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User Manual
Version 2.0
December, 2016
User Manual
By installing or using the software product, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this
agreement. If you do not wish to agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, you must not
install or use Aspix.
License Agreement
1. GRANT OF LICENSE. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, Sparta Lightning Protection
grants to Licensee a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the software Aspix. This license is
solely for the use of the Software by the Customer on a single computer. Licensee may not, however,
transfer or sublicense the Licensed Program to any third party, in whole or in part, in any form, whether
modified or unmodified.
2. TERM OF LICENSE. The license will continue perpetually from the date of purchase. The Customer may
transfer the Software to another computer, provided that the Software may not be used on more than
one computer at any given time.
3. TRIAL VERSION. Use of the Software Product without purchase of a License shall be limited to evaluation
purposes only. The Licensee shall have the right within a maximum period of 30 days starting from the
date of first use of the software. Any kind of distribution of the software is prohibited.
4. MAINTENANCE, SUPPORT AND UPDATES. For a period of one year following the purchase of the
Software, updates and new versions are free of costs. In order to receive updates after the first year it is
necessary to pay an annual maintenance fee. The first year and the annual maintenance fee also
provide technical support by email.
5. COPYRIGHT. The Software is copyrighted, and all rights therein are reserved by Sparta Lightning
Protection. The Software Product is licensed, not sold.
6. LIMITED WARRANTY. The Customer assumes all responsibility for the selection of the Software as
appropriate to achieve the results intended by the Customer. Licensor does not warrant that the
functions contained in the Software will meet licensee's requirements or that the operation of the
Software will be uninterrupted or error free.
7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. In no event will Sparta Lightning Protection be liable for any amount of
incidental, consequential or other indirect damages arising out of the Customer’s use of the Software,
including, lost profits, interruption of business or any incidental or consequential damages.
8. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The Customer acknowledges that has read and understands this agreement, and
agrees to be bound by all its terms and conditions.
Contents
1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................ 5
2 Interface ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
3 Creating a new project ............................................................................................................................... 6
4 Settings ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
5 Ground Fault Current Distribution ............................................................................................................. 8
6 Adding physical data ................................................................................................................................12
6.1 Horizontal conductors ......................................................................................................................12
6.2 Vertical electrodes (rods) .................................................................................................................13
6.3 Meshes and rod arrays .....................................................................................................................14
7 Editing physical data.................................................................................................................................16
7.1 Horizontal conductors ......................................................................................................................16
7.2 Vertical electrodes (rods) .................................................................................................................17
7.3 Meshes and rod arrays .....................................................................................................................18
7.4 Editing multiple items ......................................................................................................................19
8 Deleting physical data ..............................................................................................................................21
8.1 Horizontal conductors ......................................................................................................................21
8.2 Vertical electrodes (rods) .................................................................................................................21
8.3 Meshes and rod arrays .....................................................................................................................22
9 Importing DXF file .....................................................................................................................................23
10 Chart Areas ...........................................................................................................................................24
11 Profiles ..................................................................................................................................................28
12 Saving a Project ....................................................................................................................................31
13 Opening a project .................................................................................................................................32
14 Visualizing the grounding grid ..............................................................................................................33
15 Visualizing the profiles .........................................................................................................................36
16 Simulating and analyzing results ..........................................................................................................37
1 Introduction
ASPIX is software for the design of grounding grids of electrical substations based on the requirements of
the IEEE 80 "IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding". Aspix calculates the resistance, touch and
step voltages for grounding grids of any shape, including horizontal conductors and vertical electrodes
(rods). The program considers two-layer earth models.
2 Interface
The figure below shows the interface provided by Aspix.
ASPIX consists of a Menu Bar, a Toolbar and two Panes. The menu bar and toolbar provide access to data
files, graphics, simulation, and other facilities of the program. The left pane provides access to the physical
data of the grounding grid (horizontal conductors and rods) and the areas and profiles in which the touch
and step voltage are evaluated. The right pane shows the plan view and 3D view of the grounding grid and
the graphical results of the simulation (2D and 3D graphs and profiles of touch and step voltages).
The program will ask if you really want to begin a new project. You will lose the not saved changes in the
current project.
Click on “Yes” to begin a new project, or “No” to continue in the current project.
4 Settings
The option “Settings” allows to set the parameters for the simulation.
The program will show a dialog window with the settings for the simulation.
Write the name of the project, and set the parameters needed. Click on “Save” to save the changes or
“Cancel” to keep the current settings.
Aspix provides a tool to perform a simplified calculation of the ground fault current distribution. The
calculation methodology is taken from the IEEE 80 and consists of assuming that the ground fault current is
distributed between the transmission line overhead shield wires and distribution feeder neutrals.
To enable this option, check the "Parallel Equivalent Impedance" box in the "Settings" window, otherwise,
Aspix will assume that the entire ground fault current will flow through the grounding grid. The equivalent
circuit is shown in the following figure.
The equivalent impedance of the transmission line overhead shield wires and distribution feeder neutrals
can be entered or calculated.
Equivalent
impedance
Button to calculate
equivalent
impedance
To calculate the equivalent impedance, click on the button, the program will show the “Earth Current
Distribution” window.
Aspix calculates the equivalent impedance for up to four types of circuits, and for each type of circuit the
model can have several circuits in parallel. To add a type of circuit, check the box "Enable Circuit" of one
the four types of circuits. Then click on the button corresponding to the circuit to edit the data (this button
appears with the label "R + jX" when no data has been entered and with the value of the impedance when
the circuit parameters have already been edited), The "Circuit Impedance" window will appear
immediately.
To calculate the impedance of each circuit, a model of several series segments ("Number of segments") is
assumed, each segment has a series impedance (resistance and inductance of the cable) and a resistance to
earth (towers footing resistances and grounding of the distribution neutral wires). The ground resistance of
the last segment may be different from the others; this allows taking into account the grounding resistance
of the remote substations.
Circuit
Resistance Resistance
Equivalent
Last
Impedance
The parameter "Number of identical parallel circuits" indicates the number of circuits having similar
characteristics, the equivalent impedance of the circuit is equal to the impedance of one circuit divided by
the number of similar circuits in parallel. Once the parameters are entered, click on the "Calculate" button
to calculate the equivalent impedance of the circuits, and on the "Ok" button to save the parameters.
The impedance of each segment can be entered manually or can be calculated by the program.
Segment
Impedance
Button to calculate
the segment
impedance
To calculate the segment impedance, click on the button, the program will show the “Circuit
Parameters” window.
Once the parameters are entered, click on the "Calculate" button to calculate the impedance of the
segment, and on the "Ok" button to save the parameters.
Right Click on
“Horizontal
conductors”
Click on
“New Conductor”
The program will show a dialog window with the parameters of the conductor.
You can set the Name the conductor you want to add to the physical model or leave this field (Name) blank.
Each horizontal conductor is defined by its initial coordinates (X1, Y1) and end coordinates (X2, Y2). The
parameter "h" is the depth of burial and "r" is the radius of the conductor. All dimensions are in meters.
Set the parameters and then click on the button "Save" to add the new conductor or Click on the button
"Cancel" to abort.
Right Click on
“Rods”
Click on
“New rod”
The program will show a dialog window with the parameters of the rod.
You can set the Name the rod you want to add to the physical model or leave this field (Name) blank. Each
rod is defined by its coordinates (X, Y), the length “L” and end coordinates (X2, Y2), the depth of burial of
the upper point "h" and radius "r". All the dimensions are in meters.
You can assign a name to the rod or leave this field (Name) blank. Each rod is defined by its coordinates (X,
Y), the length "L", the depth of burial of the upper point "h" and radius "r". All the dimensions are in
meters.
Set the parameters and then click on the button "Save" to add the new rod or Click on the button "Cancel"
to abort.
To create a new mesh or rods array, follow the sequence in the figure below.
Right Click on
“Mesh”
Click on
“New Mesh”
The program will show a dialog window with the parameters of the mesh.
The user must select the wire or rod arrangement type from the "Type" drop-down list. There are three
mesh options and two rods array options, as shown in the figure below.
Once you select the type of mesh or array, the program displays the required parameters, the dimensions
are in meters.
Name Name of the mesh or array. You can assign a name or leave this field
blank
X1(m), Y1(m) X,Y coordinates of the initial point of the mesh or array. This parameter
is needed in rectangular meshes and rods arrays.
Angle Angle of inclination with respect to the X axis. This parameter is needed
in rectangular meshes and rods arrays.
X Lenght (m), Y Lenght (m) Length of the mesh or array in direction of X and Y axis. This parameter is
needed in rectangular meshes and rods arrays.
Nx, Ny Number of squares in direction of X and Y axis. This parameter is needed
in rectangular meshes and rods arrays.
h (m) Depth of burial of the horizontal conductors or depth of burial of the
upper point of the rods.
r(m) Radius of the conductors or rods.
L(m) Length of the rods of the array.
XC(m), YC(m) X,Y coordinates of the center of the array. This parameter is needed in
polygonal and star arrays.
XV1(m), YV1(m) X,Y coordinates of the first vertex of the array. This parameter is needed
in polygonal and star arrays.
N Number of sides of the polygon or number of vertices of the star. This
parameter is needed in polygonal and star arrays.
Set the parameters and then click on the button "Save" to add the new array or Click on the button
"Cancel" to abort.
Right Click on
The conductor to edit
Click on
“Edit Conductor”
The program will show a dialog window with the parameters of the conductor.
The user can change any parameter of the conductor. Click on the “Save” button to save the changes or
click on the “Cancel” button to keep the current parameters.
Right Click on
The rod to edit
Click on
“Edit Rod”
The program will show a dialog window with the parameters of the rod.
The user can change any parameter of the rod. Click on the “Save” button to save the changes or click on
the “Cancel” button to keep the current parameters.
Right Click on
The mesh to edit
Click on
“Edit Mesh”
The program will show a dialog window with the parameters of the mesh.
The user can change any parameter of the mesh, except the type. Click on the “Save” button to save the
changes or click on the “Cancel” button to keep the current parameters.
The program will show a dialog window with the common parameters conductors or rods.
The common parameters for conductors are the depth of burial "h" and the radius "r", and for the rods are
the depth of burial of the upper point "h", the radius "r" and the length "L". The common parameters will
be applied to the previously selected group of conductors or rods. Click on the "Save" button to save the
changes or click on "Cancel" to keep the current parameters.
Right Click on
The conductor to delete
Click on
“Delete Conductor”
The program will show the dialog window as in the following figure.
Click on “Yes” button to delete the selected conductor or on “No” button to abort.
Right Click on
The rod to delete
Click on
“Delete Rod”
The program will show the dialog window as in the following figure.
Click on “Yes” button to delete the selected rod or on “No” button to abort.
Right Click on
The mesh to delete
Click on
“Delete Mesh”
The program will show the dialog window as in the following figure.
Click on “Yes” button to delete the selected array or on “No” button to abort.
The program will show the “Import DXF File” dialog window.
Select the parameters for the conductors (radius "Cable r" and depth of burial "Cable h"), and for the rods
(radius "Rod r", depth of the upper point "Rod h" and length "Rod L"). All cables and rods are imported
with these common parameters. Then select the DXF file by clicking on the "Open DXF" button, the
program will show the “File Open” window.
Select the DXF file, click on the “Open” button to open the file, click on the “Cancel” button to abort.
Finally, click on the “Import” button to import de DXF file, click on the “Cancel” button to abort.
10 Chart Areas
The user must define the region within which the touch and step voltages will be calculated. Normally this
region covers the entire grounding grid; however, there may be points within this region where it is not
necessary to control the touch voltage. It may happen that the user requires controlling touch and stepping
voltages outside the region covered by the mesh. The region for the calculation of touch and step voltages
is composed of one or more rectangular areas. Each of these areas is defined by its initial coordinates
(X0, Y0) in meters, the resolution and the number of points on the X axis and Y axis
Y Grid
Area 1
Area 2 Area 3
It must be avoided to overlap the areas in order the program correctly generates 3D charts.
Right Click on
“Chart Areas”
Click on
“New Chart Area”
The program will show a dialog window with the parameters of the area.
Right Click on
The area to edit
Click on
“Edit Chart Area”
The program will show a dialog window with the parameters of the area.
The user can change any parameter of the area. Click on the “Save” button to save the changes or click on
the “Cancel” button to keep the current parameters.
Right Click on
The area to delete
Click on
“Delete Chart Area”
The program will show the dialog window as in the following figure.
Click on “Yes” button to delete the selected area or on “No” button to abort.
11 Profiles
The user can define profiles to calculate touch and step voltages. Profiles are an option of calculation
against especially in cases where the grounding grid has a non-rectangular shape. Each profile is defined by
its initial coordinates (X0, Y0) in meters, the angle with respect to the X axis, the resolution or distance
between points in meters and the number of points.
Y Profile 1 Grid
Profile 2
Profile 3
Right Click on
“Profiles”
Click on
“New Profile”
The program will show a dialog window with the parameters of the profile.
Right Click on
The profile to edit
Click on
“Edit Profile”
The program will show a dialog window with the parameters of the profile.
The user can change any parameter of the profile. Click on the “Save” button to save the changes or click
on the “Cancel” button to keep the current parameters.
Right Click on
The profile to delete
Click on
“Delete Profile”
The program will show the dialog window as in the following figure.
Click on “Yes” button to delete the selected profile or on “No” button to abort.
12 Saving a Project
To save the project with the current file name, click on the “Save Project” button.
The program will save the project with the current file name and extension “.xml”.
To save the project with a different file name, click on the “Save Project As” button.
Write the file name and click on the “Save” button to save the file with the written name, click on “Cancel”
button to abort.
13 Opening a project
To open an existing project click on the “Open Project” button.
Select the folder and the Aspix file with “.xml” extension, click on the “Open” button to open the project,
click on the “Cancel” button to abort.
The program will show the plan view of the grid. The horizontal conductors are shown as red lines and the
rods as green dots.
To display the three dimensional view, click on the “View 3D” button.
The program will show the 3D view of the project. The conductors are shown as red lines and the rods as
blue lines.
The program will show the plan view of the grid and the profiles. The horizontal conductors are shown as
pink lines, the rods as green dots and the profiles lines of different colors.
The simulation can take several minutes depending on the area covered by chart areas, the length of the
conductors and the number of rods. The progress bar will display the progression of the simulation. When
the simulation is over the program enables the “Results” button and the user can display the results table.
Also, the program can display the 2D and 3D charts of the touch and step voltages.
The program will display the following window with the results table.
To display the touch voltage 3D chart Click on the “Touch Voltage” button.
The program will show the touch voltage 3D chart with a color scale that helps to identify the critical
values.
To display the step voltage 3D chart Click on the “Step Voltage” button.
The program will show the step voltage 3D chart with a color scale that helps to identify the critical values.
To display the touch voltage 2D chart Click on the “Touch Voltage 2D” button.
The program will show the touch voltage 2D chart with a color scale that helps to identify the critical
values.
To display the step voltage 2D chart Click on the “Step Voltage 2D” button.
The program will show the step voltage 2D chart with a color scale that helps to identify the critical values.
To display the touch voltage along the profiles Click on the “Touch Voltage Profiles” button.
The program will show the touch voltage along the previously configured profiles.
To display the step voltage along the profiles Click on the “Step Voltage Profiles” button.
The program will show the step voltage along the previously configured profiles.
17 Creating a report
With this option the user can create a report including the input data, the results of the simulation, 2D and
3D touch voltage charts, and 2D and 3D step voltage charts.
Click on the
button
The user can print or save the report in Excel, Word or PDF formats.
18 Step by step
To design a grounding grid using Aspix perform the following steps.
6. Add the chart areas for touch and step voltages. Set the parameters.