The Graphic Light-Table
Now you can plot electrical time-current curves, test multiple configurations, develop single-line diagrams, and print Keuffel & Esser-type professional output for protective device coordination studies – all with a single, easy-to-use program. PowerPlot™ is a completely object-oriented and graphical power system analysis engineering program for protective coordination studies using Microsoft Windows.
PowerPlot™ makes power system protective coordination studies easier than ever with a full spectrum of powerful features, including:
- Time Current Characteristic (TCC) Window – allows you to select relays, fuses, damage curves, etc., then enter values and plot Time Current Characteristics instantly on your computer’s screen.
- Legend Window – lets you attach professional legends to your TCC plots, including fields for company name, project, facility, date, and engineer.
- Single-Line Diagram Window – lets you build an icon-based graphical one-line you can drag and drop exactly where you want on any TCC.
Technical Specifications and Features
- Microsoft Windows-based interface, palette and icons allow single-click access to frequently used features.
- Easy to use online user manual. A complicated manual is not required.
- Cut and paste single-line diagrams from, and export TCCs to, other programs.
- Drag and drop devices right onto your on-screen display.
- Create, modify, and save device settings for given studies.
- View or print study summary reports instantly. Export device report files to your spreadsheet for formatting.
- Modify graphs, devices, or settings with a mouse click.
- View, plot, or print Time-Current Characteristic curves on any Windows printer. Plot time-current curves on standard Keuffel & Esser paper or standard log-log paper, or use the grid file included for blank printer paper. Print in color or black and white.
- Modify the location of each curve and its associated text and settings. Device labels are complete – all the data needed to set the device is in the field.
- Use on-screen Zoom, Pan, and Ruler options. User-set default device settings for color, crosshatching, line type, and font size. Zoom and the TCC and Time-Current coordinates stay visible.
- Calculate or measure time clearance between devices.
- Create instant "what-if" screen plots of modified device settings with the original plot still visible.
- Add special symbols and text to generated plots. A NotePad-type word processor is available for adding text to TCCs.
- Protective-device database manager includes:
- Library of over 2,500 fuses, relays, reclosers, circuit breakers, and motor circuit protectors, including molded case breakers and ground protective devices
- Bus voltage and current ratings
- Transformer withstand (thermal and mechanical) curves, inrush currents and damage points
- Motor-starting and cable-damage curves
- Develop your own library of relays, fuses, or thermal-magnetic devices. Exchange libraries with others in your company or user group. Create user-defined curves for special devices.
- Integrate solid-state phase and ground settings on the same device dialog using PowerPlot's™ exclusive advanced mathematical modeling techniques.
- Calculate intermediate time dial settings for relays.
Project Builder and Database
Use the PowerPlot™ Project Builder to do coordination studies your way. You can view and modify a complete project from within the Project Builder. Each project consists of only one file that can be located anywhere on your system. You build TCCs, single-lines, legends, and devices in the sequence and order desired. Create, duplicate, delete, and edit devices and TCCs. You can drag and drop existing, devices, single-lines or legends onto a TCC. PowerPlot™ displays specific TCCs within a project, or specific devices on a TCC without duplicating device settings. If you update settings in one TCC, these settings will automatically update on other TCCs displaying the device.
System Requirements
The program is designed to run on personal computers under Microsoft Windows 95 or higher. Minimum requirement is a Pentium processor.
Relationship to Programs in the TRANSMISSION 2000® Series
PowerPlot™ is completely self-contained and may be used independently of any program in the TRANSMISSION 2000® series. However, the Short Circuit (SC) program may be used as the source for short circuit currents. Often this combination provides an effective solution for making protective device coordination studies in radial industrial and distribution primary and secondary networks. Using SC’s ability to compute arbitrary faults, even single and V-phase laterals can be analyzed using this tool. Although restricted to overcurrent devices, PowerPlot™ provides an excellent tool for coordinating these devices in the transmission system. If distance (impedance relays) or coordinating relay operating times in a looped transmission network are your focus, then TRANSMISSION 2000® Short Circuit, One-Line Diagram, and Protection Analysis provide the tools you need.
Although PowerPlot™ is not a CAI TRANSMISSION 2000® product, CAI is not just a distributor of the program. We use PowerPlot™ in our studies for clients, and we provide coding support for the program’s owner and developer, Jackson & Associates.
Pricing Information
The single-copy price of the PowerPlot™ program is US$3,500 and includes one year of warranty, maintenance, and upgrade service. Multiple-copy discounts, corporate licenses, short- and long-term rentals, and follow-on maintenance contracts are available. Discounts are also available to current TRANSMISSION 2000® users. Commonwealth Associates, Inc., an authorized distributor of Jackson & Associates, supplies the PowerPlot™ program under an irrevocable, restricted license.
Demonstration Package
A demonstration package is available and includes a sample copy of the program, instructions, and a Guide to Using PowerPlot. Contact us at 517-788-3474 or e-mail Karen S. Chmielewski for more information.
Ordering and Additional Information
To place an order or obtain additional information, please contact:
- Stephen S. Miller, P.E.
- Commonwealth Associates, Inc.
- P.O. Box 1124
- Jackson, MI 49204-1124
- Tel.: (517) 788-3676
- Fax: (517) 788-3003
- E-mail: Stephen S. Miller