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An Experience in The Selection of Distribution Planning Software and What Came of It

Wyatt Pierce discusses his company's process of selecting new distribution planning software to replace their aging ABB FEEDERALL software. They tested several options from 2007-2011 before choosing CYME's CYMDIST in 2013 due to its relational database, multi-user capabilities, integration with GIS, and support for important analysis features. While the transition was not painless, users have adapted well after three years. Pierce also outlines some additional useful features he would like to see, such as enhanced mapping, time series analysis, and scripting with Python.

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Tushar Borole
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76 views17 pages

An Experience in The Selection of Distribution Planning Software and What Came of It

Wyatt Pierce discusses his company's process of selecting new distribution planning software to replace their aging ABB FEEDERALL software. They tested several options from 2007-2011 before choosing CYME's CYMDIST in 2013 due to its relational database, multi-user capabilities, integration with GIS, and support for important analysis features. While the transition was not painless, users have adapted well after three years. Pierce also outlines some additional useful features he would like to see, such as enhanced mapping, time series analysis, and scripting with Python.

Uploaded by

Tushar Borole
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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An Experience in the Selection of

Distribution Planning Software


and What Came of It

2018 RMEL Distribution Engineers Workshop


Lone Tree, Colorado
Wyatt W. Pierce, PE
Included Today
• Selection Process
• ABB/Ventyx FEEDERALL to CYME CYMDIST
• Thoughts on Integration
• IT systems
• Users
• Cool Things You Might Like to See
• Project Manager
• Map features
• Time series analyses
• Embedded Python (e.g. menu, keywords)
• Batch and automation
Making the Leap
• ABB power flow products (CADPAD, FeederAll) in use since the
1980’s
• FEEDERALL development slowed dramatically around 2006,
ceased around 2012
• Lack of support and necessary features prompted search for
alternatives
• Testing the waters 2007-2011 with trial licenses and student help
• 2013 RFI and budget support
Must Haves / No compromise
• Secure relational database
• On and off network usage
• Active users group
• Geographic display and landbase import possible
• Harmonics, motor start, secondary mesh, arc flash, VVO,
scriptable, CIM export
• Early cut list
• ASPEN DistriView, Milsoft Windmil, DIgSILENT PowerFactory,
ETAP, OTI, EDD
Trial License Experience
• Remaining products to evaluate
• Considering the cost factor
• License management
• Reading from GIS (ArcFM)

Product Technical User Smart Ease of Helpful


Prowess Engagement Roadmap Use Features
CYMDIST 1 1 1 1 1
Synergi Electric 3 2 3 2 3
PSS Sincal 2 3 2 3 2
Thoughts on Integration
Integration with I/T
• CYME Gateway runs
weekly
• Non-GIS attributes
persisted in FENIX
tables
• Engineers have local
SQL database, sync up
and down as needed
• Multiple Load Models
from meter data
• Easy to deploy custom
tools to all users
User Experience
• Pain level ≠ 0
• CYME offers more than just power flow & protection
• Overall pretty easy to get results like for like if that’s what
you’re after
: Training, repetition, patience, goals
• Is there ever a good time for new computers or
software?
• Three years in, users have a good handle on the basics
Cool Things
Cool Thing #1 – Project Manager
• Build in a planning study
calendar for projects and
growth
• Move up and down between
years, modifications
• Group, rename, disable
modifications
• Create mutually exclusive
scenarios, compare results
Cool Thing #2 – Maps
• Stack Maps
• Google Maps & MapQuest
background
• DWG, DXF, SHP, KML, KMZ, GDS
• Add vaults drawn to scale
• Add consultant drawings
• Export one line and results tags to
KML for consumption in Google
Earth
• ‘Save to Database’ for future
Cool Thing #3 – Time Series Features
Power flow over time
• Long Term Dynamics (short duration)
• Device delay (tap change, BESS,
reclose time, etc.)
• Load Flow with Profiles (long duration)
• Pull in SCADA, DER profiles, etc.
Short circuit over time
• Sequence of Operations
Cool Thing #4 – CYME Python
• Embedded in user interface
• Other IDEs also okay
• Create custom CymPy keywords
• Use them in reports, device filters, etc.
• Create custom scripts
• Mass create or modify devices
• From Excel data, etc.
• Export to Excel, SQL, etc.
• Launch other applications with CYME
data as parameter
• Encode the operation of switched devices
Script Credits:
Lance Porter, Tori McGee

CymPy
Example

IEEE 738
Ampacity
Rating
Cool Thing #4 – Batch Analysis
Looking Back
• We feel we made the correct choice for our needs
• CYME Gateway + CYMDIST + FENIX Tables
• CYME WEST project deploying next year
• Lots of alternatives for the buyer
• Include the stuff that matters in your comparison matrix
• Study process
• User feedback
• Reporting requirements
• Product integration
• Vendor support and flexibility
An Experience in the Selection of
Distribution Planning Software
and What Came of It

Wyatt.Pierce@PacifiCorp.com

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