Fault analysis in an industrial network - software? 1

[UHEngineer]

Hi all!

I have a coming up project to analyze an industrial network for fault analysis and relaying.
Can any of you recommend some good software to accomplish this? Since I am new in the position, I don't have any prior experience with software analysis. There are many different vendors to choose from, and no, I don't have access to any software as of speaking.

I've checked out PSS/E, but this seems only to concern a complete power system, i.e. with generators and such. In this case I only have a couple of transformers, and the "outside" network is of no concern to me.
Or maybe PSS/E will do afterall?

Thankful for any hints!

 

[davidbeach]

For industrial systems look at SKM, EasyPower, ETAP, and the like.

 

[juleselec]

PSS/e is overkill for this kind of work, and it's pretty expensive too. If you're on a budget, SKM Power*Tools for Windows is probably your best bet. ETAP has been trying to position itself as the de facto standard for industrial networks, but it's a little more expensive. Other suitable packages in no particular order: ERACS, IPSA power, Paladin (formerly EDSA), CYME and DIgSILENT PowerFactory.

 

[sibeen]

Or perhaps, as it is a reasonably small system, you could actually do the mathematical calculations. I do realise that this may be a complete pain in the arse, all those equations and stuff; but perhaps you may learn something during the process.

 

[cherryg]

Please note that Clients have very specific preferences when it comes to softwares. If you can get that angle covered, it will save you a lot of trouble down the path. If Client's preference does not apply, look for softwares with all the basic modules: Load Flow, Short Ckt. Motor starting & Arc flash. Grounding module and harmonics module are optional, based on requirement. If you are going to hire a person for this job, chances are very high that you will get a SKM trained or ETAP trained person faster than the other softwares.....my two bits...

 

[RivetheadAZ]

I have been using ETAP in heavy industrial and commercial applications for about 20+ years and it does a very good job. It is somewhat expensive and is priced based on each module you add beyond the basics (load flow, short circuit). And you have annual maintenance based on same. Over the years we have added time-current coordination, motor starting. The downside is that you do have to invest the time to fully understand all of the input variables. However, once you learn the program you can model complex systems very quickly and more importantly you can make changes to these systems very quickly and get instant results. ETAPs arc flash module works well and we use to print arc flash labels on a thermal printer which is another useful service for industrial clients......I found SKM to be very comparable to ETAP during my brief use of that program a while back. I agree with cherry's comment. Check with your client to make sure they don't have a standard.

William Bethurum IV PE

http://www.VoltaUS.com

 

[Desrod2]

Some software companies offer evaluation versions (full feature but for a limited duration ex 30 days).
I would invite you to get such a version to see which one you like. It risk free!