Quick Start Guide

Power Analytics Corporation

10805 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 270
San Diego, California 92127
U.S.A.
U.S. Toll Free Phone: 800-362-0603
Fax: 858-675-9724
www.PowerAnalytics.com
Copyright Power Analytics Corporation 2012
All rights reserved

Paladin DesignBase

October 2012

Quick Start Guide

Table of Contents
1.0

Creating a Job File Subject Network ........................................................................................... 1

1.1 Creating the New Drawing File ................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Building the Single Line Diagram ............................................................................................. 5
1.3 The Node Counter Function ................................................................................................... 17
1.4 The Generator Short Circuit Model ......................................................................................... 18
1.5 Checking for Connectivity Errors ............................................................................................. 19
1.6 General Text Back Annotation ................................................................................................ 20
1.7 General Color Back Annotation .............................................................................................. 21
1.8 Copying and Pasting Using the Menu / Icon Commands ....................................................... 22
1.9 Copying and Pasting Using the Ctrl + Right-Mouse-Button Drag Method ............................. 24

2.0

AC Short Circuit Analysis ............................................................................................................ 25

2.1 Protective Device Evaluation .................................................................................................. 29

3.0

AC Advanced Power Flow Analysis ............................................................................................ 33

4.0

AC Motor Starting Analysis .......................................................................................................... 37

5.0

AC Protective Device Coordination ............................................................................................. 41

6.0

Arc Flash Hazard Analysis ........................................................................................................... 48

IMPORTANT NOTE: Power Analytics Corporations software products are tools intended to be
used by trained professionals only. They are not substitutes for your professional judgment or for
independent verification and testing of results as they pertain to your specific application. Use of
all Power Analytics Corporation software products is governed by the terms and conditions of the
End-User License Agreement (EULA) you accepted when purchasing and installing the
software. You must comply with these terms and conditions in applying the instructional material
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All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from
Power Analytics Corporation.

Quick Start Guide

1.0 Creating a Job File Subject Network
This document will illustrate how to create, modify and customize a single line diagram using Design
Base graphical user interface. The system shown in Figure 1 will be used as an example. As the actual
step by step process is explained, the user will be simultaneously introduced to a critical application
called the Master File Editor. This tool allows the user to control base-parameters and settings that are
critical during the modeling and analytical process of the job file.

Figure 1

Quick Start Guide

1.1 Creating the New Drawing File

Step 1.
Select New Drawing File.

Step 2.
Select the EDSA tab and then select the Electrical One-Line AC
3Phase.axt template. Press OK.

Step 3.
Name the file as indicated, and
select Open.

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Step 4.
If required, assign a password and
select OK.

Step 5.
Click OK after filling the master
file General information.

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ANSI Element
Catalog Section.
Step 6.
The blank ANSI B sheet of
paper is shown here complete
with border and default title
block.

ANSI Bus Cat.

Callout Catalog.

Hyperlink Catalog.

ANSI Branch Cat.

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1.2 Building the Single Line Diagram

Step 1.
From the ansibus catalog,
select the Utility Bus
symbol, by holding the left
mouse button down and
dragging it over to the
desired location.
Step 2.
Once in place, release the
mouse button.

Back Annotation as defined

in the Master File Editor.

Back Annotation insertion point socket.

This socket can be dragged and placed
anywhere.

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Step 3.
Double click on the utility
symbol and enter the Bus
name, basic Description, Short
Circuit and Load Flow
information as shown here.

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Remember the following:

- Buses are equipped with SOCKETS
- Branches are equipped with PLUGS
- PLUGS always connect to SOCKETS
- SOCKETS do not connect to PLUGS

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Once the fuse is connected to the

live bus, it will turn black indicating
that it has been energized.

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Step 8.
Double click on the fuse symbol
to edit its Branch name and
electrical data.

Step 9.
Click on the Library pick list to
access the fuse database.

Step 10.
Select the required ABB fuse size
from the library. In this case, select
the CEF.UCE-36 fuse.

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Step 11.
For now, decline to insert PDC curve.

Step 12.
Verify and complete the basic
short circuit information for the
fuse.

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UTILITY

Step 13.
Using the same steps described for
connecting the fuse, add a transformer
and connect it to the To-End socket of
the fuse as shown here.
UT-FU

Step 14.
Double click on the transformer to edit its
electrical data.

Step 15.
Click on the Library pick list to
access the transformer database.

Step 16.
From the library manager select
the manufacturer and transformer
needed.

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Step 17.
Specify primary and secondary
system/nameplate voltages. Click
on the to voltage Distribute box.

Step 18.
Verify/modify the
impedance information.

Step 19.
Select the primary and secondary
winding configurations.

Step 20.
Specify cooling type, tap settings, and
impedance adjustment factors as required.

Quick Start Guide

UTILITY

UT-FU

Step 22.
From the ansibus catalog, drag
and drop the Busbar symbol
over to this position.

Step 21.
Following the same
procedures illustrated above,
add a 150 Amp breaker as
shown here.
Step 23.
Select and hold the To-End plug of
the breaker and extend it towards
the bus bar socket.

Step 24.
Once the Connect message is
displayed, release the mouse button to
complete the operation.
Notice that the Bus Bar has now turned
black, indicating that it has been
energized.

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Step 25.
Prior to adding branches to a Bus Bar, adjust its length to
accommodate as many branches as required. To adjust the
length of a Bus Bar, simply select it then click and drag the end
sockets lengthwise as shown here. When the desired length is
reached, release the mouse button.

UT-FU

Step 26.
To add the branch breakers, drag the required
breaker symbols from the ansibra catalog
and connect them at the desired position on
the Bus Bar. Once the Connect message
appears, release the mouse button to drop the
symbol in that position.

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Step 27.
Add a feeder from the ansibra catalog.

UT-FU

Step 28.
Double click on the feeder, and
select the Library pick-list.

Step 29.
Select a No. 4 AWG feeder
from the library. Press OK.

Step 30.
Complete the Cable/Line Data
editor as shown.

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Quick Start Guide

Step 31.
Add the Induction motor.

UT-FU

Step 32.
Double click on the motor,
and select the Library
pick-list.
Step 33.
Select the 1250 HP motor
from the library. Press OK.

Step 34.
Complete the Short Circuit and
Load Flow editors as shown
here.

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1.3 The Node Counter Function

Following similar steps as the ones described in this guide, complete the single line diagram as shown in
the screen capture below. The completed file is called Project1 which is going to be used in the
remainder of the tutorial and can be found in the DesignBase Samples folder under the UsersGuide
folder. The total number of buses used in the file is shown in the Active Buses field. The bus counter
shows how many nodes have been used in the project.
Bas Counter Window.
Total Bus Count: 9
Package Bus Limit.

The next section will

describe the generator
short circuit model.

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Quick Start Guide

1.4 The Generator Short Circuit Model

The impedances required by the editor are explained below and are entered as a percentage of the
generators base voltage and kVA. The X/R ratio can be calculated from the generator time constant and
armature resistance information if provided. This calculation is based on equation 1. If this information is
not available, the user can select Estimate X/R ratio and the program will add a value based on
accepted IEEE standard curves.
%XdV Rated-voltage (saturated) direct-axis sub-transient reactance.
interrupting time calculations.

It is used for first-cycle and

%XdV Rated-voltage (saturated) direct-axis transient reactance. It is used for time delayed currents in
relay applications.
Xd

Rated current unsaturated direct-axis steady state reactance.

%X2V Rated-voltage negative sequence reactance.

unbalance short circuit calculations.

It is used to calculate the X/R ratio and for

%X0

Zero sequence reactance. It is used in unbalanced short-circuit calculation, when dealing with
grounded generators.

Ta3

Rated-voltage generator armature time constant in seconds. It is used to calculate the X/R ratio.
In some cases, the armature resistance Ra may be given instead.

%Ra

Armature resistance.

The X/R ratio is determined from the following equations:

REFF

X2v
2 f Ta3

X
2 f Ta3
R

(Equation No.1)

Quick Start Guide

1.5 Checking for Connectivity Errors

Step 1.
Once the network has been completed, click
on the Error Checking icon. This will scan
the database and point out any existing
connectivity errors.

Step 2.
Correct any errors as required and press Done to exit.

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Quick Start Guide

1.6 General Text Back Annotation

Step 1.
Open Project1.axd.

Step 2.
Select the text Back
Annotation tool.

Step 3a.
Select the Auto-Refresh box to always
refresh annotation on the drawing.

Step 4.
Select the preferred font
type and color. Select On
and click OK to return to
the single line diagram.
Refer to Figure 1 of this
tutorial for the fully back
annotated network.

Step 3b.
From the Bus Input Data
and the Branch Input
Data tabs, select the items
highlighted by the circles.

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1.7 General Color Back Annotation

Step 1.
Select the color Back
Annotation tool.
Step 2.
Turn the color Back Annotation
on by selecting the On button.

Step 3.
Select the category by which
the color annotation will be
applied. In this example,
select Voltage Levels.

Step 4.
Modify the color settings as required
and click OK to update.

The final product is shown

here.

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Quick Start Guide

1.8 Copying and Pasting Using the Menu / Icon Commands

Step 1.
Using the mouse, fence-in
(select) the element(s) to be
copied.

Step 2.
Click the Copy command
icon.

Step 3.
Click the Paste command
icon.

Note: Copy and Paste can also be accomplished by using the short-cuts Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V.

Quick Start Guide

Step 4.
Once the selection has been
pasted, click on it and drag it
over to the desired location.

Step 5.
Ensure that the from end of the breaker
has been successfully connected to the
bus bar. Verify that the Connect to
Geometry message appears.

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Quick Start Guide

1.9 Copying and Pasting Using the Ctrl + Right-Mouse-Button Drag Method

Step 1.
Using the mouse, fence-in
(select) the element(s) to be
copied.

Step 2.
Hold the Ctrl key, press the
right mouse button down and
drag the selection over to the
desired location.

Step 3.
Once the elements have been
placed in the desired position,
connect the From end of the
breaker to the bus bar.

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2.0 AC Short Circuit Analysis

Step 1.
Open the file "Project1.axd."

Step 2.
Select the "AC Short Circuit Tools" icon.

Step 3.
Select the analytical method to be used.
For this example, select "AC ANSI/IEEE."

Step 4.
Verify that every protective device in the
network has been properly documented
with its short circuit rating data by
double clicking on each device. Select
the Breaker Data tab, and complete the
rating fields as shown in this example.
Select "OK" to exit.

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Quick Start Guide

Step 5.
Select the "Options" icon.

Step 6.
Select the "Calculations" tab
and define your preferences.
For this example, a study
including all buses has been
selected and the results will be
back annotated onto the single
line diagram.

Step 7.
Select the "Control for
ANSI/IEEE" tab to verify the
ANSI source impedance models
and add safety factors to the
calculation results. Select "OK"
to accept and exit.

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Step 8.
Select the short circuit "Back
Annotation" interface, and select the
display preferences as indicated here.

` Step 9.
Select the time-base for the required
analysis. For this example, select the
cycle time frame. Select "OK" to accept
and exit.

Note: If the back annotation does not

appear immediately, refresh the view by
selecting the "Refresh Annotation"
command from the Paladin toolbar. To
have the annotation refresh
automatically, select the "Auto-Refresh"
option shown in Step 8.

The complete back annotated single line

diagram is shown here.

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Quick Start Guide

Step 10.
To view the results for the same cycle
fault in a report format, select the
"Options" icon.

Step 11.
Select "Report" and press "OK" to save
the new preference.

Step 12.
Click on Run. After reviewing the
report, select "Done" to exit.

Quick Start Guide

2.1 Protective Device Evaluation

Step 1.
Open Project1.axd.Select the
short circuit icon and pick AC
ANSI/IEEE from the analysis
pull down menu.

Step 2.
Select the options icon.

Step 3.
Select the Basis on which to evaluate
the ratings of the networks protective
devices.
For this example, select Total Bus
fault Current, All Busses for Fault
Location and Annotation for Default
Output.

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Quick Start Guide

Step 4.
Select the Report Manager
icon.

STEP 5.
Select the Protective
Device Evaluation
option, and then click
Ok.

Step 6.
Select the Analyze icon,
in order to run the PDE
analysis.

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Step 7.
A Pass & Fail summary
appears as indicated here.
Select either Detailed or
Summary reports to review the
pass &fail classification for each
device. Click Close to exit.

Step 8.
Once the system returns to
the ACTRIX screen, every
protective device has been
coded as follows: pass in
Green / Fail in Red.

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Quick Start Guide

Step 9.
To change PDE back annotation
preferences select the Back
Annotation icon and make the
necessary changes. Press OK to
update and exit.

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3.0 AC Advanced Power Flow Analysis
Step 1.
Open the file "Project1.axd".

Step 2.
In this example, both the generator and the
utility will be supplying power to the system
at the same time. Double click on the
generator icon to specify its Load Flow
specifications.

Step 3.
Complete the "Load Flow" editor as
indicated here. Select "OK" to accept
and exit.

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Quick Start Guide

Step 4.
Select the "Advanced Power Flow
Tools" icon.

Step 5.

Step 6.

Select "Adv. Power Flow"

from the dropdown box.

Select the load flow "Back

Annotated" icon.

Step 7.
Select your preferences as required. This
dialog box shows a typical example for text
and color back annotation. Press "OK" to
save and exit.

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Once the "Back Annotation" interface is

closed, the single line diagram is
automatically back annotated, based on the
current load flow settings, because the "Auto
Refresh" option was selected in Step 7.

Step 8.
Select the "Options" icon to modify the
analytical preferences for the program.

Step 9.
Select your preferences and press "OK"
to exit. Notice that the "Auto Text Report"
option has been selected. This will
automatically generate a text report as
soon as the calculation is completed.

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Quick Start Guide

Step 10.
To run the analysis, select the
"Analyze" icon. A complete
Bus Flow and Voltage report
is displayed. Click "Done" to
exit.

Step 11.
Select the "Report Manager" icon to
access additional reporting
capabilities.

Step 12.
The report manager offers a wide
variety of options for reviewing
results in text and graphical
format. It also allows the user to
export outputs to MS EXCEL or
to use a Professional Report
Writer to customize the reports.

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4.0 AC Motor Starting Analysis
Step 1.

Step 2.

Open the file "Project1.axd".

Select the "Advanced Power

Flow Tools" icon.

Step 3.
Select the "Adv. Motor
Starting" option.

Step 4.
Double click on the motor to be started to
gain access to its database editor.

Step 5.
Select the "Motor Start" tab and
toggle the "Running" button over to
the "To Be Started" position.

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Quick Start Guide

Step 7.
Select Motor Dynamic Data".

Step 6.
Select the
"Description" tab.

Step 8.
Define the Motor, Starter and Load
electromechanical characteristics as
required. Press "OK" to save and exit.

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Step 10.
Select program control
preferences as required. Select
"OK" to save and exit.

Step 9.
Select the "Options" icon.

Step 11.
Select "Analyze" to run the
study.

Step 12.
Once the calculation is
completed, select "Report
Manager".

Step 13.
To view the motor starting results
graphically, select "View Curves
Graphically".

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Quick Start Guide

The results of the motor

starting analysis are shown
here.

Step 14.
Select the "Back Annotation" icon to
set your back annotation preferences
for the single line diagram as
explained in section 3.0 of this
manual.

IMPORTANT
Once the motor starting
analysis has been completed,
and other types of analyses
are to be conducted afterwards
(load flow, short circuit, etc.),
reset the motor starting
condition back to the
"Running" mode. Failure to do
this will cause other programs
to ignore this motor in their
respective calculations.

Quick Start Guide

5.0 AC Protective Device Coordination

Step 1.
Open the file "Project1.axd".

Step 2.
Select the "Protective Device Coordination Tools" icon.

Step 3.
Isolate the coordination path by "fencing in"
the required network components.

Step 4.
Select the "Create a New Study" icon.

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Quick Start Guide

Step 5.
Assign a label to the new study
and select the presentation
preferences. Use this screencapture as an example. Press
"OK" to save and exit.

The isolated section of the

network is shown in a separate
ACTRIX page.

Step 6.
To assign a starting curve to the
motor, select it by clicking on it.

Step 7.
Select "Insert" and "Insert Motor
Curve."

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Step 8.
Complete the motor starting
information as required and select
"OK".

Step 9.
Step 10.

To assign a cable damage curve to

the feeder, select it by clicking on it.

Select "Insert" and "Insert Cable

Curve."

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Step 11.
Complete the cable curve
information as required and select
"Search".

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Step 12.
To assign a relay curve to the
breaker, select it by clicking on it.

Step 13.
Select "Insert" and "Insert Device
Curve."

Step 14.
From the "Protective Device
Library Manager", select the
required relay. See example.

Step 15.
Click on "Select Phase" to
add this relay as a phase
protection device.

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Step 16.
Set the relay as required to
protect the cable and the motor.
The settings shown are used to
illustrate the process. Click on
"Save".

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The final product is shown here.

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6.0 Arc Flash Hazard Analysis
Step 2.
Step 1.

Click the "AC Arc Heat" icon.

Open the file "Project1.axd".

Step 3.
Click the "Analyze" icon.

Step 4.
Select "Next" to continue.

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Step 5.
Select the bus to be
analyzed, click "Add".

Step 6.
Select the topology of the work
environment, the type of grounding, the
working distance, and the calculation
method. Click "Next".

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Step 7.
Enter the fault duration based on the interrupting times of the
protective devices in the system. If an existing PDC study is
present, select "Refresh Duration from PDC".

Shows the results of the analysis and

offers different output reports including an
Excel export function.

Step 8.
To view a graphical representation of the analysis,
select "Plot". To generate a graphical label, select
"Graphic Label". Refer to the next screens for
these two types of outputs.

"Output Plot" showing

the results.

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Step 9.
To generate a label, click on "Display Label".

"Graphic Results" label.

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