choose the option File → Deactivate Project from the main menu. To
activate another project, select it in the list of the 5 last active projects.

Note: Only one project can be activated at a time.

8.1.4 Exporting and Importing Projects

Projects (or any folder in the database) can be exported using the *.pfd (PowerFactory Data)
file format, or by exception for older applications by using the *.dz format. It is recommended
to use the PFD format (*.pfd) whenever possible when exporting projects: the consumption
of memory resources is significantly lower than with the old file format (*.dz) and functions
such as historic data, time stamps and former versions are not supported by the old *.dz
format.

A new project export method, the Snapshot Export, has been made available from Version
2017. This method, described in section 8.1.4.2, creates a file in a *.dzs format.

8.1.4.1 Exporting a Project

To export a project, select File → Export. . . → Data. . . from the main menu or click on the icon of the
Data Manager. Alternatively projects can be exported by selecting the option Export. . . on the project
context-sensitive menu (only available for inactive projects). The dialog is shown in Figure 8.1.2.

Objects to export: this table shows all objects that will be exported within the *.pfd file.

Export current state: this option is visible if the project (or, object in the Objects to
export table) has Versions defined. If enabled (default), the current state of the project
will be exported. Otherwise, only the state of the selected Version/s will be exported.
 Versions to export: this table shows all Versions of the Objects to export, if any are
available. By disabling the checkbox for specific Versions, the user can define which
Version should or should not be exported. For master projects, the corresponding
Version for the derived project must be selected. See Section 19.3.1 for further details.

Export data in retention period: if enabled, data changes from within the retention
period will be exported. See Section 8.1.1 for further details.

Export external data files (e.g. result files): if enabled, calculation results (i.e. result
files, plot data, etc.) will be exported. Otherwise, the calculation must be repeated after
importing.

Export derived project as regular project: this option is only available for derived
projects, see Section 19.3.1. If enabled, a derived project will be exported as an
’adequate’ project. In this case no master project is required. It should be noted that
this project can no longer be reused as a derived project.

Export to former PowerFactory version: if the project is intended to be imported into a

former PowerFactory version, this flag must be activated and the version specified.

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• PFD file: the path where the *.pfd file will be saved.

Figure 8.1.2: Export dialog

8.1.4.2 Snapshot Export

The Snapshot Export function enables the currently active status of a project to be exported,
such that only the relevant objects are included. A project exported in this way is potentially
a much smaller file, which nevertheless when reimported into PowerFactory can be used to
reproduce analysis carried out in the original project study case.
Unlike the existing Project Export, where the project must first be deactivated, the Snapshot
Export is performed on an active project. This way, PowerFactory can determine exactly
which objects are active and which data are applicable as a result of an active scenario or
active variations.

To carry out a snapshot export from a project, the required study case and scenario (if used)
should be activated. Then File → Export→ Project Snapshot (*.dzs). . . from the main menu
is selected.

When the Snapshot Export is executed, the resulting file outside PowerFactory has the file
extension .dzs. It can be imported just like a .pfd or .dz file and when activated can be used
to perform the usual calculations such as load flow or simulations. Furthermore, it is possible
for merge processes to be carried out between it and the source project, for example if there
is a need to include additional data from the source project.

The Snapshot Export captures only the data required to reproduce the results of the active study case.

Therefore the following objects, for example, will not appear in the resultant project:

Variations: changes in active variation stages are consolidated. The exported project
will contain therefore no variations.

Inactive study cases, scenarios and grids: inactive study cases, scenarios and grids
are not exported. The exported project will have one study case, and no scenarios; if a
scenario had been active in the source project, the data will be represented in the
network data.

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 8.2. CREATING NEW
GRIDS

Unused library objects: only objects which are in use are exported, so unused
information such as type data which are not referenced will not be exported.

Characteristics: the parameters which are modified by Characteristics will be set at the
values determined by the Characteristics, but the Characteristics themselves will not be
exported.

Operational Library: operational data such as Thermal Ratings, which may contain
variations, will be reduced to just the currently active values.

8.1.4.3 Importing a Project

Projects can be imported by selecting File → Import. . . → Data. . . from the main menu or by clicking on
the icon in the Data Manager. The user can select the type of file to import from the Files of type field in
the Open dialog which pops up. Alternatively, projects can be imported by selecting Import. . .

on the project context-sensitive menu (only available for inactive projects).

The import and export of information in other data formats is described in Chapter 22.

8.1.5 External References

In order to avoid problems when exporting/importing projects, it is recommended to check

for external references before exporting the project. This can be done by selecting the option
Check for external References via the project context-sensitive menu.

If external references are found, these can be packed before exporting by selecting the
option Pack external References in the project context-sensitive menu.

The user can define the source of the External References (i.e. Global Library, Configuration folder, etc). A
new folder, called “External” containing all external references will be created inside the project.

8.2 Creating New Grids

When defining a new project a grid is automatically created. In case additional grids are
required, various methods may be employed to add a grid folder to the current network
model:
 Open the edit dialog of the project and press the New Grid button.

Select Insert → Grid. . . on the main menu.

Right-click the Network Data folder (in the active project) in a Data Manager window and
select New → Grid from the context-sensitive menu.

The dialog to create a new grid will then pop up. There the grid name, the nominal frequency and a grid
owner (optional) may be specified. A second dialog will appear after the Ok button has been pressed. In
this dialog the study case that the grid will be linked to must be selected. Three options are given:

add this Grid/System Stage to active Study Case: only available when a study case is
active.

activate a new Study Case and add this Grid/System Stage: creates and activates a
new study case for the new grid.

activate an existing Study Case and add this Grid/System Stage: add the new grid
folder to an existing, but not yet active study case.

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After the Ok button in the second dialog has been pressed, the new grid is created in the
Network Data folder and a reference in the Summary Grid object of the selected study case
is created. Normally, the second option (from the list above) is preferred because this
creates a new study case which is dedicated to the new grid only. This means that the new
grid may be tested separately using a load flow or other calculation. To analyse the
combination of two or more grids, new study cases may be created later, or the existing
ones may be altered.

As indicated in Chapter 11(Study Cases), grids can be later added or removed from the
active study case by right-clicking and selecting Activate/Deactivate.

8.3 Project Overview

The Project Overview is illustrated in Figure 8.3.1. It is a dockable window, displayed by

default on the left side of the main application window between the main toolbar and the
output window. It displays an overview of the project allowing the user to assess the state of
the project at a glance and facilitates easy interaction with the project data. The window is
docked by default, but can be undocked by the user and displayed as a floating window that
can be placed both inside and outside of the main application window. If required, the
window can be closed by the user. To close or reopen the window, toggle the option Window
→ Project Overview from the main menu.
 Figure 8.3.1: Project overview

The following objects and information can be accessed via the Project Overview.

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 8.3. PROJECT OVERVIEW

Study Cases

– Active Study Case

– Inactive Study Cases

– Current Study Time

Operation Scenarios

– Active Scenario Schedulers

– Active Scenarios

– Inactive Scenarios

Variations

– Recording Expansion Stage

– List of active Variations with active and inactive Expansion Stages as children

– List of inactive Variations with inactive Expansion Stages as children

Grid/System Stages

– List of active Grids or System Stages

– List of inactive Grids or System Stages

Trigger

– Active triggers

Entries for active objects are displayed with bold text, entries for inactive objects are
displayed as disabled/grey.

A context-sensitive menu can be accessed by right-clicking on each of the tree entries. The
following actions are available for each of the entries:

Change active item(s): Activate, Deactivate, change active

 Show all available items

Edit (open dialog)

Edit and Browse

Delete

Save (for Operation Scenario only)

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Chapter 9

Network Graphics

9.1 Introduction

PowerFactory works with three different classes of graphics which constitute the main tools
used to design new power systems, controller block diagrams and displays of results:

Single Line Diagrams (described in this chapter)

Block Diagrams (described in Section 27.9: Models for Stability Analysis)

Virtual Instruments (described in Section 18.5: Virtual Instruments)

Diagrams are organised in Graphic Boards for visualisation (see Section 9.5.2 for more
information).

9.2 Defining Network Models with the Graphical Editor

In this section it is explained how the tools of the Graphical Editor are used to define and
work with network models.
9.2.1 Adding New Power System Elements

Drawing power system elements is a simple matter of choosing the required element
representation in the Drawing Toolbox located in the right hand pane of the PowerFactory
GUI. Input parameters of the element are edited through the element and type dialog.
Complete information about the element and type parameters are given in the Appendix B
Technical References of Models.

To create a new power system element, select the corresponding button in the Drawing
Toolbox. This toolbar is only visible to the user when a project and study case is active and
the open graphic is unfrozen by deselecting the Freeze Mode button ( ). As the cursor is
positioned over the drawing surface, it will have a symbol of the selected tool ’attached’ to it,
showing that the cursor is, for example, in ’Terminal’ drawing mode (to reset the mode either
press the one of the cursor icons (rectangular or free-form selection) or press Esc or right-
click with the mouse).

Power system elements are placed and connected in the single line graphic by left clicking
on empty places on the drawing surface (places a symbol), and by left clicking nodes
(makes a connection). If wishing to stop the drawing and connecting process press the Esc
key or right click at the mouse.

There are basically three ways of positioning and connecting new power system elements:

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By left clicking on one or more nodes to connect and position the element directly. Single
port elements (loads, machines) will be positioned directly beneath the nodes at a
default distance (the symbol can later be moved if required). Double or triple port
objects (transformers) will be centred between the first two terminal connections
automatically.

By first left clicking on an empty place to position the symbol and then left clicking a node
to make the connections.

By first left clicking on an empty place, consequently clicking on the drawing surface to
define a non-straight connection line and finally clicking on a terminal to make the
connection.

Note: Nodes for connecting branches are usually defined before placing them on the single
line dia-gram. However, it is possible to place ’connection free’ branch element on the
single line diagram by pressing the Tab key once for each required connection (e.g.
twice for a line, three times for a three winding transformer)

Figure 9.2.1 shows an example of a generator placed according to the first method (left
generator), one placed according to the second method (middle generator), and one placed
according to the third method (right generator with long connection).

Figure 9.2.1: Illustration of graphical connection methods

If a load or machine is connected to a terminal using the first method (single left click on
busbar), but a cubicle already exists at that position on the busbar, the load or machine
symbol will be automatically positioned on the other side of the terminal, if possible.

Note: By default all power system elements are positioned “bottom down”. However, if the
Ctrl key is pressed when the graphic symbol is positioned onto the drawing surface, it
will be positioned either turned 90 degrees (terminals) or 180 degrees (edge elements).
If the element has already been placed and the user wishes to flip it to the other side of
the terminal, it can be done by selecting the element and the right-click → Flip At Node.

Once drawn, an element can be rotated by right-click and selecting from the Rotate
commands. Fig-ure 9.2.2 shows an example of rotated and flipped power system elements.

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 9.2. DEFINING NETWORK MODELS WITH THE GRAPHICAL EDITOR

Figure 9.2.2: Flipped and rotated power system elements

The connection between edge elements and terminals is carried out by means of cubicles. When work-ing
with the graphical editor, the cubicles are automatically generated in the corresponding terminal.

Note: When connections to terminals are defined with switch elements of the class ElmCoup
(circuit breakers), cubicles without any additional switches (StaSwitch) are generated.

9.2.2 Drawing Nodes

When commencing a single line diagram, it is common to first place the required nodes /
terminals (ElmTerm) on the graphic. There are several symbol representations available for
busbar type terminals, from the drawing toolbox on the right-hand pane of the PowerFactory
GUI.

Busbar This is the most common representation of a node.

 Busbar (Short) Looks the same as a Busbar but is shorter and the results box and
name is placed on the “Invisible Objects” layer by default. Typically used to save space
or to unclutter the graphic.

Junction / Internal Node Typically used to represent a junction point, say between an overhead
line and cable. The results box and name is placed on the “Invisible Objects” layer by default.

Busbar (rectangular) Typically used for reticulation and / or distribution networks.

Busbar (circular) Typically used for reticulation and / or distribution networks.

Busbar (polygonal) Typically used for reticulation and / or distribution networks.

Busbars (terminals) should be placed in position and then, once the cursor is reset, dragged,
rotated and sized as required. Re-positioning is performed by first left clicking on the
terminal to mark it, and then click once more so that the cursor changes to . Hold the
mouse button down and drag the terminal to a new position. Re-sizing is performed by first
left clicking on the terminal to mark it. Sizing handles appear at the ends.

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9.2.3 Drawing Branch Elements

Single port elements (loads, machines, etc.) can be positioned in two ways. The simplest
method is to select the symbol from the toolbar and then left click the busbar where the
element is to be placed. This will draw the element at a default distance under the busbar. In
case of multi busbar systems, only one of the busbars need be left-clicked. The switch-over
connections to the other busbars will be drawn automatically.

The ’free-hand’ method first places the element symbol wherever desired, that is, first click
wherever you wish to place the symbol. The cursor now has a ’rubber band’ connected to
the element (i.e. a dashed line), left-clicking on another node will connect it to that node. To
create corners in the joining line left click on the graphic. The line will snap to grid, be drawn
orthogonally, as determined by the “Graphic Options” that have been set.

Double port elements (lines, transformers, etc.) are positioned in a similar manner to single
port symbols. By left-clicking the first busbar, the first connection is made. The second
connection line is now held by the cursor. Again, left-clicking the drawing area will create
corners. Double-clicking the drawing area will position the symbol (if not a line or cable - e.g.
a transformer). The second connection is made when a node is left clicked.

Triple port elements (e.g. three-winding transformers) are positioned in the same manner as
two port symbols. Clicking the first, and directly thereafter the second node, will place the
symbol centred between the two nodes, which may be inconvenient. Better positioning will
result from left clicking the first busbar, double-clicking the drawing space to position the
element, and then making the second and third connection.

The ’free-hand’ method for two and triple port elements works the same as for one port
elements.

Note: Pressing the Tab key after connecting one side will leave the second leg
unconnected, or jump to the third leg in the case of three port elements (press Tab
again to leave the third leg unconnected). Pressing Esc or right-click will stop the
drawing and remove all connections. If the element being drawn seems as if it will be
positioned incorrectly or untidily there is no need to escape the drawing process, make
the required connections and then right-click the element and Redraw the element
whilst retaining the data connectivity.

Annotations are created by clicking one of the annotation drawing tools. Tools are available
for drawing lines, squares, circles, pies, polygons, etc. To draw these symbols left click at on
an empty space on the single line diagram and release the mouse at another location (e.g.
circles, lines, rectangles). Other symbols require that you first set the vertices by clicking at
different positions and finishing the input mode by double-clicking at the last position.
For further information on defining lines, see Section 9.3 (Defining and Working with Lines and Cables).

9.2.4 Marking and Editing Power System Elements

To mark (select) a power system element click on it with the cursor. The element is then highlighted and
becomes the “focus” of the next action or command. For branch elements, the parts near their connection
to nodes are treated differently and show specific context sensitive menu options regarding the marked
side of the element (e.g. to insert a new device at the line end or to disconnect the line). To get all the
menu options anyway, hold down the Ctrl-key while clicking the right mouse button.

The element can be un-marked or de-selected by clicking on another element or by clicking

onto some free space in the graphic.

There are different ways to mark several objects at once:

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To mark all graphical elements, press the Mark All Elements button ( ). The keyboard
short cut Ctrl+A may also be used.

To mark a set of elements at the same time click on a free spot in the drawing area, hold
down the mouse key and move the cursor to another place where you release the
mouse button. All elements in the so defined rectangle will now be marked.

To mark more than one object, hold down the Ctrl key whilst marking the object.

Holding down the Alt-key while clicking on the same object again marks all the adjacent
objects. Doing this several times marks more and more connected objects.

In PowerFactory it is possible to place a terminal on an existing line in the single line

diagram by placing the terminal on the line itself. Moving the terminal to a different
location on the single line diagram may move line sections in an undesirable manner.
By holding the Ctrl+Alt keys whilst moving the terminal, the line sections will not be
moved. However, note that this does not change the actual location of the terminal
along the line.

The data of any element (its edit dialog) may be viewed and edited by either double-clicking
the graphic symbol under consideration, or by right-clicking it and selecting Edit Data.

When multiple objects are selected, their data can be viewed and edited trough a data
browser by right-clicking the selection and choosing Edit Data from the context sensitive
menu.

9.2.5 Interconnecting Power Subsystems

Interconnections between two different graphics can be achieved using two methods:

Representing a node in additional different graphics by copying and pasting the graphic
only and then by connecting branch and edge elements to the graphical object in the
additional graphic. This is performed by copying the desired node (right-click → Copy)
and then clicking on the other graphic in which it should be represented and right-click
→ Paste Graphic Only. Only a graphical object is pasted into the second graphic and
no new data element is created.

Ensure that there is a node to connect to in the graphics that are to be interconnected.
Then connect an edge element between the two graphics.

Example
In this example a line will be used to interconnect two regions according to the second
method. See figure 9.2.3.

Select a line drawing tool from the toolbar and create the first connection as normal by
left clicking a node (see figure 9.2.3a).

Double-click to place the symbol. Your cursor is now attached to the line by a ’rubber
band’. Move the cursor to the bottom of the drawing page and click on the tab of the
graphic that the interconnection is to be made to (see figure 9.2.3b).

Once in the second graphic left click to place the line symbol (see figure 9.2.3c) and then
left click on the second node.

The interconnected leg is shown by an symbol. Right-clicking on the element presents a

Jump to next page option.

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(a) First step to interconnecting (b) Second step to interconnecting

(c) Third step to interconnecting

Figure 9.2.3: Interconnecting Power Subsystems

Note: The first method of interconnection, that of representing a node in two, or more,
different graphics, may lead to confusion at a later point as the ’inflow’ and ’outflow’ to
the node will not appear correct when just one graphic is viewed - especially if a user is
not familiar with the system. The node may be right-clicked to show all connections in
what is known as the ’Station Graphic’ (menu option Show station graphic). Thus, the
 second method may be preferred. To check for nodes that have connections on other
graphics the “Missing graphical connections” diagram colouring may be employed.

9.2.6 Working with Substations in the Graphical Editor

Substations and Secondary Substations from existing templates are created using the
network dia-grams. The substations are represented in these diagrams by means of
composite node symbols.

9.2.6.1 Creating a new Substation in an Overview Diagram

Overview diagrams are diagrams without detailed graphical information of the substations. Substations and
Secondary Substations are illustrated as “Composite Nodes”, which can be coloured to show the
connectivity of the connected elements (“Beach Ball”). Substations and Secondary Substations from pre-
defined templates (or templates previously defined by the user) are created using the network diagrams.
The substations are represented in these diagrams by means of composite node symbols.

To draw a substation from an existing template in an overview diagram:

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Click on the symbol of the composite node ( or ) for Substations or ( ) for

Secondary Substations listed among the symbols on the right-hand drawing pane.

Select the desired substation template from the list.

Click on the overview diagram to place the symbol. The substation is automatically
created in the active grid folder.

Right click the substation, select Edit Substation, and rename the substation
appropriately.

Close the window with the templates.

Press Esc or right click on the mouse to get the cursor back.

Resize the substation symbol in the overview diagram to the desired size.

A diagram of the newly created substation can be opened by double clicking at the
composite node symbol. In the new diagram it is possible to rearrange the substation
configuration and to connect the desired components to the grid.

To resize a composite node:

Click once on the composite node you want to resize.

When it is highlighted, place the cursor on one of the black squares at the corners and
hold down the left mouse button.

A double-arrow symbol appears and you can resize the figure by moving the mouse. For
a rectangular composite node you can also resize the shape by placing the cursor on
one of the sides.

For further information on templates refer to Chapter 13: Project Library, Section 13.4
(Templates Library).

To show the connectivity inside a composite node:

Press the button to open the colouring dialog. Select the ’Function’ for which the
colouring mode is relevant (for example, select the ’Basic Data’ page). Under ’Other’ select
’Topology’, and then ’Station Connectivity’.

There are two ways to open the graphic page of a substation. The first is to double-click on
the corresponding composite node in the overview diagram. The second is to go to the
graphic object of the substation in the Data Manager, right-click and select Show Graphic.
Details of how to define templates are provided in Chapter 13 (Project Library).

9.2.6.2 Creating a New Substation in a Simplified Diagram

Simplified diagrams are substation graphics which are more detailed than in the overview
diagram but less detailed than the detailed substation diagram. Figure 9.2.4 shows the
different possible represen-tations of a substation.

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(a) Overview Diagram (b) Simplified Diagram

(c) Detailed Diagram

Figure 9.2.4: Substation examples

To draw a substation from an existing template in a simplified diagram:

Click on the General Templates symbol ( ).

Click on the Library Busbar Systems folder and select the desired substation template
from the list.

Click on the single line diagram to place the symbol. The substation is automatically
created in the active grid folder.

Right click the substation, select Edit Substation, and rename the substation
appropriately.

Close the window with the templates.

Press Esc or right click on the mouse to get the cursor back.
 Resize the substation symbol in the overview diagram to the desired size.

A detailed diagram of the newly created substation can be opened by selecting the option
Show Detailed graphic of Substation from the context sensitive menu.

For further information on templates refer to Chapter 13: Project Library, Section 13.4
(Templates Library).

The connectivity can be shown as explained is section 9.2.6.1.

9.2.6.3 Substation Switching Rules

Switching Rules ( ) (IntSwitching) store switching actions for a selected group of switches that are
defined inside a substation. The different switching actions (no change, open or close) are defined by the
user considering different fault locations that can occur inside a substation. By default, the number of fault
locations depends on the number of busbars and bay-ends contained inside the substation; although the
user is allowed to add (and remove) specific fault locations and switches belonging to the substation. The
switch actions will always be relative to the current switch positions of the breakers.

The selection of a Switching Rule for a substation is independent of the selection of a Running Arrange-
ment and if required, the reference to the switching rule in a substation can be stated to be operational

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data; provided the user uses the Scenario Configuration object. For more information on the
scenario configuration refer to Chapter 15 (Operation Scenarios).

A typical application of Switching Rules is in contingency analysis studies, where there is a

need to evaluate the contingency results considering the “actual” switch positions in a
substation and compare them to the results considering a different substation configuration
(for the same contingency).

To create a switching rule

Edit a Substation, either by right-clicking on the substation busbar from the single line
graphic, and from the context-sensitive menu choosing Edit a Substation, or by clicking
on an empty place in the substation graphic, and from the context-sensitive menu
choosing Edit Substation. This will open the substation dialog.

Press the Select button ( ) in the Switching Rule section and select New. . .

The new Switching Rule dialog pops up, where a name and the switching actions can be specified.
The switching actions are arranged in a matrix where the rows represent the switches and the
columns the fault locations. By default the fault locations (columns) correspond to the number of
busbars and bay-ends contained inside the substation, while the switches correspond only to the
circuit breakers. The user can nevertheless add/remove fault locations and/or switches from the
Configuration page. The switch action of every defined breaker in the matrix can be changed by
double clicking on the corresponding cell, as illustrated in figure 9.2.5. Press afterwards OK.

The new switching rule is automatically stored inside the substation element.
 Figure 9.2.5: Switching Rule Dialog

To select a Switching Rule

A Switching Rule can be selected in the Basic Data page of a substation dialog (ElmSubstat)
by:

Opening the substation dialog.

Pressing the Select button ( ) in the Switching Rule section. A list of all Switching Rules
for the current substation is displayed.

Selecting the desired Switching Action.

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To apply a Switching Rule

A Switching Rule can be applied to the corresponding substation by pressing the Apply
button from within the switching rule dialog. This will prompt the user to select the
corresponding fault locations (busbars) in order to copy the statuses stored in the switching
rule directly in the substation switches. Here, the user has the option to select either a single
fault location, a group or all of them.

The following functional aspects must be regarded when working with switching rules:

A switching rule can be selected for each substation. By default the selection of a
switching rule in a substation is not recorded in the operation scenario. However, this
information can defined as part of an operational scenario by using the Scenario
Configuration object (see Chapter 15: Operation Scenarios).

If a variation is active the selection of the Switching Rule is stored in the recording
expansion stage; that is considering that the Scenario Configuration object hasn’t been
properly set.

To assign a Switching Rule

The Assign button contained in the switching rule dialog allows to set it as the one currently
selected for the corresponding substation. This action is also available in the context-
sensitive menu in the Data Manager (when right-clicking on a switching rule inside the Data
Manager).

To preview a Switching Rule

The Preview button contained in the switching rule dialog allows to display in a separate
window the different switch actions for the different fault locations of the corresponding
substation.

9.2.7 Working with Composite Branches in the Graphical Editor

New composite branches can be created in the Data Manager using the procedure
described in Chap-ter 10, Section 10.3.4 (Defining Composite Branches in the Data
Manager). The definition and con-nection of the branch components can then be carried out
in the relevant single line diagram, which is automatically generated after the creation of the
new branch.
Branches from previously defined templates are created using the single line diagram. The
branches are represented in these diagrams by means of the Composite Branch symbol (
). To create a new branch from a template:

Click on the Composite Branch button ( ) listed among the symbols on the right-hand
drawing pane. A list of available templates (from the Templates library) for branches
will appear. If only one Branch template exists, no list is shown.

From this list choose the template that you want to create the branch from.

If the branch is to be connected with terminals of the same single line graphic, simply
click once on each terminal.

If the branch is to be connected with a terminal from another single line diagram, you
have to ’Paste graphically’ one of the terminals on the diagram where you want to
represent the branch, or connect across pages as discussed in Section 9.2.5
(Interconnecting Power Subsystems).

If the branch is to be connected with terminals from a substation, click once on each composite node to
which the branch is to be connected. You will be automatically taken inside each of those composite
nodes to make the connections. In the substation graphic click once on an empty spot near the
terminal where you want to connect the branch end, and then on the terminal itself.

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A diagram of the newly created branch can be opened by double clicking at the composite
branch symbol. In the new diagram it is possible to rearrange the branch configuration and
to change the branch connections.

Details of how to define templates are provided in Chapter 13 (Project Library).

9.2.8 Working with Single and Two Phase Elements

It is possible to define the phase technology of elements such as terminals, lines, and loads.
In instances where the number of phases of a connecting element (e.g. a circuit breaker or
line) is equal to the number of phases of the terminal to which it connects, PowerFactory will
automatically assign the connections. However, when connecting single-phase elements to
a terminal with greater than one phase, or two-phase elements to terminals with greater than
three phases, it is sometimes necessary to adjust the phase connectivity of the element to
achieve the desired connections. The phase connectivity can be modified as follows:

Open the dialog window of the element (by double-clicking on the element).

Press the Figure >> button to display a figure of the elements with its connections on the
bottom of the dialog window.

Double-click on the dark-red names for the connections inside this figure.

Specify the desired phase connection/s.

Alternatively, click the right arrow ( ) next to the Terminal entry and specify the desired
phase connec-tion/s.

Note: It is possible to colour the grid according to the phases (System Type AC/DC and
Phases). For more information about the colouring refer to Section 9.6.7.1 (Diagram
Colouring).

9.2.9 Working with Sites in the Graphical Editor

As noted in section 4.7.6, a Site is normally used to group network components, for
example, substa-tions of different voltage levels at the same location. Due to this particular
characteristic, Site elements do not have predefined templates inside the software.
The Site element can be represented in overview and/or geographic diagrams; additionally a
detailed representation can be defined.

9.2.9.1 Creating a New Site in Overview and Geographic Diagrams

Site elements can be represented by a square or a circle using the buttons and from
the Drawing Toolbar. For Geographic diagrams, only the circular representation is available.

To draw a new site:

Click on one of the site symbols ( )

Click on the overview diagram to place the symbol. The site is automatically created in
the active grid folder.

Press Esc or right click on the mouse to get the cursor back.

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Resize the site symbol to the desired size.

Right click on the site and select Edit Site to open the edit dialog of the element.

Once the site is defined, a detailed diagram is automatically created. The user can then
draw all the elements directly inside the Site diagram, using detailed substation diagram
templates as explained in section 9.2.6.2.

If the Site already exists it is possible to use the Diagram Layout Tool to automatically
generate its detailed representation. See section 9.7 for more information about the Diagram
Layout Tool.

The resizing and colouring according to connectivity of the site can be done as explained in
sec-tion 9.2.6.1.

9.3 Defining and Working with Lines and Cables

This section describes specific features and aspects of line and cable data models used in
PowerFac-tory. Detailed technical descriptions of the models are provided in Appendix B
(Technical References of Models).

In PowerFactory, lines and cables are treated alike, they are both instances of the
generalised line element ElmLne. A line may be modelled simply as a point-to-point
connection between two nodes and will refer to a line (TypLne), tower (TypTow), a tower
geometry (TypGeo), a line coupling (ElmTow), or a cable system coupling (ElmCabsys)
type. Alternatively, lines may be subdivided into sections referring to different types.

Note: Anywhere that ’line’ is written in this section, ’lines and/or cables’ may be read, unless
otherwise specified.

The two basic line configurations are depicted in figure 9.3.1:

Top line: the simplest line is a single line object (ElmLne).

Bottom line: such a single line may be subdivided into line section objects (ElmLnesec)
at any time/location. No terminals are allowed between two sections, but the sections
may have different line types.
 Figure 9.3.1: Basic line configurations

The purpose of separating lines into sections is to obtain different line parts, with different
types (such as when a line uses two or more different tower types, or when manual
transpositions should be modelled - since the “Transposed” option in the type object is a
perfect, balanced, transposition).

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9.3.1 Defining a Line (ElmLne)

The simplest line model is a point-to-point connection between two nodes. This is normally
done in the single line graphic by selecting the ( ) icon and by left clicking the first terminal,
possibly clicking on the drawing surface to draw a corner in the line and ending the line at
the second terminal by left clicking it. This will create an ElmLne object in the database.
When this object is edited, the following dialog will appear.

Figure 9.3.2: Editing a transmission line

The dialog shows the two cubicles to which the transmission line is connected (’terminal i’
and ’terminal j’). The example in figure 9.3.2 shows a line which is connected between the
nodes called ’Line End Terminal’ and ’Line Feeder Bus’ from a grid called ’ North’. The line
edit dialog shows the name of the node (in red) in addition to the name of the cubicle (in
blue). The actual connection point to the node is the cubicle and this may be edited by
pressing the edit button ( ). The cubicle may be edited to change the name of the cubicle,
add/remove the breaker, or change phase connectivity as discussed in Section 9.2.8
(Working with Single and Two Phase Elements).

The type of the line is selected by pressing the ( ) next to the type field. Line types for a
line/ line route are:

The TypLne object type, where electrical parameters are directly written (the user can
select if the type is defined for an overhead line or a cable).

Tower types (TypTow and TypGeo), where geometrical coordinates and conductor parameters are
specified, and the electrical parameters are calculated from this data. Selection of the tower type will
depend on the user’s requirement to link conductor type data to the line element as in TypGeo (for
re-use of the one tower geometry with different conductors), or to link conductor type data to the
tower type as in TypTow (for re-use of one tower geometry with the same conductors).

Once the lines (or cables) have been created it is possible to define couplings between the circuits that

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they are representing by means of line coupling elements ElmTow (for overhead lines) and
cable system coupling elements ElmCabsys (for cables).

Details of how to create Line Sections, Cable Systems, and Line Couplings are provided in
the fol-lowing sections, and further information about line/cable modelling is given in the
respective Technical References.

9.3.2 Defining Line Sections

To divide a line into sections:

Press the Sections/Line Loads button in the line dialog. This will open a data browser
showing the existing line sections (if the line has not been sectioned, it will be empty).

Click on the new object icon ( ) and select the element Line Sub-Section (ElmLnesec).

The edit dialog of the new line section will pop up. There it is possible to define the type
and length of the new section.

9.3.3 Example Cable System

Consider a three-phase underground cable comprised of three single-core cables with

sheaths. The cable system is created within the active project by taking the following steps.

Create a Single Core Cable Type (TypCab) and Cable Definition Type (TypCabsys):

Navigate to the ’Equipment Type Library’ and select the New Object icon, or on the
right-hand side of the Data Manager right-click and select New → Others.

Select ’Special Types’, ’Single Core Cable Type’, and then Ok.

Enter the Type parameters and select Ok. (Note that in this example, a Sheath is
also selected, and therefore a separate line will later be defined in the Network
Model to represent the sheath.)

Again select the New Object icon, or on the right hand side of the Data Manager
right-click and select New → Others.

Select ’Special Types’, ’Cable Definition’, and then Ok.

Enter type parameters including ’Earth Resistivity’, and ’Coordinates of Line

Circuits’ (note that positive values indicate the depth below the surface). Select the
Single Core Cable Type defined in the previous steps and press Ok.
 Create the Network Model:

Add four terminals in the single line diagram at the same voltage defined in the
Single Core Cable Type.

Connect a Line Element between two of the terminals to represent the phase
conductors, and enter the element parameters.

Connect another Line Element between the other two terminals to represent the
sheath, and enter the element parameters. (Add connections from the sheath
terminals to earth as required.)

Create a Cable System Element (ElmCabsys):

Create a Cable System by selecting the two lines drawn in the single line diagram
(hold down Ctrl and left-click each line). Then right-click one of the lines and select
Define → Cable System from the context sensitive menu. Alternatively, define the
cable system in the Data Manager by creating a New Object and selecting Other
→ Net Elements→ Cable System, and then select the required Cable Definition
and Line Elements to represent the Conductor and Sheath circuits.

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CABLES

• Select the Cable Definition defined in step 1 and press Ok twice.

Note that the steps above could be conducted in an alternative order. For example, item 2
could be completed before 1. Also, item 3 could be completed before item 1, and Cable
Types could be created at the time the Cable System Element is created. However, the
recommended approach is to first define the Type data that is to be used in the Network
Model, then to create the Network Model with particular instances of the cable as in the
example.

Figure 9.3.3 illustrates the interrelationship between the elements and types used to define
cable systems inPowerFactory. Note that by right-clicking the line that represents the sheath
and selecting ’Edit Graphic Object’ the Line Style can be modified to indicate graphically that
this line represents the sheath.
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 Figure 9.3.3: Example Cable System

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9.3.4 Example Line Couplings

Consider an example where there are two parallel transmission lines, each with a three-
phase HV (132 kV) circuit, three-phase MV (66 kV) circuit, and two earth conductors. The
tower element is created within the active project by taking the following steps.

Create the Conductor Types (TypCon) for phase and earth conductors:

Navigate to the ’Equipment Type Library’ and select the New Object icon, or on the
right-hand side of the Data Manager right-click and select New → Others.
Select ’Special Types’, ’Conductor Type’, and then Ok.

Enter the Type parameters and select Ok. In this example, conductors are defined
for HV, MV, and earth conductors.

Create a Tower Geometry Type (TypeGeo):

Again select the New Object icon, or on the right hand side of the Data Manager
right-click and select New → Others.
Select ’Special Types’, ’Tower Geometry Type’, and then Ok.

Enter type parameters for the number of Earth Wires and Line Circuits (in this
example, two earth wires and two line circuits), and the coordinates of the
conductors.

Create the Network Model:

Add two HV and two MV terminals in the single line diagram (at voltages
consistent with the previously defined conductor types).

Connect two Line Elements between the HV terminals, connect two Line Elements
between the MV terminals, and enter element parameters.

Create a Line Couplings Element (ElmTow):

Create a Line Coupling by selecting the four lines drawn in the single line diagram
(hold down Ctrl and left-click each line). Then right-click one of the lines and select
Define → Line Couplings from the context sensitive menu. Alternatively, define the
Line Coupling in the Data Manager by creating a New Object and selecting Other
→ Net Elements→ Line Couplings.

Enter the Number of Overhead Line Systems (in this case, two) select the
previously defined tower Geometries, Earth Wires, Circuits, and Types, and enter
element parameters such as the Distance between the Towers.

Optionally define a Route so that the single line diagram may be coloured based
on the defined Line Couplings and press Ok.
Note that the steps above could be conducted in an alternative order. For example, item 3
could be completed before 1 and 2. Also, item 4 could be completed before items 1 and 2,
and Conductor Types and Towers could be created at the time the Line Couplings Element
is created. However, the recommended approach is to first define the Type data that is to be
used in the Network Model, then to create the Network Model with particular instances of the
lines/towers as in the example.

Figure 9.3.4 illustrates the interrelationship between the elements and types used to define
Line Cou-plings (Tower Elements) in PowerFactory.

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 Figure 9.3.4: Example Tower

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9.4 Neutral winding connection in network diagrams

PowerFactory offers the user the option to explicitly represent the neutral connections and
interconnec-tions of the following widely used elements:

Power transformers (ElmTr2, ElmTr3 and ElmTr4)

Shunt elements (ElmShunt)

External grids (ElmXnet)

Synchronous (ElmSym) and asynchronous machines (ElmAsm)

Static generators (ElmGenstat)

PV systems (ElmPvsys)

Neutral earthing elements (ElmNec)

Harmonic Filter (ElmFilter )

Step-Voltage Regulator (ElmVoltreg)

The interconnection of separate neutral wires is illustrated with the help of the Synchronous Generator.

A separate neutral connection can be activated by choosing the option N-Connection on the
Zero Sequence/Neutral Conductor tab on the basic data page of the element as shown in
figure 9.4.1, the graphical symbol of the object will change. An illustration for the
Synchronous Generator element is shown in figure 9.4.2. Please note, once the N-
Connection via a separate terminal option is selected, the Vector Groups layer can no longer
be hidden in the single line diagram.
 Figure 9.4.1: Zero Sequence/Neutral Connection Tap

Figure 9.4.2: Generator with N-Connection via separate terminal

To connect the neutral of the Element to a neutral busbar, right click on the element and
press Connect Element. An example of a single line diagram with the interconnection of
neutral wires is shown in figure 9.4.3. A Neutral terminal is configured by ensuring that the
Phase Technology of the terminal is set to N as shown in figure 9.4.4.

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Figure 9.4.3: Grid with neutral winding connection

 Figure 9.4.4: Set neutral Terminal

9.5 Graphic Windows and Database Objects

In the PowerFactory graphic windows, graphic objects associated with the active study case
are dis-played. Those graphics include single line diagrams, station diagrams, block
diagrams and Virtual Instruments. Many commands and tools are available to edit and
manipulate symbols in the graphics. The underlying data objects may also be accessed and
edited from the graphics, and calculation results may be displayed and configured.

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Many of the tools and commands are found in the drop down menus or as buttons in the
toolbars, but by far the most convenient manner of accessing them is to use the right mouse
button to display a menu. This menu is known as a ’Context Sensitive Menu’; PowerFactory
evaluates where the tip of your cursor is, and then presents a menu that is appropriate to the
cursor location. Thus cursor position is important when selecting various menu options. It is
important to keep the cursor in place when right-clicking, as the menu presented is
determined from cursor position primarily, and not from the selected or marked object.

9.5.1 Network Diagrams and Graphical Pages

Four types of graphical pages are used in PowerFactory:

Single Line Diagrams (network diagrams) for entering power grid definitions and for
showing calculation results.

Detailed graphics of sites, substations or branches (similar to network diagrams) for

showing busbar (nodes) topologies and calculation results.

Block Diagrams for designing logic (controller) circuits and relays.

Virtual Instrument Pages for designing (bar) graphs, e.g. for the results of a stability
calculation, bitmaps, value boxes, etc...

The icon Graphical Pages ( ) can be found inside the Data Manager. Grids, substations,
branches, sites and controller types (common and composite types in PowerFactory
terminology) each have a graphical page. In order to see the graphic on the screen, open a
Data Manager and locate the graphic page object you want to show, click on the icon next to
it, right-click and select Show Graphic. The “Show Graphic” option is also available directly
from each object. So for example you can select a grid in the Data Manager, right-click, and
show the graphic. The graphic pages of grids and substations are to be found in the
subfolder Diagrams ( ) under the “Network Model” folder.

Note that it is also possible to store Diagrams within the Grid, although this is generally not
recom-mended.
 Figure 9.5.1: The Diagrams folder inside the Data Manager

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9.5.2 Active Graphics, Graphics Board and Study Cases

The graphics that are displayed in an active project are determined by the active study case.
The study case folder contains a folder called the ’Graphics Board’ folder (SetDesktop) in
which references to the graphics to be displayed are contained. This folder is much like the
’Summary Grid’ folder which is also stored within the Study Case, and links active grids to
the Study Case. Both the Graphics Board and Summary Grid are automatically created and
maintained and should generally not be edited by the user.

Within a PowerFactory project, the Network Model folder contains a sub-folder called
Diagrams. This sub-folder should generally also not be edited by the user as it is
automatically created and maintained. It contains the objects that represent single line and
substation graphics (IntGrfnet objects). More than one graphic (single line or substation
diagrams) may be created for a grid, either to display the different grid elements over several
pages, or to display the same grid elements in different graphical arrangements.

Consider the ’Project’ that is shown in figure 9.5.2. The active study case is called Study
Case_1 and the active grid has three single line graphics that have been created for it,
Grid_1, Grid_2 and Grid_3. The graphics board folder in the study case has a reference to
only the Grid_1 graphic object and thus only this graphic for the grid will be shown when the
study case is activated.

In the case of single line graphics, the references in the graphics board folder are created when the user
adds a grid to a study case. PowerFactory will ask the user which graphics of the grid should be displayed.
At any time later the user may display other graphics by right-clicking the grid and selecting Show Graphic
from the context sensitive menu. Graphics may be removed from the active study case by right-clicking the
tab at the bottom of the corresponding graphic page and selecting Remove Page(s).

The study case and graphics board folder will also contain references to any other graphics
that have been created when the study case is active, such as Virtual Instrument Panels.
Figure 9.5.2: Relationship between the study case, graphics board and single line diagrams

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9.5.3 Single Line Graphics and Data Objects

In a simple network there may be a 1:1 relationship between data objects and their graphical
repre-sentations, i.e. every load, generator, terminal and line is represented once in the
graphics. However, PowerFactory provides additional flexibility in this regard. Data objects
may be represented graphically on more than one graphic, but only once per graphic. Thus
a data object for one terminal can be represented graphically on more than one graphic. All
graphical representations contain the link to the same data object.

Furthermore, graphical symbols may be moved without losing the link to the data object they represent.

Likewise, data objects may be moved without affecting the graphic.

The graphics themselves are saved in the database tree, by default in the Diagrams folder of
the Network Model. This simplifies finding the correct Single Line graphic representation of a
particular grid, even in the case where there are several graphic representations for one
grid.

When the drawing tools are used to place a new component (i.e. a line, transformer, etc.) a
new data object is also created in the database tree. A Single Line Graphic object therefore
has a reference to a grid folder. The new data objects are stored into the ’target’ folders that
the graphics page are associated with. This information may be determined by right-clicking
the graphic → Graphic Options, see Section 10.6 (Editing Data Objects in the Data
Manager) for more information.

Since data objects may have more than one graphic representation the deletion of a graphic object should
not mean that the data object will also be deleted. Hence the user may choose to delete only the graphical
object (right-click menu → Delete Graphical Object only). In this case the user is warned that the data
object will not be deleted. This suggests that a user may delete all graphical objects related to a data
object, with the data object still residing in the database and being considered for calculations.

When an element is deleted completely (right menu option → Delete Element) a warning
message will confirm the action. This warning may be switched off in the User Settings
dialog, General page, “Always confirm deletion of Grid Data”).

9.5.4 Editing and Selecting Objects

Once elements have been drawn on the graphic the data for the element may be viewed
and edited by either double-clicking the graphic symbol under consideration, or by right-
clicking it and selecting Edit Data.

The option Edit and Browse Data will show the element in a Data Manager environment.
The object itself will be selected (highlighted) in the Data Manager and can be double-
clicked to open the edit dialog. A new Data Manager will be opened if no Data Manager is
presently active. If more than one symbol was selected when the edit data option was
selected, a data browser will pop up listing the selected objects. The edit dialogs for each
element may be opened from this data browser one by one, or the selected objects can be
edited in the data browser directly, see Section 10.6 (Editing Data Objects in the Data
Manager).

Finding specific elements in a large project may be difficult if one had to look through the single line
diagram alone. PowerFactory includes the Mark in Graphic tool, to assist the user in finding elements within
the graphic. To use this tool the user has to first search for the desired object in the Data Manager using
any of the methods presented in Chapter 10 (Data Manager). Once a searched object/element is identified,
it may be right-clicked and the option Mark in Graphic selected. This action will mark the selected object in
the single line graphic where it appears. This can also be done pressing Crtl+M.

When performing this command ensure that the object itself is selected, as shown in figure
9.5.3. The menu will be different to that seen when selecting an individual field, as shown in
figure 9.5.4.

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Figure 9.5.3: Selecting an object correctly to Mark in Graphic

 Figure 9.5.4: Selecting an object incorrectly to Mark in Graphic

Note: The position of an object in the database tree can be found by:

Opening the edit dialog. The full path is shown in the header of the dialog.

Using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+E, which opens the Data Manager with the
element marked in the folder hierarchy.

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Right-clicking the object and selecting Edit and Browse. This will open a new
database browser when required, and will focus on the selected object.

9.5.5 Creating a New Project

A new project may be created by selecting File → New on the main menu. This creates a
new Project folder and a dialog is displayed where the user can define a grid folder in the
Project folder. Finally the Graphic page in which the single line diagram will be displayed.

9.5.6 Creating New Graphic Windows

A new graphic window can be created using the New command dialog. This dialog may be
opened using one of the following methods:

By pressing the icon.

By pressing the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+N.

By selecting from the Insert menu on the main menu.

The ComNew dialog must be configured to create the desired new object and the new object
should be named appropriately. Ensure that the correct target folder for the new object is
selected. Graphical objects that may be created using this dialog (DiaPagetyp) are:

Grid Creates a new grid folder and a new Single Line Graphic object in that folder. The
(empty) single line graphic will be displayed.

Block Diagram Creates a new Block Diagram folder in the selected folder and a new
Block Diagram Graphic object. The (empty) block diagram graphic will be displayed.

Virtual Instrument Panel Creates a new Virtual Instrument Page object. The (empty)
Virtual Instrument Page will be displayed.

Single Line Diagram Creates a Single Line Graphic in the target folder. Before the
graphic is inserted, the user is prompted to select the relevant grid.
The target folder will be set to the ∖User folder by default, but may be changed to any folder
in the database tree. The new grid, Block Diagram or Virtual Instruments folder will be
created in the target folder.

In all cases, a new graphics board object is also created, because graphic pages can only
be shown as a page in a graphics board. An exception is the creation of a new page, while
in a graphics board. This can be done by pressing the icon on the graphics board toolbar.
This will add the new graphics page to the existing graphics board.

Further information about how to draw network components is given in the following
sections.

9.5.7 Basic Functionality

Each of the four graphic window types are edited and used in much the same way. This
section gives a description of what is common to all graphic windows. Specific behaviour
and functionality of the graphic windows themselves are described in other sections of the
manual.

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9.5.8 Page Tab

The page tab of the graphic window displays the name of the graphics in the graphics board.
The sequence of the graphics in the graphics board may be changed by the user. A page
tab is clicked and moved by dragging and dropping. An arrow marks the insert position
during drag and drop. Another way to change the order of the graphics is to select the option
Move/Copy Page(s) of the context sensitive menu. In addition virtual instrument panels can
be copied very easily. To do so the Ctrl key is pressed during drag and drop. The icon
copies a virtual instrument panel and inserts the copy alongside the original panel.

The page tab menu is accessed by a right-click on the page tab of the graphic windows. The
following commands are found:

Insert Page → Create New Page creates a new page (the icon in the toolbar will do the same).

Insert Page → Open Existing Page opens a page or graphic that has already been
created but which is not yet displayed.

Rename Page presents a dialog to change the name of the graphic.

Move/Copy Page(s) displays a dialog to move or copy the selected page. Copy is only
available for virtual instrument panels.

9.5.9 Drawing Toolboxes

Each graphics window has a specific Drawing Tool Box. This toolbox has buttons for new
network symbols and for non-network symbols. See figure 9.5.5 for two examples.
 (a) Single Line and Geo- (b) Block Diagrams

graphic Diagrams

Figure 9.5.5: Drawing Toolbox examples

The toolboxes have:

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Network or block diagram symbols, which are linked to a database object: terminals,
busbars, lines, transformers, switches, adders, multipliers, etc.

Graphical add-on symbols: text, polygons, rectangles, circles, etc.

The toolboxes are only visible when the graphics freeze mode is off. The graphics freeze
mode is turned on and off with the icon (found at the main icon bar of the graphical
window).

9.5.10 Active Grid Folder (Target Folder)

On the status bar of PowerFactory (figure 9.5.6), the active grid folder is displayed on the
left-most field, indicating the target folder (grid) that will be modified when you make
changes in the network diagram. To change the active target folder, double-click this field
and then select the desired target folder. This can be useful if the user intends to place new
elements on a single line diagram, but have the element stored in a different grid folder in
the Data Manager.

Figure 9.5.6: The Status Bar

9.6 Graphic Commands, Options, and Settings

In this section the commands, options and settings that are available in PowerFactory to
configure and use the graphic windows are introduced. The sub-sections of this chapter are
divided as illustrated in figure 9.6.1. These commands are also available from the main
menu under View.

Figure 9.6.1: Categories of graphic commands, options, and settings

9.6.1 Freeze Mode

locks the diagram from graphical changes, no network elements can be added or
deleted. Note that the status of switches can still be modified when freeze mode is on.

9.6.2 Rebuild

The drawing may not be updated correctly under some circumstances. The rebuild function
updates the currently visible page by updating the drawing from the database. Also
accessed through:

Main Menu: Edit → Rebuild

Right-Click: Drawing → Rebuild

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9.6.3 View commands

9.6.3.1 Zoom In

Press the Zoom In to change the cursor to a magnifying glass. The mouse can then be
clicked and dragged to select a rectangular area to be zoomed. When the frame
encompasses the area you wish to zoom into release the mouse button.

Alternatively, by pressing Ctrl and using the mouse scroll wheel it can be zoomed in and out
with the mouse cursor as reference point. Using the Ctrl+- and Ctrl++ keys, zooming is also
possible referenced to the centre of the visible area. If in addition Shift is pressed, the
reference changes to the mouse cursor.

Note: The Acceleration Factor for zooming and panning can be changed on the Advanced
tab of the Graphic Window page in the User Settings dialog.

9.6.3.2 Zoom Back

To return to the previous zoom scale, press the Zoom Back button .

9.6.3.3 Zoom All

zooms to the page extends.

9.6.3.4 Zoom Level

Zooms to a custom or pre-defined level.

9.6.3.5 Hand Tool

Use the hand tool to pan the single line diagram (when not at the page extends). The
hand tool is activated with pressed middle mouse button, too. Alternatively, the mouse scroll
wheel can be used to scroll vertically, and Ctrl+→ / ↑ / ← / ↓ used to scroll vertically and
horizontally.

9.6.3.6 View Bookmarks

The View Bookmarks allow to save the current view and restore that view at a later date.
The bookmarks may be used with different network diagrams (single line, geographic,
detailed substation graphic) of the same or different grids. In big networks this feature allows
to switch very fast between diagram details to check e.g. the impact of operational changes
in loads/feed-in at different places in the network.

By clicking View Bookmarks → Add Bookmark... the name will be asked, under which the
current view is stored and displayed in the list of the View Bookmarks. To edit, delete
already existing or even create manually new bookmarks, click on View Bookmarks →
Manage Bookmarks.... An object browser with all existing bookmarks appears. They can
directly be changed using the object browser or by opening the Edit-dialog for single
bookmarks. The IntViewBookmark-objects contain the reference to the diagram, the position
and size of the View Area. To further accelerate the workflow Hotkeys are set automatically
for the bookmarks, which can be changed, too. If the current view should be assigned to the
opened bookmark, the button « From View may be pressed.

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9.6.4 Select commands

9.6.4.1 Rectangular Selection

is used to select a rectangular section of the diagram. Note that this icon is generally
depressed when using the mouse pointer for other tasks, such as selecting Menu items,
however the Hand Tool or Free-form Selection may also be used.

9.6.4.2 Free-form Selection

is used to select a custom area of the diagram.

9.6.4.3 Mark All Elements

marks (selects) all objects in the current diagram. This is helpful for moving the whole
drawing to another place or copying the whole drawing into the clipboard. In block diagrams
the surrounding block will not be marked. The keyboard short cut Ctrl+A may also be used
to perform this action.

Note: To select and/or move network and annotation elements at once, select first the
network ele-ments, unlock then the annotation layers with and with pressed Ctrl-key
mark the annotation objects. The whole selection can then be moved together.

9.6.5 Graphic Options

Each graphic window has its own settings, which may be changed using the Graphic
Options button . The available settings of the dialog are described in the following
sections.

9.6.5.1 Basic Attributes page

The General-tab offers the following settings:

 Name: the name of the graphic

Target folder for network elements: the reference to the database folder in which new
power system elements created in this graphic will be stored.

Write protected: if enabled, the single line graphic can not be modified. The drawing
toolboxes are not displayed and the freeze icon becomes inactive.

Line style for cables: is used to select a line style for all cables.

Line style for overhead lines: is used to select a line style for all overhead lines.

Node width factor: the width of points and lines for nodes and busbars.

Offset factor when drawing one-port devices: defines the length of a connection
when a one port device (e.g. load, shunt) is drawn by clicking on the busbar/terminal.
This is the default distance from the busbar in grid points.

Allow individual line style: permits the line style to be set for individual lines. The
individual style may be set for any line in the graphic by right-clicking the line → Set
Individual Line Style. This may also be performed for a group of selected lines/cables in
one action, by first multi selecting the elements.

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Allow individual line width: as for the individual line style, but may be used in
combination with the “Line Style for Cables/Overhead Lines” option. The individual
width is defined by selecting the corresponding option in the right mouse menu (may
also be performed for a group of selected lines/cables in one action).

Diagram colouring: by default, changes of the active Colouring Scheme take effect on
every diagram (Default). By setting the option to Colouring scheme, the scheme of the
current diagram can be configured separately. Press Manage... to open an object
browser with a list of the available colouring scheme settings. Copy the existing or
create a new one and alter it to the wished scheme. Close the object browser and
choose the new colouring scheme out of the drop down list.

The Advanced-tab offers the following settings:

Allow navigation pane: if checked, the Navigation Pane can be activated by Window →
Naviga-tion Pane or the context sensitive menu in the diagram Navigation Pane.

Animated load flow: if the graphic layer ’Direction Arrows’ is set to visible, the power
flows after a Load Flow Calculation may be animated using the context sensitive menu
item Show Animation in the network diagram.

The Additional Attributes and Coordinates Space pages should generally only be configured
with the assistance of DIgSILENT support staff. Note that if Use Scaling Factor for
Computation of Distances is selected on the Coordinates Space page, it is possible to
calculate the length of lines on the Single Line Graphic by right-clicking and selecting
Measure Length of Lines. In geographic diagrams, this option is activated by default.

9.6.5.2 Schematic Diagram page

When a schematic diagram (overview, single line or detailed) is active, the Schematic
Diagram page will be available with the following options:

Drawing Tools

Snap: snaps the mouse onto the drawing raster.

Grid: shows the drawing raster using small points.

Ortho-Type: defines if and how non-orthogonal lines are permitted:

– Ortho Off: connections will be drawn exactly as their line points were set.

– Ortho: allows only right-angle connections between objects.

 – Semi Ortho: the first segment of a connection that leads away from a busbar or
terminal will always be drawn orthogonally.

Size Factors for

Defines the size of the symbols in the diagram for sites, substations, edge elements and line
end sym-bols. The connection circles on simplified substations is a width factor used in
single line diagrams: In single line diagrams multiple busbar substations are only
represented by their main busbars. Connected elements may be connected to each of the
busbars by changing the state of the internal switches. The currently active connection is
shown in the diagram by a filled circle, the not connected ones by hollow circles. The width
of the circles is defined in this field.

Note: The settings for the cursor type for the graphic windows (arrow or tracking cross) may
be set in the User Settings dialog, see section 7.2 (Graphic Windows Settings). This is
because the cursor shape is a global setting, valid for all graphic windows, while all
graphic settings described above are specific for each graphic window.

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SETTINGS

9.6.5.3 Text Boxes page

Object names

– Show frame for nodes/branches: the text boxes of the according elements will
show a frame.

– Background: specifies the transparency of object names boxes:

Opaque: means that objects behind the results box cannot be seen through the results
box.
Transparent: means that objects behind the results box can be seen through the results
box.

Results

– Show frame for nodes/branches: the result boxes of the according elements will
show a frame.

– Background: specifies the transparency of result boxes (as object names)

– Always show result boxes of detailed couplers: self-explanatory.

– Space saving representation of result boxes on connection lines: self-

explanatory.

Show line from general text boxes to referenced objects: may be disabled to
unclutter the graphic.

Reset text boxes completely: textboxes and result boxes have reference points (the point on the box
at which the box will ’attach’ to its element) that may be changed by the user. If this option is:

– Enabled: the default reference will be used.

– Disabled: the user defined reference will be used.

Show tooltip on network elements: enables or disables the balloon help dialogs.

9.6.5.4 Switches page

Switch state symbol at connection end: selects the switch representation (see figure
9.6.2):
 – Permanent box: shows a solid black square for a closed and an frame line for an
open switch (left picture).

– Old style switch: shows the switches as the more conventional switch symbol (right picture).

Figure 9.6.2: Cubicle representations

Display frame around switches: draws a frame around the switch itself (breakers,
disconnectors, etc.). This only applies to user-drawn breakers and disconnectors.

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Create switches when connecting to busbar: self-explanatory.

Show connected busbars as small dots in simplified substation representation:

defines how the connection points on busbars are represented in busbar systems.

9.6.5.5 Geographic Diagram page

The settings on this page define the appearance of the graphical representation of network
elements in the geographic diagrams. This page is only visible when a geographic diagram
is active.

Size factors for: defines the size of the symbols in the diagram for sites, substations,
terminals, edge elements, text, line loads and section transitions and line end symbols.

Scale level threshold for visibility of: in extensive networks with a high scale level,
edge elements (except lines), switch state boxes at line ends, text labels and
annotation objects are hidden at a specified scale level to improve the clarity of the
diagram.

Line width: sets the width of all the lines in the geographic diagram.

Distance factor for one-port devices: defines the distance of all drawn one-port-
devices (e.g. load, shunt) to their connected nodes. This is the default distance from
the busbar in grid points.

Margin at full zoom: since in geographic diagrams there is no border, this value defines
the margin shown if Zoom All is pressed.

Show coordinates in latitude/longitude: shows the coordinates of the current cursor

position in latitude and longitude in the Status Bar. Otherwise the position is displayed
as X/Y values representing UTM-coordinates. The border values of the area
represented by the diagram are listed in the tab Coordinate Space of the Basic
Attributes page (9.6.5.1).

Prefer branch coordinates: this option affects elements which are grouped to branches (Elm-
Branch). If the branch itself has geographic coordinates, they will be used in the geographic diagram,
otherwise the coordinates of the elements contained in the branch are taken into account.

Show Scale: shows or hides the scale in the diagram.

GPS projection: defines the projection used in the geographic diagram. This is only
active when local maps are selected.

Substation Types tab

The settings in this tab are related to the graphical representation of substations in
geographic diagrams. The dialog offers the possibility to distinguish graphically different
types of substations and improve the clearness of the diagram by adding additional data
through the substation symbol. A possible use of this feature can be seen in the geographic
diagram ’Overview Diagram’ of the Application Example ’MV Distribution Network’ (File →
Examples).

The column ’Substation Type’ of the Assignment Table is the list, of which one element may
be chosen in the drop down list Type in the Description-page of the Substation-dialog,
opened by right-clicking on a graphical substation element and choosing Edit Substation.
The list contains the Substation Types defined in the according page of the Project Settings
dialog.

The column ’Symbol’ is storing the name of the symbol, which is searched by default in the
subfolder Database/System/Library/Graphic/Symbols/SGL/Composites. As additional
source, the project’s sub-folder Settings/Additional Symbols is taken into account.

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9.6.6 Layers

The single line, geographic and block diagrams use transparent layers of drawing sheets on
which the graphical symbols are placed. Each of these layers may be set to be visible or not.
The names of objects that have been drawn, for example, are on a layer called ’Object
Names’ and may be made visible or invisible to the user.

Which layers are visible and exactly what is shown on a layer is defined in the Graphical
Layers dialog, accessed through the graphic toolbar ( ), by right-clicking on an empty spot
of the graphic area → Show Layer, or selecting View → Layers from the main menu. The
layers dialog has a ’Visibility’ page to determine which layers will be visible, and a
’Configuration’ page to define various attributes for the layers. See figure 9.6.3.

In the Visibility page, the layers are divided into two tabs, one for the Network Element and
one for the Annotation Layers. In figure 9.6.3, the layers in the left pane (Base Level, Object
Names, etc.) are visible in the graphical window. The layers in the right pane are invisible.
Layers can be made visible by multi selecting them (hold the Ctrl key down whilst selecting)
and pressing the button (alternatively, double-click a layer name and it will jump to the
other pane). A layer can be made invisible again by selecting it in the left pane and pressing
the button or by double-clicking it. It is also possible to define user-specific layers, by
pressing the New button. The selection of visible layers is saved individually for every
diagram. Pressing the button Apply to all graphics overwrites the layer selection of all
diagrams with the one of the open dialog.
 Figure 9.6.3: Graphical layers dialog (SetLevelvis)

Each graphic symbol in a single line, geographic or block diagram is assigned by default to the corre-
sponding layer at first. All busbar symbols, for example, are drawn on the ’Base Level’ layer by default,
their name boxes on the layer ’Object Names’. Graphic symbols may be shifted onto other layers by right-
clicking them in the single line graphic and selecting the option Shift to Layer from the context sensitive
menu. This option will show a second menu with all layers. Selecting a layer will move all selected symbols
to that layer. Moving symbols from one layer to another is normally needed when only a few symbols from
a certain group should be made visible (for instance the result boxes of one or

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two specific junction nodes), or when user defined layers are used. This allows to hide some
elements or text boxes to improve the clarity of the diagram, or to show additional
information for e.g. printing purposes.

Note: Certain names and result boxes are, by default, assigned to the ’Invisible Objects’
layer. An example are the names and result boxes for point busbars. This is done to
unclutter the graphic. Should the user wish to display names and/or result boxes for
certain Junction/Internal nodes simply make the ’Invisible Objects’ layer visible and re-
assign the names and result boxes required to another layer, such as the ’Object
Names’ or ’Results’ layers - then make the ’Invisible Objects’ layer invisible once more.

The list of the Annotation Layers is empty until the first Annotation object is inserted. It will
be assigned to the automatically created and visible ’Default Layer’. Clicking on Edit
Layers... opens a object browser to manage the Annotation Layers. New ones can be
created or existing ones may be changed or deleted. The Edit-dialog shows in addition to
the Visible-flag also the option Zoom invariant. If the box is checked, the annotation objects
assigned to the layer won’t change size or position in the diagram regardless of any zoom or
move operation. This zoom invariant layers are useful, when e.g. additional information or
customised legends were created and which should always appear in the current view of the
diagram at the same position to achieve a unified appearance of diagram exports or prints
for documentation purposes. Best practise is to select all annotation objects, which form a
unity (like a legend) and group them using right-click → Group to one Object.

If multiple annotation layers exist, the annotation objects can easily be shifted from one to
another by right clicking on them and select the destination layer from the list of Move to
Annotation Layer.

The ’Configuration’ page has a drop down list showing all layers that may be configured by
the user. Considering the ’Object Names’ layer as shown in figure 9.6.4, it may be seen that
a target (or focus) may be set. The selected target will be the focus of the performed
configuration command. Various actions or settings may be performed, such as e.g.
changing the font using the Change Font button. The configuration page may also be used
to mark (select/highlight) the target objects in the graphic using the Mark button.

The options available to configure a layer depend on the type of Layer. Table 9.6.1 shows
for each layer in which way its content can be changed in format.
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Figure 9.6.4: Graphical layers configuration page

As an example, suppose that a part of the single line graphics is to be changed, for instance,
to allow longer busbar names. To change the settings, the correct graphical layer is first
selected. In this example, it will be the ’Object Names’ layer. In this layer, only the busbar
names are to be changed, and the target must therefore be set to ’All Nodes’. When the
layer and the target has been selected, the width for object names may be set in the
Settings area. The number of columns may be set using the Visibility/Width button.
Alternatively, the Adapt Width will adapt all of the object name placeholders to the length of
the name for each object.

Changing a setting for all nodes or all branches at once will overwrite the present settings.
The predefined layers existing in PowerFactory are described in Table 9.6.1.

Note: Should an object disappear when it has been re-assigned to a layer, that layer may be
invisible.

Layer visibility should be inspected and changed if required.

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Diagram Type: SL
Single Line, GEO
Configuration Geographic, B
Layer Content Block
Options

Symbols for the elements of

the
Base Level Text/Box Format SL/GEO/B
grid
Boxes with names and
addi-
tional data description, if
Object Names config- Text/Box Format SL/GEO/B
ured
Results Boxes with calculation results Text/Box Format SL/GEO/B
Addition
al Text explanation
Device Data Text/Box Format SL/GEO/B
given in the device
symbol
Dots at the connections be-
edges
Connection tween and buses/termi-
Text/Box Format SL/GEO/B
Points nals and signal connections to
block
s
Layer containing the symbols
of
Invisible Objects Text/Box Format SL/GEO/B
elements hidden by
default
Positions of taps for shunts
and
Tap Positions Text/Box Format SL/GEO
transformers
Vecto
r group for rotating ma-
Vector Groups Text/Box Format SL/GEO
chines and
transformers
Active/Reactive
Arrows that can be configured
Powe
for reactiv r for direct/
Direction Arrows active and e power SL/GEO
inverse/
 flow homopolar
representation
system
Graphic used as the back- Nam
e of file with
groun t
d (“wallpaper”) o allow
drawin o th graphics (WMF,
Background easier g f e diagram SL/B
BMP
or to show additional DXF, , JPEG,
information
PNG, GIF, TIF)
(map
information)

ma Map Provider (see

Geographical p used as
the background to allow section 9.13), map
Background easier GEO
type and graphic
drawing of the
diagram
settings
Number of phases of a
line/ca-
Phases Text/Box Format SL/GEO
ble, shown as parallel
lines
Numbers of Number of lines for each con-
Text/Box Format SL/GEO
Connection nectio
Lines n

Sections and Symbols at lines consisting of

Line
sections and/or where line
loads Text/Box Format SL/GEO
Loads
are
connected
Double-
Arrow at connections
Connection
where the end point is not
rep- Text/Box Format SL/GEO
Arrows
resented in the current
diagram.
Shows circles for load and Selection of S, P
Load/ Generation gen- or
GEO
eration around
Distribution substations Q, colour-settings
Remote
Remote Controlled
Controlled Substations Colour SL/GEO
Substations
Text Labels Addition text label for ele- Text/Box Format SL/GEO
 al s

ments

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Diagram Type: SL
Single Line, GEO
Configuration Geographic, B
Layer Content Block
Options

Graphically represented
Relays relays Text/Box Format SL/GEO
Contains the drawn current
and
CTs and VTs Text/Box Format SL/GEO
voltage transformers
Virtual instruments placed in
Virtual the
Text/Box Format SL/GEO/B
diagram
Instruments s
Tie Open
Points Tie open points in the network Colour/Size/Width SL/GEO
Definitio
Block n each block is based
Definition Text/Box Format B
on
possibl
Connection Index of each e block
Text/Box Format B
connection
Numbers point
Name of each unused
Connection connec-
Text/Box Format B
Names tion of a block
Name of the signal
Signals transmitted Text/Box Format B
Table 9.6.1: Predefined Diagram Layers of
PowerFactory

9.6.7 Colouring Options

9.6.7.1 Diagram Colouring

The single line and geographic diagrams have an automatic colour representation mode.
The Diagram Colouring icon on the diagrams toolbar will open the diagram colouring
representation dialog (alter-natively, select View → Diagram Colouring on the main menu).
This dialog is used to select different colouring modes and is dependent if a calculation has
been performed or not. If a specific calculation is valid, then the selected colouring for that
calculation is displayed.

The Diagram Colouring has a 3-priority level colouring scheme implemented, allowing
colouring ele-ments according to the following criteria: 1 Energising status, 2 Alarm and 3
“Normal” (Other) colouring.

Energising Status: if this check box is enabled “De-energised” or “Out of Calculation” elements are
coloured according to the settings in the “Project Colour Settings”. The settings of the “De-
energised” or “Out of Calculation” mode can be edited by clicking on the Colour Settings button.

Alarm: if this check box is enabled a drop down list containing alarm modes will be
available. It is important to note here that only alarm modes available for the current
calculation page will be listed. If an alarm mode is selected, elements “exceeding” the
corresponding limit are coloured. Limits and colours can be defined by clicking on the
Colour Settings button.

“Normal” (Other) Colouring: here, two lists are displayed. The first list contains all available
colouring modes. The second list contains all sub modes of the selected colouring mode. The
settings of the different colouring modes can be edited by clicking on the Colour Settings button.

Every element can be coloured by one of the three previous criteria. Also, every criterion is
optional and will be skipped if disabled. Regarding the priority, if the user enables all three
criteria, the hierarchy taken into account will be the following:

“Energising Status” overrules the “Alarm” and “Normal Colouring” mode. The “Alarm”
mode overrules the “Normal Colouring” mode.

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The graphic can be coloured according to the following list. Availability of some options will depend on the
function that is selected (e.g. ’Voltage Violations’ does not appear when the ’Basic Data’ page is selected,
but does when the ’Load Flow’ page is selected) and on the licence (e.g. Connection Request is only
available if the advanced function Connection Request Assessment is part of the licence).

Energising Status:

De-energised

Out of Calculation

De-energised, Planned Outage

Alarm:

Feeder Radiality Check (Only if “Feeder is supposed to be operated radially” is selected).

Outages

Overloading of Thermal/Peak Short Circuit Current

Voltage Violations/Overloadings

“Normal” (Other) Colouring:

Results

– Connection Request: Approval Status

– Contribution to EIC

– Contribution to ENS

– Contribution to SAIDI

– Contribution to SAIFI

– Fault Clearing Times

– Incident Energy

– Loading of Thermal / Peak Short-Circuit Current

 – Loads: Average Interruption Duration

– Loads: Load Point Energy Not Supplied

– Loads: Yearly interruption frequency

– Loads: Yearly interruption time

– Optimal Manual Restoration

– PPE-Category

– State Estimation

– Voltage Angle (colouring according to absolute or relative voltage angles and angle
dif-ferences along branch elements; relative voltage angles do not reflect
transformer vector groups, while absolute voltage angles include the angle shift
caused by transformer vector groups)

– Voltages / Loading

Topology

– Boundaries (Definition)

– Boundaries (Interior Region)

– Connected Components

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– Connected Components, Voltage Level

– Connected Grid Components

– Energising Status

– Feeders

– Missing graphical connections

– Outage Check

– Station Connectivity

– Station Connectivity (Beach Balls only)

– Supplied by Secondary Substation

– Supplied by Substation

– System Type AC/DC and Phases

– Voltage Levels

Primary Equipment

– Cross Section

– Forced Outage Duration

– Forced Outage Rate

– Year of Construction

Secondary Equipment

– Measurement Locations

– Power Restoration

– Relays, Fuses, Current and Voltage Transformers

– Switches, Type of Usage

 Groupings (Grids, Zones, Areas...)

– Areas

– Grids

– Meteo Stations

– Operators

– Owners

– Paths

– Routes

– Zones

Variations / System Stages

– Modifications in Recording Expansion Stage

– Modifications in Variations / System Stages

– Original Locations

User-defined

– Individual

The list ’User-defined’ may be used to define own colouring schemes. Pressing Manage Filters... opens an
object browser with the list of all available user-defined filters, found in the subfolder
Settings/-Colouring/Colouring Scheme. New filter sets (IntFiltset) can be created, containing several
General Filter objects (SetFilt) with an assigned colour and the conditions, under which an element is
coloured.

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This allows to implement very specific filters to identify graphically elements in the diagram
with certain properties or results.

An illustration of diagram colouring options is shown in figure 9.6.5. In this case, the Voltage
Colouring Mode is set to ’Voltage Drop and Rise’, under ’Colour Settings’. Also, the
’Colouring scheme for voltages and loading’ is set to ’Continuous’ on the Advanced tab.
 Figure 9.6.5: Illustration of diagram colouring

9.6.7.2 Heatmaps

In PowerFactory, Heatmaps can be used to illustrate the state of a grid by colouring the area
around network elements. The colour definition is carried out as described in section 9.6.7.1.

To use the colour definition for Heatmaps, click on the Heatmap button . On the General
page of the dialog, the basic settings for the creation of the heatmap can be selected. The
colour settings dialog (explained in section 9.6.7.1) is accessible from this page. The Mode
shows which type of colouring is used.

The resolution of the Heatmap can be:

Low

Medium

High

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• User-defined (in pixels)

Note: The amount of time required to generate each Heatmap increases with the specified
resolution. Since the optimal settings for Heatmaps vary for each grid, the process of
finding this optimum might take a few iterations. Therefore it is advised to start with a
small or medium resolution.

A background colour for the Heatmap may additionally be set.

The General page defines the general settings for the Heatmap and the Advanced page
defines specifics regarding the colouring. Five different parameters can be set; the first two
being:

Number of closest influence points: defines the number of reference points taken into
account when colouring a certain point of the Heatmap.

Contour sharpness: defines the smoothness of the transition between differently coloured areas.

The other three parameters define the Fading Area, i.e. the orthogonal transition from the
element colouring to the background colour:

Begin: defines how far away from the centre of the element on the lateral axis the colouring
begins to fade to the background colour.

Extent: defines how far away from the centre of the element on the lateral axis the colouring
ends to fade to the background colour.

Fading exponent: defines how fast the colour between Begin and Extent will fade to the
background colour.

Figure 9.6.6 shows an example of a Heatmap, which is coloured according to loading, over-
and under-voltage.
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Figure 9.6.6: Example of a Heatmap coloured according to loading, over- and under-voltage

9.6.8 Graphic Legends

9.6.8.1 Show Title Block

The title block can be turned on and off from the single line diagram toolbar ( ) or the View
menu. The title block is placed in the lower right corner of the drawing area by default.

The contents and size of the title mask can be changed by right-clicking the title block and selecting the
Edit Data option from the context sensitive menu. The Select Title dialog that pops up is used to scale the
size of the title block by setting the size of the block in percent of the default size. The font used will be
scaled accordingly. To edit the text in the title block press the edit button ( ) for the ’Title Text’ field.

All text fields have a fixed format in the title block. The data and time fields may be chosen
as automatic or user defined. Most text fields are limited to a certain number of characters.
When opening a new graphic the title will appear by default.

9.6.8.2 Show Legend Block

The legend block can be turned on and off from the single line diagram toolbar ( ), or from
the ’View’ menu. The legend block describes the contents of result boxes (for information
about result boxes see 9.9).

Because more than one type of result box is normally used in the Single line graphic, for instance, one for
node results and another one for branch results, the legend box normally shows more than one

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column of legends. After changing the result box definitions, it may be required to manually
resize the legend box in order to show all result box legends.

The Legend Box definition dialog is opened by right-clicking the legend block and selecting
Edit Data from the context sensitive menu. The font and format shown may be configured.
When opening a new graphic the legend will appear by default.

9.6.8.3 Colour Legend Block

The colour legend block can be turned on and off from the single line diagram toolbar ( ),
or from the ’View’ menu. The legend updates automatically based on the colouring options
selected.

9.6.9 Element Options

9.6.9.1 Edit and Browse Data

This option lets the user edit the device data of all marked objects in the drawing. If only one
object is marked, then this object will be selected in its project folder within the list of the
other objects. When more than one object is marked, the Data Manager window will show
only the list of marked objects. As with a normal Data Manager, these objects can be
double-clicked to open their edit dialogs. See chapter 10 (Data Manager) for more
information.

Note: Changes made in the device data of objects are not registered by the graphical Undo
Function.

Undoing these changes is therefore not possible.

Also accessed through:

Right-click: Edit and Browse Data

Note: To edit data for a single element, double-click the element, or select the element and
press Alt+Return.
9.6.9.2 Delete Element

This function deletes all marked objects in the diagram. The database objects for the
graphical object will also be deleted (a warning message will pop up first - this may be
switched off in the “User Settings” dialog; see section 7.2 (Graphic Windows Settings)).

Also accessed through:

Right-click: Delete

Keyboard: Del

Note: To delete graphical objects only, right click the selected element/s and select Delete
Graphical Object only.

9.6.9.3 Cut

This function cuts the marked objects in the diagram. Objects can then later be pasted as
discussed below.

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Also accessed through:

Right-click: Cut

Keyboard: Ctrl+X

9.6.9.4 Copy

Copies all marked objects from the current drawing and puts them into the clipboard.

Also accessed through:

Right-click: Copy

Keyboard: Crtl+C

9.6.9.5 Paste

Copies all objects from the clipboard and pastes them into the current drawing. The objects
are pasted at the current graphical mouse position. Objects that are copied and pasted
create completely new graphic and data objects in the graphic that they are pasted into.

Also accessed through:

Right-click: Paste

Keyboard: Crtl+V

Note: If you wish to copy and paste just the graphic, then choose Paste Graphic Only from
the right-click menu. Similar results are obtained when using the “Draw Existing Net
Elements” tool (see Section 9.7: Drawing Diagrams with Existing Network Elements).

Note: The undo command undoes the last graphic action and restores deleted elements, or
deletes created elements. The undo command is accessed through the undo icon ( ),
by right-clicking and selecting ’Undo’, or by pressing Ctrl+Z.
9.6.9.6 Other Commands

The following commands are accessed via the context sensitive menu of the elements
pressing the right mouse button.

Rotate:

Right-click selection and Rotate to rotate symbols clockwise, counter-clockwise, or 180

degrees. It is generally preferable to disconnect an element before rotating it.

Disconnect:

Right-click and select Disconnect Element to disconnect the selected element/s. When right-
clicking at the end of a connection element a different/reduced menu is shown which allows
disconnecting just the selected side (Disconnect Side)

Connect:

Right-click and select Connect Element to connect an element.

Reconnect:

Right-click and select Reconnect Element to disconnect the selected elements and then re-
connect them. The branch to be connected will be ’glued’ to the cursor. Left clicking a bar or
terminal will

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SETTINGS

connect the element. When right-clicking at the end of a connection element a

different/reduced menu is shown which allows reconnecting just the selected side
(Reconnect Side)

Redraw:

Right-click and select Redraw Element to redraw a selected element.

Move:

Marked objects can be moved by left clicking them and holding down the mouse button. The
objects can be moved when the cursor changes to an arrowed cross ( ). Hold down the
mouse button and drag the marked objects to their new position. Connections from the
moved part of the drawing to other objects will be adjusted.

Edit Line Points:

Right-click and select Edit Line Points will show the black squares (’line points’) that define
the shape of the connection. Each of these squares can be moved by left clicking and
dragging them to a new position (see figure 9.6.7). New squares can be inserted by left
clicking the connection in between squares. Line points are deleted by right-clicking them
and selecting the Delete Vertex option from the case sensitive menu. This menu also
presents the option to stop (end) the line point editing, which can also be done by left
clicking somewhere outside the selected lines.
 Figure 9.6.7: Editing line points

9.6.10 Node Default Options

Figure 9.6.8 shows the commands available for setting node default options. These are
discussed in further detail in this section.

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Figure 9.6.8: Node default options

Default Voltage Levels for Terminals and Busbars:

The default voltage level for terminals can be set in this field. New terminals placed on the
single line diagram will have this voltage (e.g. 110 kV, 0.4 kV).

Default Phase Technologies for Terminals:

The default phase technology for terminals can be set in this field. New terminals placed on
the single line diagram will be of this type (e.g. three-phase ABC, single-phase, DC, etc.).

9.6.11 Page and Print Options

9.6.11.1 Print

This function is accessed via the button, the menu File → Print or via the hotkey Ctrl+P. It opens the
Print Preview, showing the first page of the diagram, which will be printed after pressing the Print button. If
the drawing size of the diagram doesn’t fit the printers paper size, the diagram is split up into more pages,
its previews can be browsed using the buttons , , and . To edit the Print Setup, press the
button . By default, the whole active diagram will be selected. If only the current view should be printed,
the option Selection in the Print range of the Print Setup has to be selected. The button in the Print
Preview opens the Page Setup dialog, where the margins can be customised.

9.6.11.2 Define Print Area

The Print Area enhances the print functionality by predefining a selected area of the diagram
to print. By pressing the Define Print Area button , a red bounded rectangle, the Print
Area, will be shown, which covers by default the whole active view. Its proportion fits the one
of the printer settings. The size and position of the Print Area can be scaled and moved to
cover only the desired part of the diagram. With the Print Area still active, the Print command
opens the Print Preview with exactly the area of the network covered by the Print Area.

Once defined, the Print Area can be shown and hidden using the -button. For every network diagram a
separate Print Area can be defined, which is saved over the whole session (no more available after de- and
reactivating the project or using the rebuild command for the according diagram).

9.6.11.3 Drawing Format

The drawing area for single line diagrams, block diagrams and virtual instruments is
modified in the Drawing Format dialog, accessed using the button. A predefined paper
format can be selected as-is, edited, or a new format can be defined. The selected paper
format has ’Landscape’ orientation by default and can be rotated by 90 degrees by selecting
’Portrait’. The format definitions, which are shown when an existing format is edited or when
a new format is defined, also show the landscape dimensions for the paper format.

It is not possible to draw outside the selected drawing area. If a drawing no longer fits to the
selected

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drawing size, then a larger format should be selected. The existing graphs or diagrams are
repositioned on the new format (use Ctrl+A to mark all objects and then grab and move the
entire graphic by left clicking and holding the mouse key down on one of the marked objects;
drag the graphic to a new position if desired).

If no ’Subsize for Printing’ format has been selected, then, at printing time, the drawing area
will be scaled to fit the paper size of the printer. If, for instance, the drawing area is A3 and
the selected paper in the printer is A4, then the graphs/diagrams will be printed at 70 % of
their original size.

By selecting a subsize for printing, the scaling of the drawing at printing time can be
controlled. The dimensions of the sub-sized printing pages are shown in the graphic page. If,
for instance, the drawing size has been selected as A3 landscape, and the printing size as
A4 portrait, then a vertical grey line will divide the drawing area in two halves. The drawing
area will be accordingly partitioned at printing time and will be printed across two A4 pages.

Make sure that the selected subsize used for printing is available at the printer. The printed
pages are scaled to the available physical paper if this is not the case.

For instance:

The drawing area has been selected as A2 landscape.

The subsize for printing has been selected as A3 portrait. The A2 drawing is thus to be
printed across two pages.

Suppose that the selected printer only has A4 paper. The original A2 drawing is then
scaled down to 70 % and printed on two A4 sheets of paper.

Also accessed through:

Main Menu: File → Page Setup

9.6.12 Diagram Layout Tool

The Diagram Layout Tool is a powerful feature to create graphical representations of

network topologies. The tool offers a manual, semi- and fully automatic creation of nodes
and branch elements, which are not yet graphically represented in the current Network
Diagram. The options and the dialog are described in detail in section 9.7.

9.6.13 Insert New Graphic

Pressing the button inserts a new graphic object into the Graphic Board folder of the
active study case and presents a blank graphics page to the user. A dialog to configure the
new graphics object will appear first.

Also accessed through:

Page Tab Menu: Insert Page → Create New Page

Note: The Page Tab menu is opened by right-clicking a page tab, shown just below the
single line diagram.

Note: Existing graphics can be opened by selecting Show Graphic of the context sensitive
menu of the graphic object in the subfolder Network Model/Diagrams or by choosing it
from the list, which opens after selecting Insert Page → Open Existing Page from the
context sensitive menu of the page tab.

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9.6.13.1 Other Page Commands

Other page commands accessed through the page tab are as follows:

Remove Page:

This function will remove the selected graphic from the Graphics Board. The graphic itself
will not be deleted and can be re-inserted to the current or any other Graphics Board at any
time.

Rename Page:

This function can be used to change the name of the selected graphic.

Move/Copy Page(s):

This function can be used to move a page/s to modify the order of graphics. Also accessed
through:

Mouse Click: Left-click and select a single page (optionally press control and select
multiple pages) and drag the page/s to change the order graphics are displayed.

Data Manager: (Advanced) Modify the order field of Graphics Pages listed within the
Study Case Graphics Board. To reflect the changes, the study case should be
deactivated and then re-activated.

9.7 Drawing Diagrams with Existing Network Elements

This section provides information about how to draw network components from existing
objects. Pow-erFactory separates strictly the electrical (and therefore for calculations
relevant) data of network el-ements from their graphical representation in the diagrams.
Calculations of networks without any graphical representation is possible.

Designing new (extensions to) power system grids, is preferably done graphically. This
means that the new power system objects may be created in a graphical environment. After
the new components are added to the design, they can be edited, either from the graphical
environment itself (by double-clicking the objects), or by opening a Data Manager and using
its editing facilities.
It is however possible, to first create objects in the Data Manager (either manually, or via
data import using e.g. the DGS format), and subsequently draw these objects in one or more
single line diagrams. If the imported data contains geographical coordinates, a geographic
diagram can be created auto-matically by right clicking on the Grid in the Project Overview
window and choosing Show Graphic → Geographic Diagram.

If no geographic coordinates are given or if a single line diagram should be created,

PowerFactory provides the Diagram Layout Tool to do that.

The following sections describe the options and possibilities of the Diagram Layout Tool ,
located in the graphic icon bar. It replaces the Draw Existing Net Elements tool of previous
versions and enhances its functionality by a semi- and fully automated creation of network
diagrams.

9.7.1 Action

9.7.1.1 Generate new diagram

When this option is selected from the Action mode part of the Diagram Layout Tool dialog, it is possible to
create graphical representations of grids and network elements. It’s a quick way to get a graphical

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overview of a network, offering visualisation of, for example, results or topology (colouring
schemes for feeders, zones, etc.). The options in the Generate new diagram for part of the
dialog are:

Entire grid: with this option a complete new diagram of the selected grid is automatically
drawn. It is possible to select more than one grid; in this case one diagram showing all
the selected grids will be created.
Additional settings when using the option Generate new diagram → Entire grid are set in pages Node
Layout (section 9.7.2), Edge Elements (section 9.7.3) and Protection Devices (section 9.7.4)

Detailed representation of: this option can be used for substations, branches and sites.
It cre-ates a detailed diagram with all the elements contained inside the original
element. No additional settings are needed.

Feeder: with this option a complete new schematic feeder diagram is created. It is
possible to select more than one feeder; in this case a separate diagram will be created
for each feeder. This option replaces the previous option Show → Schematic
visualisation by Distance or Bus Index of the feeder. See Section 14.5 (Feeders) for
further information on how to define feeders. Additional settings when using the option
Generate new diagram → Feeder are set in pages Node Layout (section 9.7.2) and
Edge Elements (section 9.7.3).

9.7.1.2 Auto-insert element into current diagram

When this option is selected from the Action mode part of the Diagram Layout Tool dialog, it
is possible to insert additional elements into an existing diagram. This option is only
available if the diagram is not in “freeze” mode.

The options in the Insert elements into current diagram part of the dialog are:

K-neighbourhood expansion: this action creates graphical elements starting from a

selection of elements already graphically represented in the diagram. A selection of
elements is therefore necessary. If some or all graphic elements are selected before
opening the Diagram Layout Tool, these elements are automatically inserted into the
Start elements selection. Alternatively the Start elements can be selected directly from
the dialog using Select... or in the Neighbourhood Expansion settings.
Starting from every selected element, the connected and not yet graphically
represented neigh-bours are created and subsequently also their neighbours. The
depth of this recursive algorithm is defined by the K-factor, which can be configured in
the Neighbourhood Expansion settings.

This approach offers a step-by-step creation of a diagram, where an intervention after

each step is possible to adapt the final appearance of the network diagram.
 Additional settings when using the option Auto-insert element into current diagram → K-
neighbourhood expansion are set in pages Node Layout (section 9.7.2), Edge Elements
(section 9.7.3) and Protection Devices (section 9.7.4)

Edge elements: this action automatically completes the current diagram with the branch
elements which are not yet graphically represented. It is only available for diagrams
which already contain some existing graphical node elements. Additional settings when
using the option Auto-insert element into current diagram → Edge elements are set in
pages Edge Elements (section 9.7.3) and Protection Devices (section 9.7.4)

Protection devices: when this option is selected, protection devices are included into the current
diagram according to the options set in the Protection Devices page described in section 9.7.4.

9.7.1.3 Assisted manual drawing

This action replaces the earlier Drawing existing Net Elements tool. Upon execution, a
window will appear, listing all the elements which are not yet graphically represented in the
diagram. This option is only available if the diagram is not in “freeze” mode.

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Drawing Existing Busbars

Click on the symbol for busbars ( ) in the drawing toolbox. The symbol of the busbar
(terminal) is now attached to the cursor.

If the list is very large, press the button Adjacent Element Mode ( ). This activates the
selecting of distance (number of elements) from elements in the selection of the
Neighbourhood Expansion. Select the Distance of 1 in order to reduce the number of
busbars (terminals) shown.

If the button Use drawn nodes as starting objects ( ) is also selected, the list will be filtered
based on all drawn nodes (not just a single starting node).

If Show elements part of drawn composite nodes ( ) is selected, elements internal to

already drawn composite nodes will be shown in the list. However, since they are already
drawn as part of the composite node, they should not be re-drawn.

The marked or selected element can now be visualised or drawn by clicking somewhere in
the active diagram. This element is drawn and disappears from the list.

Note that the number of elements in the list can increase or decreases depending on how
many elements are a distance away from the element lastly drawn. Scroll down the list, in
case only certain elements have to be visualised.

Close the window and press Esc to return the cursor to normal. The drawn terminals
(busbars) can be moved, rotated or manipulated in various ways.

Drawing Existing Lines, Switches, and Transformers

Similar to the busbars, elements like lines and transformers connecting the terminals in the
substation can be drawn.

Execute the Assisted manual drawing action of the Diagram Layout Tool. For lines select the line symbol (
) from the drawing toolbox, for transformers select the transformer symbol ( ), and so on.

Similar to terminals, a list of all the lines (or transformers, or elements which have been
chosen) in the network, that are not in the active diagram, is shown.

For each selected line (or transformers...) a pair of terminals, to which the line is connected,
are marked in the diagram. Click on the first terminal and then on the second. The selected
line is drawn and removed from the list of lines.
Continue drawing all lines (or transformers...), until the list of lines is empty or all the lines to
be drawn have been drawn. If a branch cannot be completely drawn (for example, when the
terminal at only one end of a line is shown on the diagram), it is possible to draw a first line
section, then press Tab or double click on the diagram and arrows will appear to indicate
that the line connects to a terminal that is not shown. Figure 9.7.1 provides an illustration.

Figure 9.7.1: Illustration of single line diagram connectivity

Note: Before placing elements onto the graphic users may find it useful to configure and display a
background layer. This will be an image of an existing single line diagram of the system. It may be
used to ’trace’ over so that the PowerFactory network looks the same as current paper depictions;

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see Section 9.6.6 for more information on layers.

9.7.2 Node Layout

The settings regarding the Node Layout take effect on the following actions:

Generate complete diagram

– Entire grid

– Feeder

Auto-insert element into current diagram

– K-neighbourhood expansion

The following options are available for node insertion:

Node spacing: this option defines the distance between the newly created nodes in the
diagram and can be set to low, medium or high.

Draw each composite as single node: this check box only has an impact if the
corresponding grid contains composite elements (e.g. ElmSubstat, ElmTrfstat,
ElmBranch) which graphically combine internal nodes, switches, transformers, lines,
etc. If checked, the graphical representation of the composite elements are created,
otherwise each of the internal elements of the composite elements is created
separately in the diagram.

Consider physical line length: with this option checked, the length of the graphical
representa-tion is based on the corresponding line length. The graphic object length is
not strictly proportional to the actual line length, but nevertheless gives a good view in
the diagram of the relative line lengths.

Adjust diagram size: The size of the diagram defined in the Drawing Format is ignored
and overwritten by the algorithm, which uses as much space as is needed. To get
clearer outputs, this option should be selected. The new drawing size is saved and can
be reused in other diagrams. To print the diagram, the new drawing size can be scaled
to other sizes (Subsize for Printing in the Drawing Format dialog ).
If the option Generate complete diagram → Feeder is selected, the options of the Node
Layout page include:

Layout Style: this option defines the layout of the feeder; the options are Rectangular
and Tree. Rectangular is usually recommended, since it provides the best overview of
the topology of the feeder. For very large feeders, however, the rectangular layout may
become too large. In this case the tree-like layout may be better, since it produces a
narrower layout.

Horizontal/Vertical node spacing: this option defines the distance between the feeder
nodes, can be set to low, medium or high.

Draw each composite as single node: as explained in the options for node insertion.

Consider backbones: if selected, backbones (if available) are emphasised by laying

them out strictly vertically (straight line from top to bottom). Otherwise, the longest path
within the feeder will be laid out vertically.

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9.7.3 Edge Elements

The settings on the Edge Elements page take effect on the following actions:

Generate complete diagram

– Entire grid

– Feeder

Auto-insert element into current diagram

– K-neighbourhood expansion

– Edge elements

The following options are available in the Edge Elements page:

Insert edge elements: if this is not checked, the Diagram Layout Tool only creates
graphical representations of nodes (or composite elements, if the Draw each composite
as single node option is selected in the Node Layout page). If the option Auto-insert
element into current diagram → Edge elements is selected, the edge elements are
always inserted and so the setting of this option is ignored in that case.

Ortho Type: if set to Ortho, all inserted branch elements will consist of only vertical or horizontal
sections. The opposite option is Ortho Off, where the branch elements show a direct point-to-point
connection between the according start and end nodes. With the option set to Semi-Ortho, the
branches have a orthogonal part near the start and end node and in between a direct connection.

Insertion of one-port devices connected to substations: this option should be

checked if the option Draw each composite as single node is selected from the Node
Layout page, but the user still wishes to show the one port elements (e.g. loads,
shunts) connected to the composite node of the substation in the diagram.

9.7.4 Protection Devices

The settings on the Protection Devices page take effect on the following actions:

Generate complete diagram

– Entire grid
 Auto-insert element into current diagram

– K-neighbourhood expansion

– Edge elements

– Protection devices

The following options are available in the Protection Devices page:

Insert protection devices: if checked, the Diagram Layout Tool inserts graphical
representations of the protection devices. If the option Auto-insert element into current
diagram → Protection devices is selected, the protection devices are inserted anyway.

Relays: to insert graphical representations of relays (ElmRelay).

CTs and VTs: to insert graphical representations of current transformers (StaCt) and
voltage transformers (StaVt) .

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An example of automatically inserted protection devices is shown in figure 9.7.2

Figure 9.7.2: Protection devices in the single line diagram

9.7.5 Draw existing elements using Drag & Drop

An additional possibility to create graphical objects of existing data elements is offered by

the Drag &

Drop functionality of PowerFactory, following these steps:

Enable the Drag & Drop feature in a Data Manager window by double-clicking the Drag
& Drop message in the message bar.

Select the data object in the Data Manager by left clicking on its icon.

Hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse to the graphic drawing area (drag
it).

Position the graphical symbol and release the mouse button to drop the object.

A new graphical symbol is created, which is representing the selected element in the
diagram. No new data object is created.

This approach may lead to problems and should therefore be used carefully.
9.8 Editing and Changing Symbols of Elements

You can edit or change the symbols, which are used to represent the elements in the single
line graphic. Right click with on a symbol of an element in the single line graphic, and select
Change Symbol from the context sensitive menu in order to use a different symbol for the
element.

PowerFactory supports user-defined symbols as Windows-Metafile (*.wmf) and Bitmap

(*.bmp) files.

For additional information refer to Appendix G (Element Symbol Definition).

9.9 Result Boxes, Text Boxes and Labels

PowerFactory uses result boxes, text boxes, and labels in the Single Line Diagram to display
calculation results and other useful information. Figure 9.9.1 illustrates how these can be
shown in the Single Line Diagram.

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Figure 9.9.1: Results boxes, text boxes, and labels available in PowerFactory

9.9.1 Result Boxes

General:

Result boxes are generally set up so that there are a series of different formats for each
calculation function, with variables appropriate to that function. In addition, the format differs
for the objects class and/or for individual objects. For example, following a load-flow, branch
and edge elements will have different formats compared to nodes, and an external grid will
have an individual, different, format as compared to the branch and edge elements.

The result box itself is actually a small output report, based on a form definition. This form
definition, and the PowerFactory output language that is used to define it, allows for the
display of a wide range of calculated values, object parameters, and even for colouring or
user defined text.
Although the result boxes in the single line graphic are a very versatile and powerful way for
displaying calculation results, it is often not possible to display a large (part of a) power
system without making the result boxes too small to be read. PowerFactory solves this
problem by offering balloon help on the result boxes. Positioning the mouse over a result
box will pop up a yellow text balloon with the text displayed in a fixed size font. This is
depicted in figure 9.9.1. The result box balloon always states the name of the variable, and
may thus also be used as a legend.

Reference points:

A result box is connected to the graphical object for which it displays the results by a
’reference point’. Figure 9.9.1 shows the default reference points for the result box of a
terminal. A reference point is a connection between a point on the result box (which has 9
optional points), and one of the ’docking’ points of the graphical object. The terminal has
three docking points: on the left, in the middle and on the right. The reference point can be
changed by:

Right-clicking the result box with the graphics cursor (freeze mode off), and selecting
Change Reference Points.

The reference points are shown: docking points in green, reference points in red. Select
one of the reference points by left-clicking it.

Left-click the selected reference point, and drag it to a red docking point and drop it.

An error message will result if you drop a reference point somewhere else than on a docking point.

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Result boxes can be freely moved around the diagram. They will remain attached to the
docking point, and will move along with the docking point. A result box can be positioned
back to its docking point by right-clicking it and selecting Reset Settings from the menu.

If the option “Reset textboxes completely” is set in the graphical settings, then the default
reference and docking points will be selected again, and the result box is moved back to the
default position accordingly.

Editing Result Boxes:

PowerFactory uses separate result boxes for different groups of power system objects, such
as node objects (i.e. busbars, terminals) or edge objects (i.e. lines, loads). For each type of
result box, a different result box definition is used.

A newly installed version of PowerFactory has pre-defined result box formats for all object
groups. These default formats cannot be changed, however the user may define other
formats and save these for use. For the edge objects, for example, the default box shows P
and Q without units.

A number of these predefined formats are available for display; they may be selected by
right-clicking a results box to get the Format for Edge Elements (in this example) option,
which then presents a number of formats that may be selected. The active format is ticked (
) and applies for all the visualised edge elements.

It is also possible to select predefined formats for a specific element class. If the edge
element is for example an asynchronous machine, in the context sensitive menu it will be
also possible to get the option Format for Asynchronous Machine, which shows the
predefined formats for the element class Asynchronous Machine (ElmAsm). The selected
format will in this case apply only to the visualised asynchronous machines.

If the user wants to create a specific format that is different from the pre-defined ones, the
Edit Format for Edge Elements (or Node Elements) option should be used. Note that the
new format will be applied to the entire group of objects (edge or node objects).

If a created format is expected to be used for just one specific element, then the Create
Textbox option should be used. An additional results box/ textbox will be created, using the
current format for the object. This may then be edited. Information about text boxes is given
in 9.9.2.

When the Edit Format option has been selected, the user can modify the variables and how
are they showed as described Chapter 18: Reporting and Visualising Results, Section
18.2.1: Editing Result Boxes.

Formatting Result Boxes:

Result boxes can be formatted by means of the context sensitive menu (right-clicking the
desired result box). The available options include:

Shift to layer (see 9.6.6).

Rotate the result box

Hide the result box

Change the font type and size of the text

Change the width

Change colour

Set the text alignment

Adapt width

Change reference points

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• Set the default format (Reset Settings, only available after changes have been made).

Resetting Calculation Results:

When pressed, the Reset Calculation icon ( ) will clear the results shown on the Single
Line Diagram. By default, PowerFactory will also clear the calculation results when there is a
change to network data or network configuration (such as opening a switch). However, if
’Retention of results after network change’ is set to ’Show last results’ in the User Settings
(see Section 7.1: General Settings), results will appear in grey on the Single Line Diagram
and on the Flexible Data tab until the calculation is reset, or a new calculation performed.
’Reset Calculation’ can also be accessed from the main menu under ’Calculation’.

9.9.2 Text Boxes

As mentioned before, text boxes are used to display user defined variables from a specific
referenced object within the single line graphic. To create a text box, right-click on the
desired object (one end of the object when it is a branch element) and select Create
Textbox. By default a text box with the same format of the corresponding result box will be
generated.

The created text box can be edited, to display the desired variables, following the same
procedure described in 9.9.1. In this case after right-clicking the text box, the option Edit
Format should be selected. By default the text boxes are graphically connected to the
referred object by means of a line. This ”connection line” can be made invisible if the option
show line from General Textboxes.... from the Result Boxes page of the Graphic Option
dialog (9.6.5) is disabled.

9.9.3 Labels

In the general case, a label showing the name of an element within the single line graphic is
automat-ically created with the graphical objects (see figure 9.9.1). The label can be
visualised as a text box showing only the variable corresponding to the name of the object.
As for text boxes, the format of labels can be set using the context sensitive menu.

9.9.4 Free Text Labels

Free Text Labels (see figure 9.9.1) can be anchored to an element on the single line
diagram, and used to display custom text. The are created by right-click and selecting
’Create Free Text Label’.
9.10 Annotation Layer

The Annotation Layer function offers the user the opportunity to include additional graphical information in
one or more configurable layers in the single line, geographic or block diagrams. Examples include:

Built in graphical annotation elements

Text

Icons (bitmap files)

Plots

To draw the Elements in the single line diagram the user has to deactivate the Freeze
Annotation Layer mode in the upper right corner (marked in figure 9.10.1).

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Figure 9.10.1: Annotation Layer

The activation of the annotation layer deactivates the selection of power system elements
and activates the selection of annotation elements. By selecting an annotation element, the
user can place it in the diagram. The annotation elements are as follows:

Graphical annotation

– Line:

– Polyline:

– Arrow:

– Polyline with arrow:

– Polygon:

– Rectangle:

– Circle:

– Pie:

– Arc:

Text:
 Icons (bitmap files):

Plots:

Except the icons and plots, all the annotation elements can be drawn directly in the diagram.
Before placing an icon in the diagram, an available icon-object has to be selected or if not
yet existing, created. To insert a plot into the diagram, an already existing virtual instrument
can be selected from the list in the object browser, which opens after pressing the button.

It is possible to create multiple annotation layers. To do this, the user should click on the
button and then select the Annotation Layer tab from the Visibility page (see figure 9.10.2).
Alternatively, this dialog can be accessed by right clicking on the single line diagram and
select Layers. . .

A new layer can be created by pressing the Edit Layers button as illustrated in figure 9.10.2
and then by pressing the icon ( ). The new layer should be given an appropriate name.

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Figure 9.10.2: Layer overview

The newly created layers can be made visible or invisible by clicking or in the dialog
shown in figure 9.10.2. The Network Elements layer can not be hidden, since it contains the
fundamental Elements of the diagram which are to be annotated.
To edit a particular layer the layer has to be selected in the drop-down menu shown in the
Layer Edit Modes section of the dialog. Additional information about layers can be found in
section 9.6.6.

Drawing sequence of Layers

If annotation layers are drawn on top of each other the sequence in which the layers are
drawn becomes important. The sequence of the layers can be changed by dragging them to
a higher or lower position in the Visibility/Order list shown in figure 9.10.2. The first entry in
the list will be displayed as the upper layer of the diagram. Layers can be given a higher
entry in the list than the Network Elements layer and this will be reflected in the graphic.

Export graphical layer

To export a graphical layer the user should press the Edit Layers Button as shown in figure
9.10.2. In the following Window a list of all the available layers is shown. The user can
export the layer as an *.svg file as shown in figure 9.10.3.

Import graphical layer

To import a graphical layer, the user should select the Edit Layers button. By creating a new
layer with ( ), it is possible to Import an existing layer as shown in (figure 9.10.4).

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Figure 9.10.3: Layer overview

 Figure 9.10.4: New Layer

9.11 Annotation of Protection Device

Adding a protection device into the single line diagram is described in Section 38.2.2.

9.12 Navigation Pane

The navigation pane provides the user an overview of the whole network in a small window.
It is available for all graphics but Virtual Instruments. When zooming-in on a part of the grid,
the navigation pane provides an overview of the whole network and highlights the part of the
network that is currently being shown in the diagram. This is illustrated in figure 9.12.1.

In addition, the navigation pane supports the relocation of the zoomed area, while maintaining the zoom
level. This is achieved by either moving the red frame inside the navigation pane to the desired location,

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or by double-clicking on another location within the navigation pane. By resizing the red
frame in the navigation pane, the zoom level used in the single line diagram can be changed
accordingly.

Figure 9.12.1: Navigation pane

The navigation pane is enabled for every diagram by default, but can be disabled for specific diagrams.
Disabling the navigation pane is done by first clicking on the Graphic Options icon ( ). In the dialog, go to
the Advanced tab within the Basic Attributes and disable the option “Allow Navigation Pane”.

To close the navigation pane, either click on the X in the top right-hand corner, or go to the
main menu, under Window → Navigation Pane. It can be reactivated by clicking on Window
→ Navigation Pane again.
9.13 Geographic Diagrams

In PowerFactory it is possible to specify terminal GPS coordinates, and automatically

generate geo-graphic diagrams. GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) are entered on the
Description page of terminals and lines, on the Geographical Coordinates tab. One
geographic diagram can be created per project by either:

Opening the Data Manager, right-clicking on the active project or active grid and
selecting Show Graphic → Geographic Diagram.

On the main menu, under Insert → Geographic Diagram.

The geographic diagram provides a visual representation of the network and includes all
terminals and lines for which GPS coordinates have been entered.

One port elements (e.g. loads, shunts, generators) can also be represented in the
geographic diagram. The Diagram Layout Tool can be used to automatically draw all the
edge elements in the diagram (see section 9.7.1.2).

The settings for the geographic diagram are defined in the Graphic Options, Geographic
Diagram page (see section 9.6.5.5).

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DIAGRAMS

An additional layer called “Load/Generation Distribution” is available for GPS coordinates to

illustrate the magnitude of network load and generation (apparent power), as illustrated in
figure 9.13.1. Note that the displayed size of circles does not change as the user zooms in
and out of the diagram. Colour and ’Scaling Factor’ settings can be modified on the
Configuration page of Layers ( ), see Section 9.6.6 (Layers).

Figure 9.13.1: Geographic diagram example

Maps can be used as background images and can be specified on the Configuration page of
Layers ( ). Maps from the following providers are pre-configured:
 OpenStreetMap (OSM), featuring free-of-charge mapnik-style maps

Esri ArcGIS©, including road maps, satellite, and hybrid maps

Google Maps©1, including road maps, satellite/aerial, hybrid, and topographic maps

Bing Maps, including road and satellite maps

IGN Géoportail, including road maps, satellite and special maps

Local map files, stored in plain text-files

To use the map data of some providers, special licence keys are necessary, which can be
stored in the Geographic Maps page of the configuration dialog accessed via Tools →
Configuration.

9.13.1 Using an External Map Provider

If an external map provider from the internet is used, the Map layer can be chosen from
(depending on which map layers the provider offers):

requires Google Maps for Business account: http://www.google.com/enterprise/mapsearth

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Roadmap

Satellite/Aerial

Hybrid

Topographic

The following parameters are available:

Saturation adjustment

Brightness adjustment

These parameters are valid in the range -100 % and +100 % and can be used to highlight
either the map or the network elements.

Figures 9.13.2 and 9.13.3 illustrate small distribution grids where OpenStreetMap, and Esri
ArcGIS© satellite maps, respectively, are used as the background image providers.
 Figure 9.13.2: Network example with OpenStreetMap data

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DIAGRAMS
 Figure 9.13.3: Network example with satellite background map (ESRI ArcGIS©)

Besides usage of pre-configured built-in map services, PowerFactory supports the use of
user-configured map services based on the standardised WMS/WMTS protocol. The WMS
are defined by the Adminis-trator in the Configuration folder as shown in figure 9.13.4

Figure 9.13.4: Web Map Services folder

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Then the user can select the desired map by configuring the Background layer of the
geographic diagram, as shown in figure 9.13.5

Figure 9.13.5: Background layer configuration

9.13.2 Using Local Maps

To display background images (e.g. maps) on the geographic diagram, the map provider
must be selected as Local map files (on the Layers dialog, Configuration page). A File for
reading background images must be selected. This facilitates ’tiling’ of multiple images in the
background of the GPS graphic if required.

The File is simply a text file with semicolon delimited entries, as follows:
Image_filename; X1; Y1; X2; Y2

Where:

Image_filename is the name of the image file. If it is not in the same directory as the File,
it should include the file path.

X is the latitude and Y is the longitude.

(X1,Y1) are the bottom-left coordinates of the image.

(X2,Y2) are the top-right coordinates of the image.

The # symbol can be used to comment-out entries.

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Chapter 10

Data Manager

10.1 Introduction

To manage/ browse the data in PowerFactory, a Data Manager is provided. The objective of
this chapter is to provide detailed information on how this Data Management tool. Before
starting, users should ensure that they are familiar with Chapter 4 (PowerFactory Overview).

10.2 Using the Data Manager

The Data Manager provides the user with all the features required to manage and maintain
all the data from the projects. It gives both an overview over the complete data base as well
as detailed information about the parameters of single power system elements or other
objects. New case studies can be defined, new elements can be added, system stages can
be created, activated or deleted, parameters can be changed, copied, etc. All of these
actions can be instituted and controlled from a single data base window.

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. The settings of this window can be edited using the ’User Settings’ dialog
(Section 10.2.5: Data Manager Settings).

The Data Manager window has the following parts (see Figure 10.2.1):
 The title bar, which shows the name and path of the of the folder currently selected in the
database [1].

The Data Manager local tool bar [2].

In the left upper area the database window, which shows a symbolic tree representation
of the complete database [3].

In the left lower area the input window. It may be used by more experienced users to
enter commands directly, instead of using the interactive command buttons/dialogs. By
default it is not shown. For further information see Section 10.8 (The Input Window in
the Data Manager) [4].
The input window is opened and closed by the clicking on the Input Window button (
).

On the right side is the database browser that shows the contents of the currently
selected folder [5].

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Below the database browser and the input window is the message bar, which shows the
current status and settings of the Data Manager (for further information see Section
10.2.5).

There are some special features of the database browser which can be accessed at any
time when the content of a folder is shown:

Balloon text: this is not only available for the buttons in the tool bar and the active parts
of the message bar or the browser window, but also for the data fields [a].

Active Title buttons of each column; click on any title button to sort the items in the column; first click-
items are sorted in ascending order; second click - items are sorted in descending order [b].

Object buttons showing the object standard icon in the first column of the database
browser: each object is represented by a button (here a line object is shown). One click
selects the object and a double-click presents the edit dialog for the object [c].
 Figure 10.2.1: The Data Manager window

PowerFactory makes extensive use of the right mouse button. Each object or folder may be
’right-clicked’ to pop up a context sensitive menu. For the same object the menu presented
will differ depending on whether the object is selected in the left or right hand side of the
Data Manager (this is known as a ’context sensitive’ menu). Generally, the left hand side of
the Data Manager will show object folders only. That is, objects that contain other objects
inside them. The right hand side of the Data Manager shows object folders as well as
individual objects.

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Figure 10.2.2: Context sensitive menus in the Data Manager

Using the right mouse button to access menus is usually the most effective means of accessing features or
commands. Figure 10.2.2 shows an Illustration of a context-sensitive right mouse button menu.

The symbolic tree representation of the complete database shown in the database window
may not show all parts of the database. The user settings offer options for displaying hidden
folders, or for displaying parts that represent complete stations. Set these options as
required (Section 10.2.5: Data Manager Settings).
Note: It is useful to keep in mind that object folders, such as the grid ( ) folder are merely
common folders , that have been designated to contain particular classes of objects.

10.2.1 Navigating the Database Tree

There are several ways to “walk” up and down the database tree:

Use the mouse: all folders that have a “+” sign next to them may be expanded by
double-clicking on the folder, or by single clicking the “+” sign.

Use the keyboard: the arrow keys are used to walk up and down the tree and to open or
close folders (left and right arrows). The Page Up and Page Down keys jump up and
down the tree in big steps and the “-” and “+” keys may also be used to open or close
folders.

Use the toolbar in combination with the browser window. Double-click objects (see “c” in
Fig-ure 10.2.1) in the browser to open the corresponding object. This could result in
opening a folder, in the case of a common or case folder, or editing the object dialog for
an object. Once again, the action resulting from your input depends on where the input
has occurred (left or right side of the Data Manager).

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The buttons Up Level ( ) and Down Level ( ) on the Data Manager tool bar can be
used to move up and down the database tree.

10.2.2 Adding New Items

Generally, new network components are added to the database via the graphical user
interface (see Section 9.2: Defining Network Models with the Graphical Editor), such as
when a line is drawn between two nodes creating, not only the graphical object on the
graphics board, but also the corresponding element data in the relevant grid folder.
However, users may also create new objects “manually” in the database, from the Data
Manager.

Certain new folders and objects may be created by right-clicking on folders in the Data
Manager. A context sensitive menu is presented, offering a choice of objects to be created
that will “fit” the selected folder. For example, right-clicking a grid folder will allow the
creation (under the New menu) of a Graphic, a Branch, a Substation, a Site or a Folder
object. The new object will be created in the folder that was selected prior to the new object
button being pressed. This folder is said to have the ’focus’ for the commanded action. This
means that some objects may not be possible to create since the focused folder may not be
suited to hold that object.

For instance: A synchronous machine should not go into a line folder. A line folder should
contain only line routes, line sections and cubicles. The cubicles in their turn should contain
only switches or protection elements.

To access the whole range of objects that may be created, the icon must be pressed
(new object icon). This is found the Data Manager toolbar and presents the dialog shown in
Figure 10.2.3.

To simplify the selection of the new objects, a filter is used to sort the object list. This filter
determines what sort of list will appear in the drop-down list of the ’Element’ field. If “Branch
Net Elements” is first selected, the selection of, for instance, a 2-winding transformer is
accomplished by then scrolling down the element list.

The Element field is a normal edit field. It is therefore possible to type the identity name of
the new element, like ElmTr3 for a three-winding transformer, or TypLne for a line type
directly into the field.

The possible list of new objects is therefore context sensitive and depends on the type or
class of the originally selected folder.

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Figure 10.2.3: The element selection dialog

After the selection for a new object has been confirmed, the “Element Selection” dialog will
close, the new object will be inserted into the database and the edit dialog for the new object
will pop up. If this dialog is closed by pressing the Cancel button, the whole action of
inserting the new object will be cancelled: the newly created object will be deleted from the
active folder. The dialog for the new object may now be edited and the OK button pressed to
save the object to the database.

As any other object, folders can be created either by using the context sensitive menu or by
using the icon. Common folders (IntFolder objects) may have an owner name entered, for
documentation or organisational purposes. In this way it should be clear who has created
the data. Descriptions may also be added. An existing folder may be edited by using the Edit
icon on the toolbar or by using the right mouse button.

Each folder may be set to be read-only, or to be a PowerFactory system folder. The folder
may be a “Common” or “Library” folder. These attributes can be changed in the edit-folder
dialog. These settings have the following meaning:
 Common folders are used for storing non-type objects: electric elements, command
objects, settings, projects, etc.

Type folders are used as ’libraries’ for type objects.

System folders, which are read only folders

The use of read-only folders is clear: they protect the data. In addition, folders containing
data that is

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not normally accessed may be hidden. Selecting the kind of folders that the
user/administrator wants to be hidden is done in the user settings dialog see Chapter 7
(User Settings).

10.2.3 Deleting an Item

A folder or object which is selected may be deleted by pressing the Delete key on the
keyboard, or by clicking the icon on the toolbar of the Data Manager.

When deleting an object on the Data Manager or in the Single Line diagram, this object will
be deleted immediately from the database. Only the Undo button or Crlt-Z can restore
the element and its references to the original location.

Because most power system objects that are stored in the database are interconnected
through a network topology or through type-element relationships, deleting objects often
causes anomalies in the database consistency. Of course, PowerFactory knows at any
moment which objects are used by which others and could prevent the user from creating an
inconsistency by refusing to delete an object that is used by others.

10.2.4 Cut, Copy, Paste and Move Objects

Cut, Copy and Paste

Cutting, copying and pasting may be achieved in four different manners:

By using the Data Manager tool bar buttons.

By using the normal ’MS Windows’ shortcuts:

Ctrl-X will cut a selection,

Ctrl-C will copy it,

Ctrl-V will paste the selection to the active folder.

Cutting a selection will colour the item-icons gray. The cut objects will remain in their
current folder until they are pasted. A cut-and-paste is exactly the same as moving the
object, using the context sensitive menu. All references to objects that are being moved
will be updated. Cancelling a cut-and-paste operation is performed by pressing the
Ctrl-C key after the Ctrl-X key has been pressed.
 By using the context sensitive menu. This menu offers a Cut, a Copy and a Move item.
The move item will pop up a small second database tree in which the target folder can
be selected. When the selected objects have been Cut or Copied, the context sensitive
menu will then show a Paste, Paste Shortcut and a Paste Data item.

Paste will paste the selection to the focused folder.

Paste Shortcut will not paste the copied objects, but will create shortcuts to these objects. A
shortcut object acts like a normal object. Changes made to the shortcut object will change the
original object. All other shortcuts to this original object will reflect these changes immediately

Paste Data is only be available when just one object is copied, and when the
selected target object is the same kind of object as the copied one. In that case,
Paste Data will paste all data from the copied object into the target object. This will
make the two objects identical, except for the name and the connections.

By dragging selected objects to another folder. The ’Drag & Drop’ option must be enabled first by
double-clicking the ’Drag & Drop: off’ message on the Data Manager’s message bar. When the Drag
& Drop option is on, it is possible to copy or move single objects by selecting them and dragging
them to another folder. Dragging is done by holding down the left mouse button after an

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object has been selected and keeping it down while moving the cursor to the
target/destination folder, either in the database tree or in the database browser window.

Note: When dragging and dropping a COPY of the object will be made (instead of moving it) if the Ctrl key
is held down when releasing the mouse button at the destination folder. To enable the ’Drag & Drop’
option double click the ’Drag & Drop’ message at the bottom of the Data Manager window.

10.2.5 The Data Manager Message Bar

The message bar shows the current status and settings of the Data Manager. Some of the
messages are in fact buttons which may be clicked to change the settings.

The message bar contains the following messages.

“Pause: on/off” (only in case of an opened input window) shows the status of the message queue in
the input window. With pause on, the command interpreter is waiting which makes it possible to
create a command queue. The message is a button: double-clicking it will toggle the setting.

“N object(s) of M” shows the number of elements shown in the browser window and the
total number of elements in the current folder.

“N object(s) Selected:” shows the number of currently selected objects.

“Drag & Drop: on/off” shows the current drag & drop mode. Double clicking this message
will toggle the setting.

10.2.6 Additional Features

Most of the Data Manager functionality is available through the context sensitive menus
(right mouse button).

The following items can also be found in the context sensitive menus:

Show Reference List (Output. . . → Reference List) Produces the list of objects that have
links, or references (plus the location of the linked object), to the selected object. The
list is printed to the output window. In this manner for example, a list of elements that all
use the same type can be produced. The listed object names can be double- or right-
clicked in the output window to open their edit dialog.
Select All Selects all objects in the database browser.

Mark in Graphic Marks the highlighted object(s) in the single line graphic. This feature can
be used to identify an object.

Show → Station Opens a detailed graphic (displaying all the connections and switches) of the terminal to
which the selected component is connected. If the component, is connected to more than one
terminal, as might be in the case of lines or other objects, a list of possible terminals is shown first.

Goto Busbar Opens the folder in the database browser that holds the busbar to which the
currently selected element is connected. If the element is connected to more than one
busbar, a list of possible busbars is shown first.

Goto Connected Element Opens the folder in the database browser that holds the element
that is connected to the currently selected element. In the case of more than one
connected element, which is normally the case for busbars, a list of connected
elements is shown first.

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Calculate Opens a second menu with several calculations which can be started, based on
the currently selected objects. A short-circuit calculation, for example, will be performed
with faults positioned at the selected objects, if possible. If more than one possible fault
location exists for the currently selected object, which is normally the case for station
folders, a short-circuit calculation for all possible fault locations is made.

Other useful features:

Relevant objects for calculations are tagged with a check-mark sign (this will only be
shown following a calculation). Editing one of these objects will reset the calculation
results.

10.3 Defining Network Models with the Data Manager

In this section it is explained how the tools of Data Manager are used to define network
models.

10.3.1 Defining New Network Components in the Data Manager

New network components can be directly created in the Data Manager. To do this you have
to click on the target grid/expansion stage (right pane) to display its contents in the browser
(left pane). Then you have to click on the New Object icon and select the kind of object to
create. Alternatively you can directly enter the class name of the new component.

10.3.2 Connecting Network Components in the Data Manager

To connect newly created branch elements to a node, a free cubicle must exist in the target
terminal. In the ’Terminal’ field (Terminal I and Terminal j for two port elements, etc.) of the
edge element you have to click on the ( ) arrow to select (in the data browser that pops up)
the cubicle where the connection is going to take place.

To create a new cubicle in a terminal you have to open its edit dialog (double click) and press the Cubicles
button (located at the right of the dialog). A new browser with the existing cubicles will pop up, press the
New Object icon and in the ’Element’ field select Cubicle (StaCubic). The edit dialog of the new cubicle
will pop up; by default no internal switches will be generated. If you want a connection between the edge
element and the terminal trough a circuit breaker, you have to press the Add Breaker button. After
pressing the Ok button the new cubicle will be available to connect new branch elements.
Note: New users are recommended to create and connect elements directly from the single
line graph-ics. The procedures described above are intended for advanced users.

10.3.3 Defining Substations in the Data Manager

The concept and the application context of substations is presented in Section 4.7 (Project
Structure). A description of the procedure used to define new substations with the Data
Manager is given as follows. For information about working with substations in the graphical
editor refer to Section 9.2 (Defining Network Models with the Graphical Editor).

To define a new substation from the Data Manager do the following:

• Display the content of the grid where you want to create the new substation.

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Right click on the right pane of the Data Manager and select New → Substation from the
context sensitive menu.

The new substation edit dialog will pop up. There you can change the name, assign running
arrangements and visualise/edit the content of the substation (directly after creation it is
empty).

After pressing Ok the new substation and an associated diagram (with the same name of
the substation) will be created.

The components of the new substation can be created and connected using the associated
single line diagram or using the Data Manager, the first option is recommended. For the second
option, a data browser with the content of the substation will pop up after pressing the Contents
button; there you can use the New Object icon to create the new components.

Components of a substation can of course be connected with components of the corresponding

grid or even with components of other networks. The connection in the Data Manager is carried
out following the same procedure discussed in the previous section.

For information about working with substations in the graphical editor refer to Section 9.2
(Defining Net-work Models with the Graphical Editor). For information about the definition of
Running Arrangements refer to Section 13.3.7 (Running Arrangements).

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