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May 2010 Issue…

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1 Announcing a New PSCAD® Release!

TH
3 Sheath Overvoltage Study for a

E REAL WOR
Transposed 380kV XLPE Cable System
6 A Fresh Approach to Managing
Transmission Lines and Cables
in PSCAD® X4
9 Preparation of Figures Generated
May 2010 in PSCAD® for Technical Publication
11 We’ve Moved...

LD
12 PSCAD® 2010 Training Sessions

Announcing a New PSCAD® Release!

Manitoba HVDC Research Centre Inc.

The Manitoba HVDC Research Centre is pleased In addition, the new architecture will make possible a
to announce the release of PSCAD® X4! new efficiency in feature implementation and future
Our software development team has successfully innovations of PSCAD® from this point forward. For
achieved a significant leap forward in the evolution example, X4 includes an advanced copy and paste
of the PSCAD® software architecture. At the same for entire page modules, including pages within
time, we have worked carefully to ensure that the pages, graphs, controls, etc. The ability to copy and
user interface environment remains familiar to users paste page modules comes with a new responsibility
by keeping the outward appearance of the software that rests primarily on the shoulders of the user. The
similar to the latest released version; though function- PSCAD® X4 user must now rethink how a project is
ality has been enhanced to deliver the powerful new designed from the very beginning of the process in
features made possible by the modern architecture. order to make the most efficient use of this feature.
The result is branded X4, and it is the most powerful The multiple instance modules feature is meant to
version of the PSCAD® software to date. exploit repetitiveness in systems. In other words,
identify first what combinations of components are
During the past decade, a trend has emerged toward replicated at the lowest level (a string of thyristors
the use of compatible software working off of com- for example), and incorporate them into a page
mon sets of data, eliminating the need to manually module. From here, move upward until you reach
manipulate or translate results from multiple incom- the top, all the while exploiting duplication. The
patible tools. It is this philosophy that has driven main reason for this is that although a page module
the changes to the internal architecture of PSCAD®. can be copied and pasted many times, only unique
We have elected to consider the simulation as data page module definitions need be compiled. So, the
centered rather than computational engine centred more duplication is taken advantage of, the more
as in the past. PSCAD® is now operating fully on a efficient the compilation of your project will become.
centralized database, meaning that it reads and writes
all of the bookkeeping information required to keep
the project organized, from a single source. This
architectural change is absolutely essential to facilitate
communication between different programs, and to
design a common information bank for results data.
This also greatly simplifies and stabilizes both the
usage and the development of the software, which in
turn reduces operational difficulties, making PSCAD®
even more enjoyable to work with.
 In addition to the computational efficiency, there Fortran 77 Compatibility No Longer Required
is also improved efficiency in the preparation of The old free compiler supplied with PSCAD®, which
simulation cases. Exploiting the duplication in a is Fortran 77 based, has been replaced by its modern
case reduces the time required to create a case, equivalent: The GFortran 95 compiler. This means
as well as reducing the opportunity for error in that users no longer need to maintain model code
needing to manually prepare each individual copy. in Fortran 77 when working in PSCAD® X4.

The many new structural and feature changes to New Master Library Models Many new models
PSCAD® X4 have enabled abilities that have long have been added to the master library, in addition
been sought after by PSCAD® users. X4 is the first to numerous updates and improvements to existing
step in a new development direction for PSCAD®. models. Some of the more important new models are:
Moving forward, you will be able to readily import • New Multiple Run component allows for
PSCAD® version 4.1.x or 4.2.x project files into X4. additional data recording
• Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT)
Of course, the features discussed above are not the • Saturable Reactor
only highlights of PSCAD® X4. Here are a few more • Spark Gap
of the major advancements in this release1: • Two New Auto Transformer Models

Multiple Instance Modules (MIM) The new Line Constants Program Improvements
architecture has enabled us to treat page module Line constants program developments include some
components the same as regular components. Page of the following major enhancements:
modules may be copied and pasted, either as an • DC Correction Two unique DC correction
instance of itself, or uniquely with new definitions algorithms have been added, which assure accurate
and links. In addition, page modules may now possess DC parameters for time domain simulations.
input parameters, which may be used in concert • Unique Ground Wires in Overhead Towers
with graphical connection ports to transfer data If there are two ground wires in a tower, they
onto the page module canvas. may now be entered with unique parameters.
• Specific Conductor Layer Elimination in Cables
EMTDC™ Memory Management A major change Users may now select which conductors are to
was made to the manner in which EMTDC™ uses be eliminated (not just the outer layer).
memory in large networks with subsystems. EMTDC™
now dynamically allocates the memory needed based Our technical support team has played a key role
on the requirement of individual subsystems, instead in the success of PSCAD® and would be pleased to
of relying on dimensions of the largest subsystem. assist you should you need advice. Please contact
This can mean huge savings in system memory, support@pscad.com for more information.
especially for systems containing many subsystems
(i.e. networks separated by transmission lines 1
For a complete list of new features,
or cables). please refer to the PSCAD® help documents.

2 PULSE THE MANITOBA HVDC RESEARCH CENTRE JOURNAL

Sheath Overvoltage Study for a
Transposed 380kV XLPE Cable System
Ismail A. Hamza, IEEE, GCC-CIGRE Member, Saudi Arabia, ihamza@ieee.org

The Saudi Electricity Company in the Western Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC). The peak
Region (SEC-WR) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia load recorded is 8559 MW. This load includes network
has recorded an excessive load increase in the losses and auxiliary power plant loads.
past few years. As a result, the overhead transmis-
sion lines, underground cables and transformers The existing SEC-WR 380 kV network is connected
became fully loaded, especially in the Jeddah area. with Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Jeddah, including SWCC
In case of system faults, the nature of load mainly Jeddah, Rabigh Plant, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah,
composed of air conditioners during high load including SWCC Yanbu and Yanbu Area. The sub-
season (summer) causes very severe low-voltage and transmission 110kV network in Jeddah is divided into
slow-voltage recovery. This may lead to brownouts seven electrical islands radially fed from the 380kV
and blackouts. It was necessary to set up an emergency primary transmission. In Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the
automatic under-voltage load shedding scheme. 110kV network is divided into three islands including
Taif network. The 110kV network in the other cities
Using PSCAD®, a study involving transposed cable of the area is synchronized as one island.
system was performed to simulate the fault and also
compared with field measurements. The SEC-WR power network is comprised of five
main power plants, three main SWCC power plants,
SEC-WR Existing Power System The Saudi Electricity fourteen 380/110kV substations, over 150 110/33
Company in the Western Region (SEC-WR) is the and 110/13.8kV substations, more than 5000 kms of
main power supply utility responsible for generation, 380kV and 110kV over-head transmission lines and
transmission and distribution in the region. underground cables and a distribution network of
mainly underground 33kV and 13.8kV cables [1].
The SEC-WR generation capacity (in 2005) at peak The Marafiq power system in Yanbu Industrial City
load is 8727 MW including 1028 MW from Saline is interconnected with SEC-WR System.

Figure 1 Transposed cable system

M AY 2 0 1 0 3
 The 12 km long KMT-JAM circuit consists of a 5 km
section of XLPE cable (2500 mm2) from the JAM-end
and a 7.2 km overhead section at the KMT-end.
The circuit was manufactured and installed by the
Japanese manufacturer Fujikura (now known as Viscas)
and was commissioned in May 2001. It is one of the
first two 380kV XLPE cables (2500 mm2) installed in
the WOA system. The link boxes are located below
ground and buried to avoid exposure to the damage.
The purpose of a link box is for the bonding and
grounding of the metallic sheath of high voltage
cables at predetermined locations. This is to ensure
that the induced sheath voltage will not exceed the
specified sheath maximum voltage and to prevent
sheath circulating currents, which would result in
overheating and consequent reduction in cable capac-
ity [3]. There are a total of eight link boxes associated
with this cable. The first and second link boxes from
JAM-end were completely damaged.
Figure 2 Case 1 conductor currents IA and the total sheath current IS.
Cable Fault Incident On 30th August 2005, it was
found that the linkboxes at joint-7 and joint-8 of Case 2 Cross-bonded Cable Shortened at JB (with
KMT-JAM circuit were damaged. After replacing transposition of phase conductors) Compared with
these link boxes, the cable was put in operation on the first case, a high sheath current was observed
1st September. After several days (12th September), from the time domain simulation (see Figure 3).
the fault occured on y-phase cable at transposing
point near JB7. As a result of this fault, a dip in voltage
caused under-voltage load shedding to operate. It is
important to understand the reasons for the failures.

Simulation Studies
Case 1 Normal Cross-bonded Cable System (with
transposition of phase conductors) A simulation study
was performed using PSCAD® for the transposed cable
system. Figure 1 shows a transposed cable. One end
of the cable was energized with a three phase supply.
The sheath currents in the cable are almost symmetri-
cal. Figure 2 shows the conductor currents (IA) and the
total sheath current (IS).

Figure 3 Case 2 Conductor current IA and the total sheath current IS.

4 PULSE THE MANITOBA HVDC RESEARCH CENTRE JOURNAL

Excessive circulating currents in cable sheaths
are potentially harmful to the cable
and should be avoided.

Switching Study The cable system (without transposi-

tion) used in the simulation is shown in Figure 4.
It was observed that the sheath voltages are 4.86kV
with reactor and 6kV without reactor. SVL sheath
voltage limiter rating is 5kV.

Conclusion
(1) The PSCAD® results are in agreement with the
field measurement report from Viscas company.
(2) Switching overvoltages did not damage the SVL.
(3) For this example, there is no significant difference
between transposed cable and non-transposed cable
in the switching study.
(4) Link boxes should be tested every year and should
be accessible.

References
[1] SEC-WR Annual Report 2005.
[2] “EWR Under Voltage Load Shedding Scheme;”
J. Deuse, J.Dubios, R. Fann & I. Hamzah
[3] Jeddah incident Aug-Sep 2005 Final Report
[4] “Field Measurements and Investigation;” Report by Viscas 2005
[5] “Jeddah Cable Switching Study 2004;” ABB.

Note
Ismail A. Hamza served as Vice President of Transmission for North,
West and South Regions at Saudi Electric Company from 2003–2006.

Figure 4 PSCAD® model Mr. Hamza is also a member of IEEE & GCC CIGRE.

If anyone would like to discuss the article further,

please feel free to contact the author:

Ismail A. Hamza
ihamza@ieee.org

M AY 2 0 1 0 5
 A Fresh Approach to Managing Transmission
Lines and Cables in PSCAD® X4
John E. Nordstrom, Manitoba HVDC Research Centre Inc.

There are two new and exciting features

involving the use of transmission lines and
cables in PSCAD® X4. Referred to as Multiple
Instance Modules (MIM) and Mutual Coupling (MC),
these features may be used separately or combined
to greatly enhance the management and solution
of systems containing transmission lines and cables
(especially in larger projects).
Figure 1 Main canvas with three instances of A
including connection ports
Multiple Instances of Transmission Segments
From the perspective of the application, transmission
segments (i.e. transmission lines and cables) are not
unlike module components; they possess a canvas,
input parameters, and a definition. As such, it would
seem that transmission segments can also be multiple
instanced, like their module component counterparts.
This is indeed possible, however, there are some
subtle differences between modules and transmission
segments that should be considered, so as to optimize
the efficiency and speed of your simulation.
Figure 2 FORTRAN file for main showing calls to Module A
When a project is compiled, each unique module with different arguments
component is compiled only once, no matter how
many times the component has been instantiated in Transmission segments are also compiled in the same
the project. In other words, it is only the definition manner. Each unique segment is solved separately,
of the module that is compiled (a FORTRAN file and resulting in a Transmission Line (*.tlo) or Cable (*.clo)
Data file are created for each unique definition). results file, which defines the time domain interface
Both connection ports and input parameters are to the electric network. The major difference between
included in the defining FORTRAN file as subroutine segments and modules is that the results file for
arguments, thereby allowing the module component transmission segments is based on a combination
to be connected in different parts of the circuit, of both instance and definition information. Trans-
as well as to possess unique input parameter values. mission segment input parameters include, among
Instantiating a module component is analogous other things, the segment length. The overall segment
to adding a call to its defining subroutine in the properties are highly dependent on its length, and so
generated FORTRAN for the project. a change in length results in a completely new results
file. This means that each transmission line or cable
For example, if a project contains three instances of segment instance must be solved separately, even if
a module A on its Main page, then there exist two, they are based on the same definition.
unique module definitions (and therefore two unique
sets of FORTRAN and Data files). Module A is called
thrice within the FORTRAN file for Main.

6 PULSE THE MANITOBA HVDC RESEARCH CENTRE JOURNAL

 This feature has the potential to drastically reduce both
the compile time, and the management of transmission
segments in a project, especially in cases where a lot
of duplication exists. If this method is used, even if
a segment appears 1000 times, it will only be solved
once. Also, if a change to the configuration of the
line is required, it only need be made once, and all
instances will be modified automatically.

Coupling Transmission Segments

This new feature enables the user to mutually couple
(or parallel) multiple transmission segments together,
provided that their lengths are all identical. In the
past, this was possible only by manually combining
two or more separate systems of towers (or cable
cross-sections) into the same transmission segment.
Now PSCAD® can be programmed to perform this task
automatically, and even toggle between coupled and
Figure 3 Both instance and definition information combine non-coupled states, all the while maintaining the
to create a unique segment results file
individuality of each segment.

This does not mean however, that identical transmis-

sion segments must be solved separately. If your
project includes multiple segments that are identical,
in both length and cross-sectional configuration, then
all that is required is to create a module component,
and place an instance of the segment in the module
(i.e. on its canvas). This is similar to ‘wrapping’ the
segment within a module. This essentially makes the
transmission segment part of the definition of module
component. The module component, not the transmis-
sion segment, may then be instanced many times,
and since a module definition is only compiled once,
so shall it be for the transmission segment.

Figure 5 Two transmission segments mutually coupled into a 6-phase system

The coupling of the transmission line and cable

segments is performed completely behind the scenes.
This includes node mapping subsystem allocation
considerations, as well as the merging of the two
Figure 4 Module component and module canvas separate lines into a single, coupled entity.
including transmission line segment

M AY 2 0 1 0 7
 When a project is compiled, a unique segment input This algorithm essentially ‘fools’ the simulation engine
file is generated for every transmission segment in into thinking there is only a single line, when there are
the project. The Line Constants Program (LCP) is called actually many combined together. This provides the
once for every input file, and in doing so produces a huge benefit of avoiding having to use Breakout
unique segment results file for every segment. Each components to map its endpoint nodes. For example,
input file contains information that defines the in versions previous to X4, only 6-conductor systems
transmission segment; including conductor positions, were allowed as a maximum in Direct Connection
resistance, circuits, ground properties, etc. The mutual mode. Now using mutual coupling, you may parallel
coupling algorithm simply merges all towers (or cable up to ten, 3-phase transmission segments between
cross-sections) from all segments in the coupled system two buses (i.e. 30 conductor maximum per segment),
into a single segment input file, which assumes the with all node mapping performed for you. Mutually
name of the coupled system. Using only the horizontal coupling also makes it possible to keep all transmission
translation distance between coupled segments, systems in your project in terms of 3-phase circuits, with
conductor position and numbering can be made the ability to toggle coupling on and off as needed.
relative to the entire coupled system.
For more information on these PSCAD® X4 features,
please refer to the online help provided with the
product, or contact the PSCAD® Support Desk at:
support@pscad.com

Figure 6 Ten, 3-phase transmission segments mutually coupled

(a total of only 6 nodes!)

8 PULSE THE MANITOBA HVDC RESEARCH CENTRE JOURNAL

Preparation of Figures Generated
in PSCAD® for Technical Publication
Ali Mehrizi-Sani, University of Toronto

Producing scalable graphics from PSCAD®

graphs with print quality requires a number
of intermediate steps. This guide explains
how to generate the raw data for the figures
in PSCAD® and import them in a graphing
program of choice. The plots generated by PSCAD®,
although suitable for on-screen display, lack the
flexibility and ability to customize for inclusion in
the scientific publications because of, for example,
(i) limited control of colors and line styles,
(ii) possible inconsistency in the fonts,
(iii) limited control on the titles and axes names,
(iv) non-standard legend, and
(v) the gray border of the figures.

It is, however, possible to use the data points for

each output channel in PSCAD® and import them
in the software of choice to generate high quality,
vector graphics suitable for printing and publication.
This step-by-step guide explains how to combine
PSCAD® and MATLAB to generate vector graphics
acceptable for IEEE publications, for example.

PSCAD® can store the data points in a text file.

The process involves instructing PSCAD® to generate
such output files and then importing them into the
plotting software of interest. PSCAD® also generates
a helper file that defines the corresponding output Figure 1 Case Project Settings
of each channel.
Each .out file has exactly 11 columns (except the
Procedure last one, which might have less). The first column is
Right click on the simulation case, then set Save always time (in seconds), and the rest of the columns
Channels to Disk to Yes in Project Settings | Runtime. correspond to the data points of the respective
In the same dialog box, you can also increase the channel. Therefore, file name_01.out contains
“Channel plot step” so that fewer data points are channels 1 to 10 in columns 2 to 11, name_02.out
written to the output files, resulting in smaller files. contains channels 11 to 20 in columns 2 to 11, and
so on. For example, channel 44 is in file name_05.out.
Files will be stored in a folder named as the simulation To find out which data column corresponds to which
case itself but with an .emt extension. There will be channel, you need to check the .inf file. Consider the
an .inf file and several .out files named serially as following snippet of an .inf file.
name_01.out, name_02.out, etc.

M AY 2 0 1 0 9
 The first column shows the channel number. The third
column shows the description of the channel which
is entered in PSCAD® as its “title.” As shown, the
elements of an array are placed next to each other
in the .inf file. Note that if you change the PSCAD®
simulation case, the channel numbers may change,
and you need to use the new .inf file. A MATLAB
function is provided to help determine the column
and file number from the channel number.

In MATLAB The following code is an example of

using MATLAB to process and generate the plots.
A number of optimizations are considered in the
code, which are explained below:

1. To use less memory, only the data points within

the time window of interest [tstart, tend] are stored.
If n shows the indices of the data points:
n = find( (t >= tstart) & (t =< tend));.
You can also use n = n(1:10:end) to sample
the data points.

2. The time offset can be removed by setting:

t = t(n) - t(n(1));.

3. The figure can be exported in Encapsulated

PostScript (EPS) format using the MATLAB print
command: print -depsc2. “c” means in color. The MATLAB function pscadevaltext gets
the channel number and generates the required
4. The size of the figure can be preserved command to import the corresponding data points.
as shown on screen using:
set(gcf, ‘PaperPositionMode’, ‘auto’).
The size can be set as: set(gcf, ‘Position’,
[left bottom width height]). For five plots,
an appropriate selection is width = 600 and h = 800.

5. For multi-plot figures, each plot needs to have the

letter designator. The bottommost one should have
the letter designator plus the title of the x-axis
title (mostly “time (s)” ). This can be done using:
xlabel([‘(f)’, repmat(‘ ‘, 1, 42),
‘Time (s)’]) and set(get(gca, ‘XLabel’),
‘Position’-[0.2,0.01,0]);.

10 PULSE THE MANITOBA HVDC RESEARCH CENTRE JOURNAL JUNE 2008 10

 PUBLICATION AGREEMENT # 41197007
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO
MANITOBA HVDC RESEARCH CENTRE
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WINNIPEG MB R3P 1A3 CANADA

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info@pscad.com

We’ve Moved...

The Manitoba HVDC Research Centre has moved

to a new custom built facility in March 2010
We welcome you to visit us at:
211 Commerce Drive
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3P 1A3
Canada

Our Services…
The Manitoba HVDC Research Centre can help
provide expertise and labor to guide or perform
engineering consulting work for you. We provide a
comprehensive array of engineering services. Contrary
to our name, the services we provide are for much
more than just HVDC and include:

• AC and HVDC planning and feasibility studies

• Equipment specifications, operations and
commissioning consulting services
• Load flow and fault analysis, transient stability
studies, harmonic analysis
• Detailed electro-magnetic transient studies
and custom models (emt)
• Power quality monitoring service and real time
testing of devices
• Risk/reliability analysis
• Project management

M AY 2 0 1 0 11
 Modeling and Application of FACTS Devices
Fundamentals of solid-state FACTS systems.
System modeling, control system modeling,
converter modeling, and system impact studies.
Duration: 2–3 Days

Connect with Us!

May 23–26, 2010
Wind Conference and Exhibition
www.windpowerexpo.org/2010
Dallas, Texas, USA
Expanding Knowledge July 25–29, 2010
The following courses are available, as well IEEE PES General Meeting
as custom training courses – please contact www.ewh.ieee.org/conf/pesgm10
sales@pscad.com for more information. Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Introduction to PSCAD® and Applications August 22–27, 2010

Includes discussion of AC transients, fault and Cigre Session 43 and Technical Exhibition
protection, transformer saturation, wind energy, www.cigre.org/bg/events/session.asp
FACTS, distributed generation, and power quality Paris, France
with practical examples. Duration: 3 Days
More events are planned! Please see
Advanced Topics in
www.pscad.com for more information.
PSCAD® Simulation Training
Includes custom component design, analysis of
specific simulation models, HVDC/FACTS, distributed
PSCAD® Training Sessions
generation, machines, power quality, etc. We regularly schedule training courses at the
Duration: 2–4 Days Manitoba HVDC Research Centre, Winnipeg,
Manitoba, Canada, so please see www.pscad.com
HVDC Theory & Controls
for more information about course availability.
Fundamentals of HVDC Technology and
applications including controls, modeling
June 22–24, 2010
and advanced topics. Duration: 4–5 Days
Introduction to PSCAD® and Applications
AC Switching Study Applications in PSCAD®

please send us an email to info@hvdc.ca Articles and submissions addressing the use of PSCAD® in the real world are always welcome.
September 21–23, 2010
Fundamentals of switching transients,
Wind Power Modeling
modeling issues of power system equipment,

Pulse is distributed free of charge and is posted electronically at www.hvdc.ca If you would like to receive a copy of Pulse,
Simulation using PSCAD®
stray capacitances/inductances, surge arrester
energy requirements, batch mode processing November 23–25, 2010
and relevant standards, direct conversion of Introduction to PSCAD® and Applications
PSS/E files to PSCAD®. Duration: 2–3 Days
All training courses mentioned above are held
Distributed Generation & Power Quality
at the Manitoba HVDC Research Centre Inc.
Includes wind energy system modeling, integration
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
to the grid, power quality issues, and other DG
sales@pscad.com www.pscad.com
methods such as solar PV, small diesel plants,
fuel cells. Duration: 3 Days
Please visit Nayak Corporation's website
Wind Power Modeling and www.nayakcorp.com for courses in the USA.
©2010 Manitoba HVDC Research Centre Inc. Printed in Canada

Simulation using PSCAD®

Includes wind models, aero-dynamic models, For more information on dates,
machines, soft starting and doubly fed connections, contact info@pscad.com today!
crowbar protection, low voltage ride through
capability. Duration: 3 Days If you have interesting experiences and would
like to share with the PSCAD® community in
Lightning Coordination & Fast Front Studies future issues of the Pulse, please send in your
Substation modeling for a fast front study, article to info@pscad.com
representing station equipment, stray capacitances,
relevant standards, transmission tower model for
flash-over studies, surge arrester representation
and data. Duration: 2 Days