Description
What’s new in primtech 18 SP2:
OSR Technology has been optimized – within point cloud
In our OSR Technology – from a point cloud to a substation BIM model – our famous conductor recognition has been optimized even further and can now recognize conductors in point clouds even better. The conductor recognition plays a crucial role in the OSR Process as the first phase of the process and assists in the further automation.
Besides this, our innovative OSR Technology has, in general, been extended with new features and the input screen has been optimized. The results list can now be filtered according to additional attributes (e.g. Symbol type, Manufacturer …).
New Feature – Realistic Wires with Advanced Wire Mode
A new option has been introduced and can be called up on the wires – Curvature Type Advanced Modus. This modus allows the modifying of the position and curvature of the wires in space using grips (blue points). Any number of control points (grips) can be added or deleted. The entry tangent on both ends of the wire can be defined freely.
New Feature in Wire Connection Configurator – Number of Wires, Layout, Sag
The number of wires can be chosen between 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 wires. New is the wire layout – circular or linear. There is also the possibility to set the rotation offset of the wires in degrees. The sag of the normal wire can be set to 2 decimal points.
Lightning Protection according to IEEE 998
The lightning protection calculation according to IEEE 998 Standard is now more comfortable to use and can be selected directly in the input dialog.
Adjustments to HV-Cable and Conduits
The feature to insert HV-Cable and Conduits has been extended. The minimum bending radius can now be set to a value greater than that in the library. Additionally, a default radius can be set. If the situation allows, the default value will be used. If it does not fit, the largest fitting radius will be chosen until the minimum bending radius is reached. The desired radius for a segment can now be manually set.
New Import and Export Features in primtech + Drawing Converter
The new Drawing Converter is now available and optimizes the import of 3D geometries – “Import 3D Symbol”. E.g. for data originally created in MicroStation – and imports into primtech as DWG.
The new Drawing Converter allows as well the export, especially for Revit, Navisworks and Relux, using new default configurations. For example, matchcodes are included in the block, xref are bound and there are no longer problems with non-uniform scaled blocks.
Product Data Model
A high-voltage switchgear is saved in primtech as an integrated product data model, consisting of detailed 3-D geometry and of metadata. In accordance with the single-source principle, each item of information is present precisely once. Connectors are available for product-specific data relating to the substation displayed in the CAD system – the SAP/R3 connector, for example.
PLM – Product Lifecycle Management
primtech offers comprehensive support throughout the entire life-cycle of an installation, from the approvals planning stage, through the preparations for implementation and on to full operation and additions to the existing plant. Design variants can be managed and evaluated.
All the data relating to substation equipment that is required during the entire life-cycle is managed in the primtech project management system.
CheckIn/Out
Project data is saved on the server in the checked-in area. Models are copied for editing into the local checked-out area, and are locked on the server against editing by other users. It is possible to see which models are checked out for editing by which users at any time.
Concurrent Engineering
Simultaneous editing of the CAD project files for a substation is optimally supported through the representation of the equipment structure and through the CheckIn/Out technology.
Replication, Distributed Sites
If it is not possible to maintain the data on a central server, primtech offers replication mechanisms for distributed systems. You can therefore carry out design work on a substation at different times around the world.
User Management
The user management system permits highly granular rights assignment. Unauthorized access to your data is thus prevented.
Reuse
Each project associated with high-voltage switchgear is stored in the database with features such as its location, snow depth or voltage level. In this way you can obtain a quick overview of the design solutions applied to similar switchgear at any time. You can simply copy, cut and repeatedly insert fields that are identical or needed repeatedly.
Plant Standards
Through the primary technology plant standards area you are able to manage standard fields or fully typified partial equipment for reuse. This means that you can very simply apply your standards for high-voltage switchgear as a basis for design when planning new installations.
Large Installations
primtech manages the CAD data for the whole of your substation in a single structure of individual files under the control of the database. Handling this data is therefore transparent and extremely simple at all times. Even very large installations can therefore be worked on with high efficiency.
Database Technology
The core is a high-performance Oracle or MS-SQL server database that manages and interlinks all the information securely.
The component library manages component data and CAD models, and makes intelligent assembly functions available for design work in the CAD system.
High-Voltage Library Elements
primtech contains about 2000 symbols specifically for the design of high-voltage substations. This includes components such as:
- Power switches
- Transformers
- Isolators
- Insulators, chains
- High-voltage cables
- High-voltage pipes
- Earthing components
- Foundations
- Steel construction
- Clamps
The library can be freely extended.
Components With and Without Geometry
Both graphical and non-graphical component information can be saved. Terminals are described by, for instance, the type of connection, type of outlet or by manufacturer information, and may be added simply as a data record and not as a geometry. Components such as power switches, insulators or steel construction elements are saved as geometries together with a data record.
Components from Outside/Company Identification
The company that created the symbol is saved along with every library component. Changes to a symbol can only be carried out by the company that created it. In this way the consistency of the data and the geometries is always ensured, even when exchanging data with other companies.
Connecting Points
Components saved in the library have connecting points by means of which the components are assembled together. Intelligent snap functions mean that positioning components of a high-voltage switchgear in the 3-D CAD system is very easy.
ERP Coupling
By coupling the library to your ERP system (e.g. SAP) you can optimize the consistency of your processes. A standardized XML interface allows the material data to be kept consistent at all times between the CAD and ERP systems.
Detailing Levels / Alternative Representations
Multiple geometries can be saved for each library component, and it is possible to swap between these at any time during editing. You can, for instance, display different switched conditions of your equipment at the push of the button, or you can work with simple geometries during design work and switch over to more detailed geometries prior to preparing a drawing.
Database
The component library is based on an Oracle or MS-SQL database, ensuring optimum performance even when the quantity of data is very large.
primtech is based on the use of AutoCAD, the worldwide standard for CAD design and for the exchange of CAD data, as its graphic editor. In addition to the specialized primtech CAD functions and primtech CAD objects, practically all AutoCAD functions are also available. Intelligent primtech-AutoCAD objects, developed specifically for the switchgear sector, make the design of a substation extremely easy with primtech.
Field Grids
Field grids, saved in the system according to voltage, serve as positioning aids for electrical equipment, and ensure that the distances between individual devices are not less than the voltage-dependent minimum clearances.
Cable/Pipe Connections
Cable and pipe connections can be put together under the guidance of a dialog, and automatically generated in the 3-D model. In addition to the cable, cable connections also include chains, springs and terminals, and the sag can be specified. Particular support is given to the three-phase design of an installation.
Cable Ducts
primtech supports the generation both of cast and of segmented cable ducts. Both the length and the volume of the cable ducts are available to assist the assessment of parts lists.
Earth Cable Network
Earth cable networks can easily be generated and assessed, including all their components such as terminals, earth cables, earthing details and so on.
Roads/Paths/Fences
Convenient functions allow roads and paths, including crossings, to be generated quickly. The creation of fences with mesh wire or rigid fence segments is also supported. This can all be evaluated for your parts list.
Lightning Protection
The lightning protection tool generates surface objects in AutoCAD, and these are screened against lightning stroke by the relevant lightning protection equipment. This allows both lightning protector rods and cables to be investigated.
Steel construction
Steel construction tool is supported by a comprehensive 3-D library including components such as steel lattice towers or supporting constructions for bus bars. A comprehensive library of profiles is also available, with which you can generate fully customized steel girders.
Rendering/Display
The saved materials, and the consistent 3-D design of a switchgear installation, allows you to see a photo-realistic representation quickly and easily.
Item Numbers
You can assign the item numbers individually, or assign them for an entire drawing with a single command.
primtech features a powerful lightning protection calculation implementing conventional lightning protection calculation methods. Using lightning protection rods and wires as lightning arresters, it visually illustrates the required results in form of the lightning protection volumes and areas.
The Calculation Method
primtech supports lightning calculations according to the DIN VDE 0101 Standard as well as the rolling-sphere method derived from IEC 62305-1 Standard. In the rolling-sphere method, all 4 protection classes can be calculated also using spheres of various radii.
Optimal Support in the Engineering
Due to the rapid calculation of the 3-D protection volumes – which is spanned by the lightning protection facility – primtech ideally supports the engineering process for High Voltage Switchgear. It enables the quick calculation of different lightning protection classes or the variation of lightning arresters (e.g. adjusting height of rods) which can then both be easily visually compared and evaluated
Lightning protection area using rolling sphere method but of an insufficient lightning protection class.
Rods and Wires
The primtech lightning protection calculation can accommodate lightning protection rods and wires as lightning arresters. The protection calculation of large complete substations, such as the 21-bay substation below with 46 lightning rods, is just as feasible as the combined calculation of lightning arresters comprising of rods and wires.
Lightning protection area spanned by lightning protection wires and complemented by lightning protection rods
Exporting the Protected Areas
3-D lightning protection volumes are inappropriate for illustrating the protected zones in plans. To this end, primtech shows protected areas horizontally at the heights to be protected and vertically along sectional planes of your choice.
CAD-Plan showing the horizontal lightning protected area
CAD-Plan showing the vertical lightning protected area
Development of High Voltage Substations
The lightning protection calculation is designed and optimized for Air Insulated Substations (Switchyard). This allows for rapid and consistent protection calculations even for large substations (see the 21-bay Switchyard below). Furthermore, the protection calculations can be applied to buildings, illustrated by the example below of a Gas Insulated Substation (GIS).
21-bay Air Insulated Substation (AIS) with 3-D lightning protection area
GIS-Building with 3-D protection area
The construction of Air Insulated Substations (AIS) entails special requirements for the maintenance of minimum distances between the different phases in live parts as well as between live and earthed/grounded parts. There are further requirements for the clearance between live parts and surrounding fences or vehicles driving through the substation. All relevant clearances in high voltage substations can be calculated easily and quickly using primtech.
Air Insulated Substation 3D model with the 3 phases colored in red, green and blue
Intelligent 3D Substation Model
In order to calculate clearances in a substation according to IEC 60071-2, there are two fundamental prerequisites that have to be fulfilled:
a) A 3D CAD-model of the substation.
b) Information about each geometry – specifying if it is a live or earthed/grounded part, an insulator or a special object e.g. fence or street.
Both requirements are completely fulfilled by primtech.
Top view diagram of live phases in an Air Insulated Substation
The Phase Checker
On the basis of the intelligent primtech 3D-models, the Phase Checker classifies all geometries into the following:
- live parts
- earth parts
- insulators
- fences
- streets
All live parts are then classified, through automatic phase tracking, into phase 1, 2 or 3. As a side note, you can also use the phase checker to see if all electrical conductors are correctly connected.
Clearance Calculation
All the required minimum distances throughout the whole substation can now be automatically determined based on the 3D model processed by the Phase Checker. The parts of the substation to be checked for sufficient clearance by be chosen individually and flexibly. primtech then visually highlight the areas which do not fulfill the minimum distance requirements to each other. The following clearances can be calculates:
Warning for insufficient Phase to Earth (left) and Phase to Fence (right) clearance
- Phase to Phase
- Phase to Earth
- Phases to Streets
- Phases to Fences
- Phases to Ground Level
- Insulators to Ground Level
Insufficient Phase to Phase clearance
Clash Detection
In addition to the clearance calculation, primtech can check the 3D model for collisions.
The primtech sag calculation tool calculates the temperature dependent forces – sag table for flexible conductor and conductor bundles. It also outputs an installation table.
Additional Loads
Additional points of interest, e.g. above streets, can be set freely (as table columns). Strings and connected conductors are detected as additional loads and only need to be specified. Additional loads e.g. weights or pantograph contacts can be set freely along the bundles.
Weather Conditions
Mass dependent, temperature dependent forces and additional loads – caused by the weather e.g. wind, ice as well as wind on ice – can be taken into consideration in the sag calculation.
The weather conditions can be set in primtech quickly and easily for both the whole substation, as well as the parts of the substation. Since all the available values are read directly from the primtech information model and the conductor connections are grouped automatically, the need for you to input parameters is reduced to a minimum.
Sag Table
This table contains the calculated temperature dependent sag values for the desired points on the wire and loads as well as the respective occurring conductor tensile forces. The table further displays horizontal and vertical forces on the anchor points.
Installation Table
The installation table, which is needed for the installation of the conductor, is also created by primtech. In the installation table, additional loads are not taken into consideration so that the installer can read the respective sag or tensile forces depending on the temperature.
Excel Output
The results and tables are displayed quickly and clearly after each calculation. You can then output the results to an Excel table.
Scenario Calculations
primtech supports the comparison of several scenarios, e.g. for different conductor specifications, in order to optimize the design of the substation. This can be done by just copying an already defined scenario and adjusting the relevant values so as to compare the calculation results.
The primtech tool – short-circuit current – calculation of effects (according to IEC 60865-1:2011) – calculates the forces resulting from given short circuit currents. The forces calculated are short-circuit tensile forces, drop forces and additionally occurring pinch forces in conductor bundles, as well as the resulting forces and bending stress in tubes (for rigid conductors). Additionally, the conductor displacement caused by swing-out and the resulting minimum distance (minimum air clearance) are output.
Sag Optimization
Optionally primtech can carry out sag optimization. The optimum sag is determined in combination with the calculation of short-circuit current effects and sag calculation, where the lowest max forces occur.
Integrated Calculation
The tool – short-circuit current effects calculation – is integrated in primtech. It allows the evaluation and optimization of the design at any time during the whole substation planning process. To determine the anticipated costs for the budget planning or concepts planning, the first calculations in concept design can be carried out e.g. for the rough dimensioning of substructure or foundations. It is just as easy to determine the impacts of design changes on the tensile forces.
Output in Excel
The results of the calculation can be output to an Excel table.
Interim Results
In order to make the calculations transparent, the input parameters, as well as the relevant interim results, are also output to Excel table.
What if…
Scenarios where diverse “what if…” conditions are investigated, can be carried out in primtech. This assists you during the final checks and in design optimization and well as error prevention, as with all primtech checks.
At the Push of a Button
primtech supports the convenient creation of any 2-D/3-D views or sections. The documentation for your switchgear is created almost automatically, at the push of a button.
Types of Plan
The types of plan that you want to derive from your high-voltage switchgear design can be configured freely. The most important are already stored in primtech.
- Outline
- ISO view
- Layout plan
- Site plan
- Earthing plan
- Terminal plan
- Plan of foundation positions
- Lightning Protection
- Application plan
- Lighting plan
- ….
Always Consistent
A drawing is always referenced to the 3-D CAD switchgear installation model. If anything in your substation changes, then all the plans that reference it also change.
The data in your plans is always consistent!
Transparency in Project Management
Even without AutoCAD you can get an overview of all the drawings that have been generated, since the project management system can display all the drawings associated with your project, even without CAD support.
Title Blocks
Title blocks are managed by primtech, and are automatically filled with the data relevant to the project management, and their consistency is maintained. Consistent changes of entries across all the drawings of a project, or the integration of customer’s title blocks, can both easily be done.
2D Export
The integrated 2-D export tool allows derivations of the drawings to be exported into high-quality 2-D AutoCAD files. These files contain blocks with 2-D symbols; component information can also be stored with these in the form of AutoCAD attributes. These files can then, in turn, be exported again to any other external system, e.g. as DGN files for MicroStation, or as 2-D DXF files.
Automated PDF Generation
PDF files can also be generated automatically over an entire model.
primtech’s evaluation model, which is integrated into the project management system, provides numbers, data and facts at the press of a button. In addition to a variety of calculation results, primtech supplies configurable parts lists in various formats.
Quantified BOM
You require neither CAD knowledge nor an AutoCAD workplace to prepare a quantified bill of materials. The full functionality is provided by the project management system.
The quantified BOM can be evaluated either over the project as a whole, or just over parts of your open-air switchgear. It can be used, for instance, to prepare a terminal list, or, if modifications are planned, to evaluate a newly designed part of the plant.
As well as the number of parts, primtech makes the volume (e.g. volume of concrete), the length (e.g. the length of cable or pipe) and the area (e.g. area to be painted) available for evaluation. Bills of material can be output either as Excel files or as MS Access databases.
Itemized BOM
The itemized bill of material is implemented by primtech through a BOM manager. This makes it possible to maintain consistent parts numbers across multiple files, and therefore for the entire switchgear installation. Automatic assignment of item numbers within the CAD drawing is also possible, as is the specification of number ranges for different types of component.
Company-Specific Evaluations
Due to the database-oriented system architecture of primtech, a large number of evaluations of the prepared switchgear are possible. Company-specific evaluations can be integrated at any time.
Data exchange plays a crucial role in the planning and design process. primtech offers functions for all common scenarios.
DWG, DXF, DGN
Because primtech uses AutoCAD, the standard DWG and DXF data formats are available for data exchange. Since the AutoCAD 2008 version, the MicroStation DGN format has also been supported.
Native 2-D Export
Your customers often only require 2-D drawings of a switchgear that is modelled in 3-D. primtech provides a tool for converting 3-D switchgear designs into a native, structured AutoCAD 2-D file for exactly this purpose.
Native 3-D Export
3-D export generates a native 3-D AutoCAD model out of primtech. Xref structures are resolved, and company-specific component information is removed. The 3-D model of your high-voltage switchgear is created in an export folder.
Export and Reimport of Plant Models
You can export a complete plant model, together with all the geometrical and meta-data. The exported model can be imported by another primtech user, and contains all the data required for further processing. After your switchgear has been modified externally, the model can be imported back into your primtech installation without difficulty.
PDF, TIFF
primtech also offers comprehensive functions for fast, automated creation of your drawings in PDF and TIFF formats.
Now companies in the field of substation design, planning, and maintenance can rely on a fast and intelligent software tool to help them gain important efficiencies. Developed by entegra and in collaboration with Autodesk, state-of-the-art primtech leverages the power of AutoCAD with integrated applications that simplify the substation design process while eliminating routine tasks.
The result is a savings in both time and money. Tailored specifically to the needs of substation designers, primtech was created for optimum efficiency and ease of use. With a few simple mouse clicks, users can select components from a comprehensive, easily extendable library that includes high voltage equipment, supporting hardware, cable ducts, and pipes. They can then be placed as intelligent 3D objects on a voltagedependent grid.
An integrated project management system keeps track of all details and automates the creation of bills of materials in MS Excel or MS Access database. Documentation and plan views are created at the push of a button. With an emphasis on ease of use, primtech gives project managers the ability to get a detailed project overview to help them make better decisions faster.
As a result of the unique capabilities of primtech, Autodesk named entegra an Autodesk Preferred Industry Partner for substation design in Europe in 2010. grid.
Preferred Industry Partner Relationship
Autodesk is committed to providing the most comprehensive design solutions in the industry. Autodesk has built strong relationships with global software innovators who are leading the way in developing tailored solutions for Autodesk’s customers. The Autodesk Preferred Industry Partner program helps customers find companies, with best in class applications and services, for their specific design software needs.
Preferred Industry Partner Products are built on Autodesk application programming interfaces (APIs) and meet rigorous functional, performance and quality guidelines. Autodesk works closely with its Preferred Industry Partners to combine the resources, ideas, and creative thinking of these trailblazing companies, keeping Autodesk products and solutions on the leading edge of performance and value.
About Autodesk
A world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, Autodesk enables customer innovation by delivering the broadest product portfolio for the digital design, visualization, and simulation of real-world project performance.
From architecture, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities to telecommunications, video games, television, and film, Autodesk customers are leading the 2D and 3D design world by improving their design processes through increased efficiency and productivity. By enhancing collaboration and communication and digitally improving the real-world performance of projects before they are built, Autodesk customers are solving their business challenges, avoiding costly rework, accelerating project cycles and time to market, and ultimately gaining competitive advantage.
About entegra
entegra, founded in 1991, is a recognized leader in substation design software to the energy distribution industry and its suppliers. The primtech solution helps customers simplify, automate and improve the design, configuration, calculation, and construction of electrical substations. As a longtime Autodesk Partner, entegra is committed to delivering unique solutions with AutoCAD, Autodesk Navisworks and Autodesk Inventor.