The DSTAR Approach to Distribution Software
Distribution engineering is dominated by many
routine functions, which must be accomplished quickly and efficiently. Often these
tasks are performed by technicians, designers, or engineers who are not analytically
oriented. There are many power engineering software products on the market which are
complicated and require significant training to use.
General-purpose Windows® based
software tools, such as word processors and spreadsheets, have become pervasive throughout
the business environment. Users have come to expect a user-friendly graphic
interface for performing their tasks. However, easy-to-use software tools dedicated
to routine distribution engineering tasks, using modern user interfaces, are not generally
available. Much of the distribution engineering software used in the industry is
older DOS-based or mainframe applications. Many have fallen in disuse because they
do not meet the modern expectations of ease-of-use. There are some engineering
workstation software suites available, but often these are quite complicated and require
extensive expertise and training for their use.
To meet the need for modern engineering software
tools, DSTAR has developed a number of Windows® based applications which
are designed to be used with minimal training. These applications can be easily customized
to the materials and practices used by each member utility, allowing the ultimate user
(for example, a design technician with limited engineering expertise) to apply the program
with maximum efficiency and minimum complexity.
CEPS Overview
The Cable Electrical
Parameters Software (CEPS) provides convenient calculation of underground cable
parameters. A highly graphic user interface allows easy usage
(See a
Main Screen
(Concentric Neutral selected)). The user
specifies the cable construction (conductor size, stranding, insulation parameters,
neutral type and design, etc.), as well as the cable installation parameters (duct
spacing, duct size, trench width, etc.), and CEPS determines a wide range of cable
electrical and physical parameters, including:
•
sequence
impedances
• charging current
• losses
• voltage
regulation
• short-circuit current capability
• overall dimensions
• ampacity for directly buried, CIC, and duct bank instalations
•
ampacity in U-Guard and conduit risers
For
three-phase cable runs, the program also calculates sequence
impedances where a separate neutral conductor is installed.
CEPS presently covers primary cables with:
• concentric
• drain
wire
• tape shield
• longitudinally corrugated neutral constructions
• secondary cables
• three-phase sectored PILC primary cables.
Purpose and Value of CEPS
Simply stated, the purpose of CEPS is to
calculate all relevant cable electrical parameters based on a set of user inputs. User
inputs include, but are not limited to, cable dimensions and materials, cable layout, and
cable operating conditions.
CEPS will help an engineer determine cable
sequence impedances for fault calculations and coordination of protective schemes. Also, CEPS will
permit quick and easy comparison between cable manufacturers and cable designs.
In short, CEPS is a valuable tool because it:
• Automates a time consuming process
• Handles many cable types and configurations
• Provides quick and accurate results without table look-ups
• Allows the user to easily perform parametric sensitivity
analysis
• Offers conveniently formatted printed and electronic output
• Does not use complicated database structure
• Consolidates many calculations into one simple to use program
• Uses a Windows standard toolbar and menu bar
Engineers familiar with manually performing
cable calculations will be happy with the flexibility and robustness of CEPS.
