Relay Database Management Software

[bads88]

i'm just wondering if HiSet is still in the forum. I saw a thread that you started in 2006 about Relay Database Management Software. So, what did you end up choosing?

I am in the same boat now. I'm looking for a good software for relay database management and came across Aspen and DigSilent. Both looks good. I just want feedback from users.

Thanks!

 

[00123456]

Aspen, Cape relay database softwares are quite good. Enoserve sotware is also having good relay database for relay testing. I am not aware about Digsilent.

 

[Overvoltage]

I have experience with Aspen Relay Database. It is pretty good. Takes a ton of time to set up to make it behave exactly the way you want, but I would imagine that is true of all of the products. Once it's set up, however, it's very easy to use (for both the engineers and techs) and does its job well. Of course, I haven't compared it to the other products so they may be better...I just don't know. I do know, however, that the Aspen product works well for us, and their support is very helpful.

 

[bads88]

hi 00123456,

thanks for the reply! I'll also look at CAPE as another option.

 

[bads88]

Overvoltage,

another question: before using ASPEN, what did you use as your relay database?

we are using an in-house system using oracle as the database. i found out that ASPEN can also be used using Oracle. my concern is the ease of migrating our existing data into ASPEN. if we are to create the ASPEN database from scratch, then that would be a really painful exercise.

thanks!

 

[Overvoltage]

We didn't have one prior to Aspen (just written setting sheets in a book). That's why it *was* a painful experience. We had to (myself mostly) enter in all of our relay settings by hand to get things up and running.

They do have a client/server version that I *believe* can use Oracle as the back-end, but I'm not positive about that. I'm sure that it uses different formatting than what you have, but if you contact them they may be able to tell you what your options are (and if you're signing a new contract, maybe they'd even convert it for you...?) I really can't speak to using Oracle at all, as we use their "Unlimited" version that I believe uses a form of Access as the back-end.

 

[00123456]

I am relay engineer & my experience says; these types of softwares are more useful for relay testing & also it is good for record, but except said functions, there is no more use. For this reason, we have created one our own VB tool in excel & we have loaed all relay characteristics like ALSTOM, ABB, SIEMENS, GE-MULTILIN, REYROLLE etc. with some IEEE transformer & generator O/L curves. Now, i can able to compare various curves on same relay settings & same curve we can able to export as RIO file in DOBLE F6150 instrument for testing.

Finally, how to maintain relay database is depends on engineer to engineer.

Thanks

 

[HiSet]

bads88,
Sorry for not responding as i was on holidays.After much debating and reviewing various packages in the market we went in for Digsilent's Powerware module for managing relay setting work flow etc .Our decision was mainly based on the fact that we were using Digsilent's Powerfactory module for carring out coordination study any way and thus it made good sense to have setting management package also from same vendor.Having said so, quite frankly one should not under estimate the efforts required to populate and more importantly keep it uptodate any setting database.I would say we are still in learing and discovery mode.It seems Powerware is relatively new software in the market.I have been told that software made by IOSRSS @

http://www.iosrss.com

is by far the best in this area
Cheers

 

[isquaredr]

Hi 00123456
Would you like to share your database of relay information, I use a very old version of Amtech Cable Master for protection coordination studies, trouble is non of the newer relays are on it and this old software is no longer supported. Any more info would be helpful.
thanks

 

[bads88]

Thanks guys for all the input!

HiSet,
Yeah, it makes sense using Powerware as the Relay database system since you are also using Powerfactory. I mentioned this software to my colleagues but they were quite hesitant to the fact that the actual relay database will be stored over the internet at a different location (data repository). security of the database is an issue. Did we understand the software correctly? will the database be stored and kept by DigSilent?

Thanks for the info about the IOSRSS. that's another one for us to look at.

 

[Laplacian]

HiSet - I just read the brochure about IOS RSS and it looks promising. Of course I will call the vendor, but I would like your opinion on the following:

We are looking for a settings database management system for not only protective relays, but any programmable electrical equipment (not including PLC's) such as VFD's, motor protective relays, excitation systems, etc. This is for a large industrial facility (or several). Also, do you know if IOS RSS can integrate with SAP as this is the global business software our company has adopted. I appreciate your input.

 

[HiSet]

badss and Laplacian
As far as I know powerware can be hosted by any server or stand alone PC within your business and can be accessed by other contractors/consultants by VPNing into your corporate network.In short Powerware is pretty flexible and scalable database and can be either Oracle or SQL based.
With regards to it compatibilty with SAPI do not see any issue but suggest Laplacian to talk to DigSilent product specialist.
Regards