An Experience in the Selection of Distribution Planning Software

and What Came of It

2018 RMEL Distribution Engineers WorkshopLone Tree, ColoradoWyatt W. Pierce, PE

• 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

Included Today

• 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

Making the Leap

• 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

Must Haves / No compromise

• Remaining products to evaluate• Considering the cost factor

• License management• Reading from GIS (ArcFM)

Trial License Experience

Product Technical Prowess

User Engagement

Smart Roadmap

Ease of Use

Helpful Features

CYMDIST 1 1 1 1 1Synergi Electric 3 2 3 2 3PSS Sincal 2 3 2 3 2

Thoughts on Integration

• 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

Integration with I/T

• 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

User Experience

Cool Things

• 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 #1 – Project Manager

• 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 #2 – Maps

Cool Thing #3 – Time Series FeaturesPower 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

• 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

Cool Thing #4 – CYME Python

CymPy Example

IEEE 738 Ampacity Rating

Script Credits:Lance Porter, Tori McGee

Cool Thing #4 – Batch Analysis

• 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

Looking Back

Wyatt.Pierce@PacifiCorp.com

An Experience in the Selection of Distribution Planning Softwareand What Came of It