For the extended simulative analysis of complex power systems users typically apply various tools in PSS®SINCAL as the main or substation views in the network graphic, but also the result, tabular and diagram views. With PSS®SINCAL 18.0, users can leverage multiple monitor environments by decoupling the tabs from the main window and arranging these on the available screens. By that, an extensive analysis system evolves, which synchronizes all input data, results, and evaluations for a common data basis on all available monitors.

The operating equipment of the network must be designed to withstand short circuits. Until now, this required extensive manual short-circuit calculations for the entire network area, considering the clearing times of the network protection.

The new module Thermal Destruction Analysis enables both the network planning and the protection department to perform an automated check for thermal destruction for all lines and transformers in the network.

As a result, the user receives a clear representation of all the equipment with simulation results showing thermal destruction. A detailed analysis in the network is directly accessible from the results view. Based on the results, measures regarding network protection or network expansion can be derived and their effectiveness can be checked by the thermal destruction analysis.   

The COMTRADE data format, which is defined in IEC Standard 60255-24, enables users to exchange information of instantaneous values for analysis of transients after faults or other events. On the one hand, this data can be used to validate network models and to compare with simulation (EMT). On the other hand, the combination of simulation (EMT) and digital analog amplifiers provides testing capabilities of for instance protection devices and their algorithms. To cover these use cases, PSS®SINCAL 18.0 delivers a completely revised COMTRADE export function for several standard versions as well as the possibility to import COMTRADE data from recorders. With the Signal Explorer, these can visualize and evaluated in PSS®SINCAL.

Five new example networks (Example OC, Prot, PSA, Industry and TDA) are delivered with PSS®SINCAL 18.0. Based on the example networks, users can get an introduction to the functions for network protection, starting with the modeling, the setting of the protection devices, the simulation, and the evaluation of the results. In addition, typical protection concepts for different protection functions such as overcurrent protection, distance protection, differential protection and signal comparison are stored in the application examples. This enables the user to quickly familiarize themselves with the way network protection is modeled in PSS®SINCAL. An example regarding the protection analysis function shows how the viability of the entire network protection can be checked fully automatically, considering various conditions. The example networks for users at industries as plants or refineries get a descriptive presentation of the analysis capabilities in PSS®SINCAL. It focuses on investigations of steady-state and dynamic phenomena such as disconnection from the grid after faults, load shedding in island operation, motor start and dynamic voltage profile.

Another example network for thermal destruction analysis introduces this new module. The different modes, which are tailored to network planning and the protection department, are explained and it is shown how the thermal short-circuit current capability of the equipment can be tested fully automatically.

The representation of the enormous complexity of future energy systems gains growing importance. These systems contain beside couplings of sectors as well as of AC and DC networks also hierarchical control structures for new and conventional equipment, which can be extensively modeled in PSS®SINCAL. The new model examples serve as implementation proposals as starting point for user-defined modeling of such complex systems in the frequency range of power system dynamics for stability analyses.

Bidirectional power flows, caused by renewable energy resources and different operation status, can require changing protection settings. Therefore, a fast and flexible adjustment of the parameter set is needed.

The network data file (.xml file) now supports the complete protection settings to be imported and exported. This is in order to manage several parameter sets of the same protection device (can be used in variants and scenarios) or transfer settings from one device to another. This function can also be used to create type parameter sets for recurring protection settings.

The increase in short circuit contribution of converter-based generation requires a simulation model that reflects a voltage dependent reactive current injection for short circuit calculation and protection analysis. For example, such an action is required by VDE-AR-N 4110 and Engineering Recommendation G74 Issue 2.

The dynamic voltage support function allows engineers to simulate the short circuit contribution of the converter by a reactive current injection dependent on the voltage drop at the connection point. As such, the dynamic voltage support characteristic can be adjusted and the positive and the negative sequence system are supported.

The new diagram system in PSS®SINCAL is characterized by additional functions, higher flexibility and performance, as well as lower storage requirements. This system is now applied on all simulation methods and replaces the previous approach. All relevant input data, results or external source data can be represented graphically by manual creation from Signal Explorer or, for specific calculation methods (in protection, harmonics, motor start etc.), automatically by assistants employing pre-defined templates. This saves users time and effort and enable a more efficient way of handling the network model. By utilizing the built-in evaluation functions and a higher accessibility of data in open databases, users gain additional value in the analysis part of their network planning process.

The new Time Series Data Interface (TSDI) offers an interface to an open generic time series database. This facilitates the cooperation between operation, metering and planning teams by integrating time series data (like measurements, forecasts or schedules and switching events) into the initial condition for all power flow based analyses or into a complete time series simulation. This leverages the investment in metering, SCADA and forecast systems for grid analysis and planning use cases. 

Demonstration, prototyping, testing, research and development require benchmark network models. The simbench repository provides high, medium and low voltage networks for PSS®SINCAL based on the simbench data set publicly available. In addition, a pandapower model to PSS®SINCAL model converter (py-library) is available on request.

The visualization of input data and results in per unit [pu] is now possible in network graphic, data masks and tabular view as network model specific option.

In addition to the handling of network models with the absolute values for impedance [Ω] of input data, or results, the representation can now be done in per unit [pu] based on each assigned network voltage level and the common reference power.

Strengthening Modeling Capabilities in Graphical Model Editor (GMB) 
Modeling autonomous and coordinated operation of power systems in steady-state and dynamic simulation is crucial for future network planning and operation. PSS®SINCAL provides the possibility to implement different concepts of modern operation by simplified central and decentral model communication. New functions, blocks and a completely revised functional documentation support users in creating user-defined models in GMB.

 Improvement in Handling of Line Couplings and Extensions for Disconnected Lines

If parallel coupled lines are disconnected by events or for maintenance purposes and are optionally earthed at the terminals, it may have an impact on operation and protection of the active line. Furthermore, induced currents and voltages occur in the switched-off lines, which have to be observed. By considering couplings (defined by zero phase coupling or coupling data) as well as using the new earthing disconnector PSS®SINCAL provides new network modeling options for isolation and protection coordination.

Protection Analysis - Pickup Security (PSA)

The operating currents occurring in the network must not lead to the pickup of the protection systems, the protection devices must therefore be able to differentiate reliably between load and short-circuit current. By checking the pickup security in the protection analysis, it can be ensured that operating currents that occur, taking into account a security factor, certainly do not lead to the pickup of the protection devices.

Improved Excel import
With the Excel import functionality in PSS®SINCAL , you can import network or protection data into PSS®SINCAL. The Excel import dialog has been improved and adapted to the users workflow.

Extension of the Multi-User Master Database (PM) 
When working with multiple users or teams on complex network models, certain requirements must be fulfilled in order to manage a common network model to track the changes of individual users and keep the network model consistent. In the current version, the Multi-User Master Database is extended so that the administration can be opened directly without loading the network data and graphics, client users are automatically informed about updates in the Master Database when they open their network, and users can change their password without the intervention of the administrator. In addition, the administrator is supported in managing the master network in such a way that changes in the publications of the users are highlighted in the preview of the network graphic. These enhancements lead to a significantly increased efficiency in sharing a common network model.