DIgSILENT Pacific News

DIgSILENT Exhibition at the Energy Networks 2012 Conference

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT will be exhibiting in 2012 at the Energy Networks 2012 Conference in Brisbane, Australia. DIgSILENT is planning a new demonstration of PowerFactory Monitor hardware, including demonstration of interfaces to a relay test set and PowerFactory Monitor software. The display will highlight PowerFactory Monitor hardware capabilities, as well as DIgSILENT Pacific's commissioning and R2 testing capabilities and experience.

DIgSILENT also plan to demonstrate an OPC link to PowerFactory software, and show how PowerFactory network parameters and events can be modified via the OPC server during time-domain simulations. The display will highlight the dynamic simulation capabilities of PowerFactory software, as well as DIgSILENT Pacific's consulting capabilities and experience.

DIgSILENT Pacific and Pacific Hydro will be jointly presenting a paper on the future development of Australia's electricity infrastructure on Day 2 of the conference.

PowerFactory 14.1.3 released

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +1000

PowerFactory V14.1.3 is now available to all users with a valid maintenance agreement.

Please download the build via the support link on this website. The build includes some minor fixes and enhancements. Release notes including details of these changes are also available through the support link.

Successful R2 Testing of Port Lincoln 3 Generating System

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +1000

A refurbished 29.4 MVA gas turbine unit has recently been installed and commissioned by International Power GDF Suez subsidiary Synergen Power at its Port Lincoln Power Station site located in the Lower Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. The power station previously comprised two gas turbine generators, each rated for 24 MW. It is a peaking plant and typically supplies power into the National Electricity Market at times of high demand, or when transmission issues require local generation. The new unit, PL3, comprises:

- A single shaft 29.4 MVA Alstom Frame 5 gas turbine generator;
- An Invensys Triconex digital automatic voltage regulator (AVR) and turbine control system; and
- A brushless exciter.

DIgSILENT Pacific undertook the task to support Invensys and Synergen in the connection of PL3 with the following activities:

- R1 Model and data development for the AVR, governor and synchronous machine;
- Design of control systems and grid connection study;
- Model development and validation for ElectraNet (the local transmission grid owner) and AEMO (the market operator) submission; and
- R2 testing of the AVR, governor and synchronous machine;

The R2 testing for the AVR, governor control system and the synchronous machine was performed to meet the requirements of the NER to verify the R1 data and models. The outcome was submission of validated R2 data and models to ElectraNet and AEMO.
The tests were executed in coordination with the Invensys engineers and Synergen operators and coincided with the commissioning of PL3. The following tests performed in both frequency and time domains were performed:

- Open- and short-circuit saturation curve;
- Frequency response test of the AVR control system;
- Offline and online voltage step response;
- Partial and full Load rejections;
- Frequency response testing;
- Load step responses;
- Operation of limiting devices; and
- Resistance measurements.

DIgSILENT was able to make full use of its test equipment, particularly the PowerFactory Monitor for high speed data acquisition, and the Digital Signal Analyser and frequency response testing.

Based on the results and outcomes of using PowerFactory's Parameter Identification algorithm, a generator model, an AVR model and governor model was developed and validated and proposed suitable for modelling the generating system of PL3.

Webinar Training

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific is pleased to offer state-of-the-art web based training as an alternative to regular face-to-face training. The web based training is presented using the Citrix GoToTraining software, which enables two-way screen sharing and communication using VOIP or a dial in landline number.

Because of the reduced travel requirements and associated expenses, this training can be offered at a reduced rate and with more flexibility in timing and schedule than traditional face-to-face training. DIgSILENT Pacific will continue to offer regular training sessions in conjunction with the web based training sessions.

To enquire about web based training, please contact info@digsilent.com.au.

PowerFactory 14.1.2 released

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +1000

PowerFactory V14.1.2 is now available to all users with a valid maintenance agreement. Please download the build via the support link on this website. The build includes some minor fixes and enhancements. Release notes including details of these changes are also available through the support link.

Successful Commissioning and Compliance Testing of Guthega Unit 1 Excitation System and Power System Stabiliser

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +1000

The Guthega Power Station is located in the Snowy Mountains, NSW, and consists of two 42.5 MVA hydro generating units, each unit connected to the TransGrid 132kV network. Snowy Hydro has recently replaced the excitation system of Unit 1 at Guthega Power Station. The new excitation system is an Alstom CONTROGEN digital automatic voltage regulator supplied by Alstom Pacific. DIgSILENT Pacific was engaged by Alstom to perform the compliance testing of the new excitation system in June of this year.

Testing was performed to confirm compliance with different aspects of the Performance Standards for Guthega Power Station. The tests were performed with the unit at standstill, at speed but unsynchronised to the grid, and finally with the unit synchronised and generating power. A series of frequency and time domain tests were executed to verify the models of the new excitation system and power system stabiliser, and to confirm the performance of the new system meets the agreed Performance Standards for the Station.

The aspects of testing which are required to demonstrate compliance are as follows:

1. R2 testing of the new excitation system and power system stabiliser to verify the model and settings are correct;

2. Unsynchronised settling time to a voltage step response equivalent to 5%;

3. Synchronised settling time to a voltage step response equivalent to 5%;

4. Performance of excitation limiters;

5. Active power damping and the effectiveness of the power system stabiliser; and

6. Ceiling capability of the new excitation system.

The tests were executed in coordination with the Alstom commissioning engineers and the Snowy Hydro operators and local engineers. As the excitation system is the system being tested, the recording system is required to be independent of it. Therefore the DIgSILENT PowerFactory Monitor was used for high speed data acquisition and real time monitoring. The test recordings demonstrated excellent alignment with the modelled response which allowed for AEMO approval at each stage during testing. This assisted and complimented the commissioning engineers to ensure a quick and efficient hot commissioning schedule.

PowerFactory 14.1 released

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:00:00 +1000

After a period of beta testing, DIgSILENT is pleased to announce the release of PowerFactory V14.1. Users with a valid support agreement can download the latest version from the support area. Note that V14.1 has two versions - a 32 bit version and a 64 bit version optimised for use on 64 bit machines running a 64 bit operating system such as Windows 7.

PowerFactory build 525 now available

Thu, 12 May 2011 09:00:00 +1000

PowerFactory V14.0 b525 is now available to all users with a valid maintenance agreement. Please download the build via the support links on this website. Some new features of this build include new calculation quantities for active power mismatch (for generators and loads), dispatched generation and load demand. The build also includes many other minor fixes and enhancements. Release notes including details of these changes are also available through the support link.

PowerFactory Users' Group Meeting: Summary of Proceedings

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:00:00 +1000

Tony Bertes has written a detailed summary of the proceedings at the recent PowerFactory User's Group Meeting.

Please see this link for details.

2011 PowerFactory Users' Group Meeting a huge success

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:30:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific has successfully hosted the 2011 PowerFactory Users' group meeting for PowerFactory users within the Australia Pacific region on the 24th and 25th February 2011. The meeting was held at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre and attended by 41 delegates from around the region. Markus Poeller, the CEO of the DIgSILENT group of companies also attended and presented two thought provoking papers and an informative session on small signal stability.

DIgSILENT Pacific would like to thank all the delegates who attended the conference and made it such a successful event. A particular thanks is extended to those delegates who also presented a paper during the meeting. All such meetings require this input from our users, without which we could not have made the event such a success.

A more detailed summary of the event, plus a summary of the papers presented will be added to this website shortly.

PowerFactory build 524 now available

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:00:00 +1000

PowerFactory V14.0 b524 is now available to all users with a valid maintenance agreement. Please download the build via the support links on this website. Some new features of this build include 'New Calculation Quantities for Positive / Negative Sequence Power and Current' plus other minor fixes and enhancements. Release notes including details of these changes (and many more) are also available through the support link.

New release - StationWare 3.6.A

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT is pleased to announce the release of StationWare 3.6.A. This release contains many new features including new web service functions and support for additional relay models. There have also been some user interface improvements to improve the navigation for the user.

To view the details of these changes, and many more, please logon to the support area.

Many of the improvements implemented have been in response to excellent feedback we have received from our valued clients. DIgSILENT looks forward to continue to work closely with our clients to continuously improve the software and keep it capable of meeting the needs of all organisations with a requirement for an advanced relay settings management tool.

PowerFactory Version 14.1 Beta now available

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 8:30:00 +1000

DIgSILENT is pleased to announce the release of the first Beta version of PowerFactory 14.1. As can be expected with a new release, there are several exciting new enhancements including

Generation adequacy assessment using Monte Carlo analysis
Improved graphical handling and model symbols
Temperature dependency consideration for line/cable conductors
Harmonic Analysis according to IEC 61000-3-6 (including the second summation law)
Flicker Assessment according to IEC 61400-21
The Flickermeter Tool (IEC 61000-4-15)
Reporting and calculation enhancements to the Contigency Analysis Tool
Parallel processing for Contingency Analysis (multi-core utilisation); and
64 bit implementation

Release notes including details of these changes (and many more) are also available through the support link.

DIgSILENT Pacific will be running a 'Focus on V14' series of website articles in the new year explaining each of these new features in additional detail along with application examples.

Thanks to all our existing and new clients for providing valuable feedback that has enabled us to continue to improve the software.

PowerFactory build 523 now available

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 12:30:00 +1000

PowerFactory V14.0 b523 is now available to all users with a valid maintenance agreement. Please download the build via the support links on this website. Some new features of this build include:

a contingency comparison tool for the contingency analysis command
automatic contingency case creation for mutually coupled lines
new DPL commands
automatic boundary creation based on zones or areas; and
a voltage dead-band for the Static Var System (SVS)

Release notes including details of these changes (and many more) are also available through the support link.

Register now for the second DIgSILENT Pacific PowerFactory users' group meeting

Tue, 9 Nov 2010 10:00:00 +1000

Registrations are now open for the second DIgSILENT Pacific PowerFactory users' group meeting to be held in late February 2011. DIgSILENT Pacific staff are looking forward to an interesting event discussing timely power engineering issues and networking with fellow PowerFactory users. Interested persons are encouraged to register early as conference places are limited. More information is available from here.

PowerFactory training seminar presented to Vestas R & D

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:30:00 +1000

Brad Henderson from DIgSILENT Pacific recently returned from presenting a successful PowerFactory training session to Vestas R & D in Singapore. The comprehensive training seminar included detailed information on basic functions, harmonics, protection and RMS functionality. A second training session for DPL was presented following the main session. The course was well received by all and DIgSILENT looks forward to continuing a positive relationship with Vestas in the future.

PowerFactory build 520 now available

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:30:00 +1000

DIgSILENT GmbH has released PowerFactory V14.0 b520. Users with a valid maintenance agreement can download the build via the support links on this website. A reminder that all users with valid maintenance agreements are eligible for unlimited free upgrades of the PowerFactory software, allowing for you to keep up to date with all the latest software enhancements. Release notes for the latest build are also available through the support link.

Peter Willis presents on Arc Flash Hazard Assessment

Wed, 26 May 2010 9:30:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific principal engineer, Peter Willis presented at the Electrical Arc Flash Forum 2010 held recently in Melbourne. Peter's paper was well received by the audience and generated much interest in DIgSILENT Pacific's unique analytical method of Arc Flash Hazard Assessment. Peter's paper can be downloaded from this link.

New PowerFactory build released

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 8:50:00 +1000

DIgSILENT GmbH has released the first V14 build for the new year. Users with a valid maintenance agreement can download the build via the support links on this website. A reminder that all users with valid maintenance agreements are eligible for unlimited free upgrades of the PowerFactory software, allowing for you to keep up to date with all the latest software enhancements. Release notes for the latest build are also available through the support link.

New staff members

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:30:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific welcomes three new staff members to the Australian team. Tony Bertes recently joined the company and is based in the Melbourne head office. Rajendra Shrestha and Sungmin Cho have joined the Perth office. DIgSILENT Pacific wishes all three staff success in their new positions.

Internal staff promotions

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific is pleased to announce three recent promotions within the company. Peter Willis, an Associate of the company since 2006 and manager of the Perth office has been promoted to the position of Director.

Brad Henderson and Hai Le, electrical engineers with the company since 2006, have both accepted positions of Associate.

Brief biographies for Peter, Brad and Hai Le will be available shortly.

Build 516 of PowerFactory released

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT GmbH released PowerFactory b516 on Tuesday December 15. This latest build contains new enhancements and performance tweaks. To download the build and the latest release notes visit the support website download area: www.digsilent.de/_support/.

Release of StationWare 3.5A in time for Christmas

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 21:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT GmbH released StationWare 3.5A on the 4th of December. This release continues DIgSILENT's rapid development of this software. The build and the latest release notes are available from the support download area: www.digsilent.de/_support/.

Release notes now available for b515

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00:00 +1000

Release notes supporting the recent PowerFactory b515 release are now available from the support download area: www.digsilent.de/_support/.

PowerFactory V14.0 b515 released

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT GmbH released PowerFactory b515 on Friday October 30. As usual this new build contains new enhancements and performance tweaks. To download the build and the latest release notes visit the support website download area: www.digsilent.de/_support/.

PowerFactory training scheduled for Auckland, New Zealand

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +1000

In support of our large New Zealand user base, DIgSILENT Pacific is scheduling PowerFactory training during January 2010 in Auckland, New Zealand. Back to back Basic user training and DPL training courses will be held in the last week of January 2010. For additional information or to register check the following link.

DIgSILENT releases StationWare V3.4.d

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:00:00 +1000

Frequent updates adding new features and implementing client suggestions are regularly released by DIgSILENT GmbH for StationWare and PowerFactory. StationWare is V3.4.d is the latest release and can be obtained from the support area of the DIgSILENT GmbH website www.digsilent.de/_support/.

Successful exhibition at Energy 21C

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +1000

From Monday 7th of September to Wednesday 9th of Septemeber DIgSILENT Pacific exhibited at Energy 21C. Energy 21C is the premier electricity and gas networks conference in the South Pacific and is held every second year at various locations within Australia. This year was Melbourne's turn to hold the conference at the brand new Exhibition and Convention Centre in the Docklands precinct. DIgSILENT Pacific had a successful conference reacquainting with old friends and meeting potential new clients. The conference celebratory dinner on the Tuesday evening was a particular highlight.

DIgSILENT Pacific appointed by Invensys for generator testing and modelling

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific has been appointed by Invensys Process Systems to complete AVR and governor models for up to five power stations in NSW and South Australia. The projects will involve onsite generator testing and model verification using DIgSILENT's advanced software and hardware tools such as PowerFactory and PowerFactory Monitor. DIgSILENT Pacific is pleased to be working with Invensys on these projects and looks forward to a successful outcome.

DIgSILENT Pacific appointed for Origin Energy generation study

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific has been appointed by Origin Energy to conduct a generation investigation for the Bass Gas Project in Gippsland, Victoria. The project will consider the best long-term solution for electricity supply to the plant. The study must consider the economic, technical and enviromental impacts of several proposed options and provide a robust recommendation. DIgSILENT Pacific is pleased to be working with Origin Energy on this project and looks forward to a successful outcome.

PowerFactory V14.0 b514 released

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +1000

Continuing the approximately monthly release cycle for new builds, DIgSILENT GmbH released PowerFactory b514. As usual with new builds there are several enhancements over previous versions. The new build can be downloaded from the support website at www.digsilent.de/_support/.

StationWare V3.4.c released

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:19:00 +0100

DIgSILENT GmbH continues to rapidly add new features to the StationWare Protection Settings Management Database. The latest release is V3.4.c and can be obtained from the support area of the DIgSILENT GmbH website www.digsilent.de/_support/.

PowerFactory V14.0 b513 released

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT GmbH released PowerFactory b513. As usual with new builds there are several enhancements over previous versions. The new build can be downloaded from the support website at www.digsilent.de/_support/.

VAMP 50 demonstration relays arrive from Finland

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific received the first VAMP 50 demonstration relays from Finland. The VAMP 50/51/52 feeder manager and motor protection range of relays are an exciting addition to the VAMP product range and are in particular suited to applications where comprehensive, user friendly protection is required, but at a limited budget. The VAMP 50 range of relays offer native IEC 61850 communication as well optional arc-flash protection. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Koos (Melbourne) or Peter (Perth).

VAMP 50 Brochure

DIgSILENT Pacific appointed for Upper North Island Reactive Power Investigation

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific has been appointed by Transpower NZ Ltd, the national grid owner and operator in New Zealand to undertake a dynamic reactive power investigation for the upper North Island. The project involves considering the impact of varying dynamic motor load on the short term voltage stability in the region. Time domain simulations are required to assess short term voltage stability and the project must assess the impact of various planned grid expansion projects and make recommendations for dynamic reactive support to maintain voltage quality within Transpower standards.

EESA presentation - Modelling for Renewable Generation

Wed, 20 May 2009 01:00:00 +1000

Brad Henderson from DIgSILENT gave a short 45 minute presentation on modelling approaches for renewable generation at an Electric Energy Society of Australia (EESA) one day seminar. Some of the key aspects of the presentation included the need to model wind-farms for examining fault ride through. Brad also gave a short explanation of the various types of wind turbine generator from asynchronous machines to DFIGs and fully rated converters. The presentation was well received by the audience and generated several questions and interesting discussion.

Download the powerpoint slides: Modelling for Renewable Generation

PowerFactory users' group meeting postponed until 2010

Mon, 18 May 2009 01:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT has decided to postpone the 2009 users' group meeting until late summer 2010. More details will follow later in the year including a call for papers and registration information.

Register for the second PowerFactory users group meeting

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific has released the preliminary schedule for the upcoming PowerFactory users' group meeting in Melbourne. For more information and to download the conference program and registration form please click here

Increased demand continues for co-generation stability studies

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific continues to recieve many requests for co-generation stability and connection studies for projects throughout Australia. Recently DIgSILENT has been appointed to a study by Honeywell for a building on Collins street in the Melbourne CBD. DIgSILENT Pacific has also completed several co-generation stability studies for new buildings in the Docklands precinct in the past financial year. The services DIgSILENT offers include generator grid stability, protection grading assessment and control system optimisation.

Successful PowerFactory training in Wellington, New Zealand

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific was invited by Transpower NZ Ltd to conduct basic users and DIgSILENT Programming Language (DPL) training for the PowerFactory software. The training was very successful and enjoyed by the attendees. Transpower has been using PowerFactory for several years for system planning and system operation studies for the New Zealand power system.

DIgSILENT introduces StationWare at SEAPAC

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +1000

The CIGRE South East Asian Protection and Automation Conference (SEAPAC) was held in Melbourne on the 17th and 18th March 2009. Brad Henderson from DIgSILENT Pacific presented a paper on protection settings management. The paper discusses some of the problems with current settings management methods employed by utilities and illustrates the ideal characteristics of an modern protection settings management system (PSMS) such as StationWare.

Download the CIGRE paper here
Download the powerpoint slides here

Strong demand for VAMP arc protection relays throughout Australasia

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +1000

The demand for VAMP arc protection in the Australasian market continues to be strong. The fast tripping time of 7 ms (excluding breaker operating time) of the VAMP 221 arc protection system is often required to reduce arc hazards on MV and LV switchgear. However, VAMP recently introduced arc eliminators for both MV and LV applications. These devices are able to remove arc faults within 5 ms total operating time. This extremely fast arc quenching time is achieved as there is no delay introduced such as circuit breaker operating times. The units are re-useable so that operating costs are also very low.

DIgSILENT Pacific launches new local website

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific has launched a new locally hosted website. The website will allow us to keep local clients informed of upcoming seminars and provide regular updates about our consultancy projects.

Successful PowerFactory training in Apia, Samoa.

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:00:00 +1000

DIgSILENT Pacific was invited by the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) of Samoa to conduct basic users training for the PowerFactory software. The training was a resounding success with the EPC representatives enjoying learning about the new software. From here they plan to complete the PowerFactory model of their system and use PowerFactory to help with network planning and to improve the reliability of the Samoan electricity system.

DIgSILENT Pacific (Melbourne) has relocated to new premises.

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:00:00 +1000

The Melbourne office of DIgSILENT Pacific has relocated to new premises at 437 St Kilda Road.

VAMP releases new VAMP 50 relay.

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +1000

VAMP released the new VAMP 50 relay at the end of 2008. This low cost over-current and earth fault relay includes functionalities such as fast arc protection, native IEC 61850, local USB connectivity, disturbance recorder as well as sequence of events recording. The compact size makes this relay easy to install in applications where space is limited.

VAMP 50 Brochure