Batch Facility

In many situations, particularly when testing protective relays, a large number of simulation cases must be run and evaluated (e.g. point on wave switching, varying fault type and fault impedance, etc.). Therefore, an automated multi-run or "batch" operating mode that essentially eliminates the user intervention is required. The RTDS Simulator provides the Automated Batch Mode capability for running cases, analyzing result(s), and customizing report generation with limited user interaction.

The RTDS Simulator's automated operation software can be divided into three major sections:

1. Record / replay facility
2. Script file facility
3. Pre-processor components

Getting started by using record and replay...

The easiest way for the user to begin automating simulator operation is via the record/replay feature.

The record feature allows the user to store manually initiated events such as downloading of simulation cases, adjustment of system set points, application of faults, capture of output waveforms, etc. Once a series of actions has been recorded, the replay feature can be used to repeat those actions many times without the need for further interaction by the user. The record and replay features are particularly useful when a large, complex simulation case (e.g. with many synchronous machines) is being brought to its steady-state condition. Each time the case is started, the same start-up procedure is applied and steady-state conditions are achieved in a consistent, stable manner. Once in steady state, the transients that are to be studied can be applied.

Refining and customizing operation with script files...

When it comes to creating entire test sequences and customized reporting, the script file feature is used. This feature is essentially an extension of the record and replay facility through which the user can introduce additional functions or events to pre-record operations.

The record feature described above automatically generates and stores a "C-like" script file. After recording, the script file may also be modified to introduce refinements or to create a more complex script sequence. For example, the user may introduce result analysis functions such as trip time measurements, FFT's, max./min. searches, logical operations, etc. and have the results of these functions displayed graphically, stored in separately defined output files, or printed. Additionally, conditional/adaptive looping via if, for and while statements may also be added to the script file. In this manner, the user can completely customize test sequences and the reporting of results.

Pre-processor components make it all possible...

The RTDS Simulator pre-processor components provide a method to automatically re-compile simulation cases when certain types of circuit variables are changed. Similar to record/replay and script file management, all operations relating to the pre-processor are accomplished through the RTDS Operator's Console.

Modifying the value of a fault impedance represents a typical situation in which the pre-processor is required and utilized. In this case, the user may specify from either the Operator’s Console or from a script file that the fault impedance at a particular point should vary between a minimum and maximum value. Since changes in the fault impedance effect the overall system admittance matrix, new matrices must be created. The RTDS software recognizes the requested change and takes the appropriate action. The next time the simulation is run, either manually or automatically, the new fault impedance will be available. /p>

Presently, the following parameters may be controlled through pre-processor components:

- source impedance
- fault type
- fault location along a line
- fault impedance
- point on a wave

Putting it all together...

Since the principal goal of the batch operating mode is to reduce user interaction and facilitate studies which require large numbers of cases, the record/replay facility, the script file facility and the pre-processor components are normally used in a combined fashion to suit the particular study at hand. Together these features make it possible to automatically execute a complex test sequence and provide the results in a user customized report.

If you have any questions, please contact RTDS Technologies for more information.