Protective Device Coordination PDF

Protective Device Coordination
Power Analytics Corporation

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©Copyright Power Analytics Corporation 2012

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Version 6.60.00 October 2012

Table of Contents
WHAT IS NEW IN VERSION 6.60.00 ......................................................................................................................1
A. New Single Phase PDC. ................................................................................................................ 1
B. New Multi-Segment Relay .............................................................................................................. 1
C. New User Defined Short Circuit Arrows. ........................................................................................ 1
D. Protective Device Coordination. ..................................................................................................... 2
E. New Global Edit Function ............................................................................................................... 2
F. New breakers search filters ............................................................................................................ 2
PROTECTIVE DEVICE COORDINATION CAPABILITIES, FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES.....................3
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................4
2. PROTECTIVE DEVICE COORDINATION PROGRAM ..........................................................................5
2.1. PDC Graphical User Interface ..................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Open/Close Existing PDC Study ................................................................................................. 6
2.3. Creating PDC Studies ................................................................................................................. 8
2.4. Reports ...................................................................................................................................... 44
2.5 Additional PDC Functions .......................................................................................................... 63
3. STANDALONE & NETWORK BASED PROTECTIVE DEVICE COORDINATION PROGRAM ... 70
3.1. The Protective Device Library Manager .................................................................................... 71
3.2. The Protective Device Coordination Utility Toolbar ................................................................... 74
3.3. Conducting a Standalone PDC Analysis ................................................................................... 77
3.4. Generic PDC Interface .............................................................................................................. 88
4. STANDALONE DC PROTECTIVE DEVICE COORDINATION ........................................................... 96
4.1. Application of AC Rated Fixed Magnetic Breakers in DC Systems .......................................... 96
4.2. Application of AC Rated Fuses in DC Systems ......................................................................... 98
4.3. Standalone DC PDC Tutorial Exercise .................................................................................... 101
5. PDC DATABASE ......................................................................................................................................... 106
WHAT IS NEW IN BUILD AC FUSES VERSION 7.65.0.0 ............................................................................... 106
 Linked fuse build program with a software based digitizer ........................................................ 106
 PDC library enhanced with hundreds of new devices ................................................................ 106
5.1. Methods and Analyses ............................................................................................................. 107
5.2. How to access PDC data files .................................................................................................. 109
5.3. Creating / Editing a Fuse Library .............................................................................................. 109
5.4. Creating / Editing a Solid State Circuit Breaker Library ........................................................... 115
5.5. Creating / Editing a Fixed Magnetic Breaker Library ............................................................... 123
5.6. Creating / Editing a Relay Library ............................................................................................ 127
5.7. Digitizer..................................................................................................................................... 132
5.8. Import Function ........................................................................................................................ 135
5.9 Convert DesignBase 3.0 Circuit Breaker Library Files to DesignBase Current Library Format 137
5.10 Motor and Generator Decrement Curve Libraries ................................................................... 138
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Table of Figures
Figure 1. PDC as a part of Paladin DesignBase environment ........................................................ 4

Figure 2. PDC Toolbar .................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 3. PDC Catalogs .................................................................................................................. 5
Figure 4. PDC40 One-Line Diagram .............................................................................................. 6
Figure 5. PDC40, an existing PDC study ....................................................................................... 7
Figure 6. Network used PDC analysis (DesignBase file PDC40) .................................................. 8
Figure 7. Delete PDC information. ................................................................................................. 9
Figure 8. Delete PDC Study.......................................................................................................... 10
Figure 9. Select the coordination path. Assign new study to it..................................................... 11
Figure 10. Study options ............................................................................................................... 12
Figure 11. Insert Motor Curve ...................................................................................................... 13
Figure 12. Motor PDC Dialog ...................................................................................................... 14
Figure 13. Typical Motor Time-Current Curve. ........................................................................... 15
Figure 14. Insert Cable Curve ....................................................................................................... 16
Figure 15. Cable PDC dialog ........................................................................................................ 17
Figure 16. Insert Transformer Curve ........................................................................................... 18
Figure 17. Coloring scheme .......................................................................................................... 19
Figure 18. Transformer PDC dialogue boxes ............................................................................... 20
Figure 19. Insert Fuse Curve ......................................................................................................... 21
Figure 20. Fuse Library................................................................................................................. 22
Figure 21. Fuse Dialog Screens .................................................................................................... 23
Figure 22. Fuse Settings ................................................................................................................ 25
Figure 23. Fuse Interpolation ........................................................................................................ 25
Figure 24. Insert Relay Curve ....................................................................................................... 26
Figure 25. Relay Library ............................................................................................................... 27
Figure 26. Relay Dialog Screens .................................................................................................. 28
Figure 27. Relay Settings .............................................................................................................. 30
Figure 28. Relay “0005” – Dialog Screens ................................................................................... 31
Figure 29. Relay “0001” – Dialog Screens ................................................................................... 31
Figure 30. Completed TCC study ................................................................................................. 32
Figure 31. Example of a Relay TC Graph showing both the 100% & 0% Voltage Trip Response
Curves ................................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 32. Direct Injection of PDC data ....................................................................................... 35
Figure 33. Direct Selection of PDC data From Breaker Editor .................................................... 36
Figure 34. Breaker Selection......................................................................................................... 37
Figure 35. Solid State Breaker Dialog Screens ............................................................................. 38
Figure 36. Study #2 - Options ....................................................................................................... 39
Figure 37. Tuning the Breaker Settings – 1 .................................................................................. 40
Figure 38. Tuning the Breaker Settings – 2 .................................................................................. 41
Figure 39. Adding the PDC Devices Using the Catalog ............................................................... 42
Figure 40. Adding the Second Curve to Device ........................................................................... 42
Figure 41. PDC Curve Injected Using the PDC Catalog .............................................................. 43
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Figure 42. PDC Annotation Dialog .............................................................................................. 44

Figure 43. PDC Data Annotated on the Drawing ......................................................................... 45
Figure 44. Generating a Text Report ............................................................................................ 46
Figure 45. Parameters of the Text Report ..................................................................................... 47
Figure 46. PDC Text Report within the DesignBase environment ............................................... 48
Figure 47. PDC Text Report pasted in MS Word ......................................................................... 49
Figure 48. Generating Professional Reports ................................................................................. 50
Figure 49. Professional Breaker Report. ....................................................................................... 51
Figure 50. Professional Report Toolbar ........................................................................................ 51
Figure 51. Exporting the Professional Report............................................................................... 52
Figure 52. Professional Report in “pdf” Format ........................................................................... 52
Figure 53. Injecting the Fault within the PDC Study.................................................................... 53
Figure 54. Protective Device Opening-Time Report .................................................................... 54
Figure 55. Device Sequence of Operation .................................................................................... 55
Figure 56. Device Sequence of Operation - Professional Report ................................................. 56
Figure 57. Device Sequence of Operation - Annotations ............................................................. 57
Figure 58. Copy Graph/Network to Clipboard ............................................................................. 59
Figure 59. Place One Line on TCC ............................................................................................... 60
Figure 60. Copy/Paste TCC .......................................................................................................... 61
Figure 61. Copy/Paste TCC and Table ......................................................................................... 62
Figure 62. Time/Current Measurements Using “the Yellow Dot” ............................................... 63
Figure 63. Time/Current Measurements Using “Measure Time-Current” tool ............................ 64
Figure 64. Creating Multiple-Drawings Project ........................................................................... 65
Figure 65. Multiple-Drawings PDC Toolbar ................................................................................ 66
Figure 66. Multiple-Drawings Project .......................................................................................... 66
Figure 67. Multiple-Drawings Study ............................................................................................ 67
Figure 68. PDC Commands Within DesignBase Editor ............................................................... 68
Figure 69. Aligning the Elements on the Single Line Drawing .................................................... 69
Figure 70. Standalone and Network Based Interface.................................................................... 70
Figure 71. Protective Device Library Manager ............................................................................ 72
Figure 72. Choice and Settings of the Desired Relay ................................................................... 73
Figure 73. PDC Utility Toolbar .................................................................................................... 74
Figure 74. Group 1.1 Tools ........................................................................................................... 75
Figure 77. Network used for Standalone PDC Analysis............................................................... 77
Figure 78. Adding the Motor to Standalone PDC Study .............................................................. 78
Figure 79. Adding the Cable to Standalone PDC Study ............................................................... 79
Figure 80. Adding the Relay to Standalone PDC Study ............................................................... 80
Figure 81. Adding the Bus to Standalone PDC Study .................................................................. 81
Figure 82. Adding the Solid State Circuit Breaker to Standalone PDC Study ............................. 82
Figure 83. Adding the Transformer to Standalone PDC Study .................................................... 83
Figure 84. Adding the Fuse to Standalone PDC Study ................................................................. 84
Figure 85. Injecting Fault Current to Standalone PDC Study ...................................................... 85
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Figure 86. Partial Tripping Time Report in Standalone PDC Study ........................................... 86
Figure 87. Partial PDC Report in Standalone PDC Study ........................................................... 87
Figure 88. Open Network Based PDC Study................................................................................ 89
Figure 89. Create a Network Based PDC Study ........................................................................... 90
Figure 90. Adding the Ground relay ............................................................................................. 91
Figure 91. Displaying the Ground Characteristics Only ............................................................... 92
Figure 92. Modifying Protective Device Settings Graphically / Dragging Curves ...................... 94
Figure 93. Method 3 - Modifying Protective Device Settings Graphically / Using Sub-Menus .. 95
Figure 94. Application of AC Rated Fixed Magnetic Breakers in DC Systems........................... 97
Figure 95. DC Configuration Fields for Fixed Magnetic Circuit Breakers .................................. 98
Figure 96. Adjustment of DC Fuses for Use in DC Application .................................................. 99
Figure 97. DC Configuration Fields for AC Fuses ..................................................................... 100
Figure 98. DC Tutorial Example ................................................................................................ 101
Figure 99. Adding the DC Bus to Standalone PDC Study ......................................................... 102
Figure 100. Adding the DC Breaker to Standalone PDC Study ................................................. 104
Figure 101. Adding the DC Fuse to Standalone PDC Study ...................................................... 104
Figure 102. Complete DC PDC Study ........................................................................................ 105
Figure 103. Create New Fuse Library......................................................................................... 110
Figure 104. Create New Fuse Curve ........................................................................................... 111
Figure 105. Newly Created Fuse Curve ...................................................................................... 112
Figure 106. Open an Existing Fuse ............................................................................................. 113
Figure 107. Fuse Interpolation Using the Library ...................................................................... 114
Figure 108. Create New Solid State Library ............................................................................... 115
Figure 109. Save Solid State Library .......................................................................................... 116
Figure 110. Components and Breaker Info ................................................................................. 117
Figure 111. Long-Time, Short-Time, and Instantaneous Settings of the New SSCB ................ 118
Figure 112. Various Time-Dial Options ..................................................................................... 119
Figure 113. Manufacture Selection ............................................................................................. 120
Figure 114. New Breaker field.................................................................................................... 120
Figure 115. Open an Existing SSCB........................................................................................... 121
Figure 116. Edit an Existing SSCB............................................................................................. 122
Figure 117. Create New Fixed Magnetic Library ....................................................................... 123
Figure 118. Save Fixed Magnetic Library .................................................................................. 124
Figure 119. Edit Fixed Magnetic Breaker................................................................................... 125
Figure 120. Edit an Existing Fixed Magnetic Breaker ............................................................... 126
Figure 121. Creating A New Relay Based on a Point-by-Point Curve....................................... 127
Figure 122. The New Point-by-Point Relay Curve. .................................................................... 128
Figure 123. Creating a New Formula-Based Relay .................................................................... 128
Figure 124. The New Formula-Based Relay Curve.................................................................... 129
Figure 125. Interpolation of a Relay Curve ................................................................................ 130
Figure 126. Interpolation of a Curve-Set .................................................................................... 131
Figure 127. Digitizer ................................................................................................................... 132
Figure 128. How to Define Axis ................................................................................................. 133
Figure 129. How to Select Curve Points ..................................................................................... 134
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Figure 130. How to Select Min/Max Curve................................................................................ 135

Figure 131. How to Select Import function ................................................................................ 136
Figure 132. Select File to Import ................................................................................................ 136
Figure 133. Import Options......................................................................................................... 137
Figure 134. How to Convert Circuit Breakers ............................................................................ 137
Figure 135. Convert PDC Breaker Files ..................................................................................... 138
Figure 136. Advanced Motor Starting ........................................................................................ 139
Figure 137. Advanced Motor Starting Options........................................................................... 140
Figure 138. Advanced Motor Starting Report Manager ............................................................. 141
Figure 139. Graphic Presentation of the Motor Starting Results ................................................ 142
Figure 140. Exporting the Motor Starting Results ...................................................................... 142
Figure 141. Importing Withstand Curve ..................................................................................... 143
Figure 142. Inserting Motor Starting Curve ............................................................................... 144
Figure 143. Motor Decrement Curve Imported from the Advanced Motor Starting.................. 145
Figure 144. Creating New Generator Characteristic................................................................... 146
Figure 145. Adding New Generator Record ............................................................................... 147
Figure 146. Newly Created Generator Withstand Decrement Curve ......................................... 148
Note: You can view this manual on your CD as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file. The file name is:
 Protective Device Coordination PDC.pdf
You will find the Test/Job files used in this tutorial in the following location:
 C:\DesignBase\Samples\ACPDC
IMPORTANT NOTE: Power Analytics Corporation’s software products are tools intended to be
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What is New in Version 6.60.00
The following new features have been implemented in Protective Device Coordination version 6.60.00:
A. New Single Phase PDC. Coordination curves can now be entered directly into single-phase
equipment.
B. New Multi-Segment Relay capability. Enables use of two instantaneous segments.
C. New User Defined Short Circuit Arrows. User can specify short circuit level independently of
the components used in the study.
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D. Protective Device Coordination. New Coordination Report that analyses the entire model and
detects the part of the network with coordination issues. Instead of analyzing hundreds of
protective paths, engineer can now focus only on pats with issues.
E. New Global Edit Function “Change PDC label Names to Branch Names”
F. New breakers search filters for Protective Device Library.
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Protective Device Coordination Capabilities, Functions and Features
 AC and DC protective device coordination

 CAD-based and Standalone PDC programs
 Fully integrated with Short circuit, Power Flow, Motor Starting, Arc Flash and Transient analyses
 Comprehensive fuse, breaker and relay libraries
 Easy to use “Build” programs to create your own PDC curves
 Easy to use “Digitizer” program to digitize manufacturer Time current curves
 Motor decrement export function from motor starting to PDC
 Generator Withstand / Decrement curves
 Direct injection of PDC curves within CAD environment
 Automatic updates of power flow and short circuit results
 PDC studies across multiple drawings
 Multiple PDC curves per single device
 Intelligent PDC Auto-select engine
 Powerful plotting engine
 Comprehensive back-annotation and print functionality
 Disable/Enable and Show/Hide functions
 Delete, Copy and Paste PDC curve functions within editor
 Direct interpolation of PDC curves
 Relay 0% voltage curves @25% tap settings
 Professional reports, network and busbar based
 Tripping time maps
 Powerful time-current measurements
 DC adjustment of AC rated breakers
 Application of AC rated fuses in DC systems
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1. Introduction
DesignBase’s CAD-based PDC program is fast, easy to use and understand and a powerful tool for
analysis of over current protection in power systems. The program is built in compliance with all
applicable IEEE standards. The program is used to analyze models already built within the DesignBase
CAD interface. DesignBase PDC program exchanges data with other DesignBase engines and it is fully
integrated in the Paladin DesignBase environment see Figure 1. Detailed explanations are given in the
next chapter.
DesignBase also offers “Standalone and Network based PDC” program. The standalone program uses
the same engine as CAD-based PDC; however, their interfaces are different. Standalone and Network
PDC allows the user to quickly build and analyze protective circuits without building a model of the entire
system. Standalone and Network PDC are explained in Chapter 3.
Figure 1. PDC as a part of Paladin DesignBase environment
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2. Protective Device Coordination Program
To start Protective Device Coordination program, referred to as PDC, choose Selection > Protective
Device Coordination from the main DESIGNBASE menu. Alternatively, click on the appropriate toolbar
button .
2.1. PDC Graphical User Interface
2.1.1. PDC Toolbar

The PDC toolbar is shown in Figure 2; notice that all the toolbar functions will never be visible at the same
time. Detailed explanation of all PDC toolbar functions will be presented in this chapter.
Show Plot One- Copy/

Study Create New Delete Study Restore Devices Line on Paste Edit Back
Name Study Study Options View in Region TCC Table Menu Annotation
Create New Multi Save Run Run Show Measure Print Copy/Paste Insert
-Dwg Study Study as PF SC Study Time- Table TCC & Table Menu
Current
Figure 2. PDC Toolbar
2.1.2. PDC Catalogs

The PDC catalog is one of the tools that can be used for assigning coordination device curves to network.
Two catalogs are designated for this purpose, one consists of ANSI symbols and is called “ansipdc.axc”
and another one consisting of IEC symbols is called “iecpdc.axc”. Both catalogs are automatically
invoked after the PDC interface command is executed.
To use any of these symbols, drag and drop them over the respective network symbol to which PDC data
is to be added. A detailed example on how to perform this operation will be presented in subsequent
sections of this document. The screen captures in Figure 3 show both catalogs.
ANSI catalog IEC catalog
Figure 3. PDC Catalogs
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2.2. Open/Close Existing PDC Study
To open an existing PDC study, first open file PDC40 form DesignBase5 > Samples > ACPDC folder.
Next start PDC by clicking on PDC icon. The PDC toolbar will open (see Figure 4).
Figure 4. PDC40 One-Line Diagram
Notice the existence of one study within the “Study” window of the PDC toolbar. Open the “PDC Study
No.1” by clicking on “Show Study” button.
DesignBase PDC program will generate a new drawing (Figure 5, left hand side) with the user’s selected
coordination path, and a new drawing (Figure 5, right hand side) with the devices time-current curves
(TCC). PDC catalog is shown on the right hand side.
To go back to one-line diagram, Figure 4, click on the “Restore View” icon.
Using the “Show Study” and “Restore View” icons, user can easily navigate between the one-line model
of the entire system and various PDC studies within the model.
6
Figure 5. PDC40, an existing PDC study
7
2.3. Creating PDC Studies
In this section, we will learn how to conduct a Protective Device Coordination analysis on an existing
network. The exercise will be based on the single line diagram shown in Figure 6. The coordination path
under study spans from MOTOR 2 all the way up to the main transformer. The arrows on the drawing are
intended to assist in the visualization of this path.
70 A
Figure 6. Network used PDC analysis (DesignBase file PDC40)
8
Before starting PDC analysis perform the following steps:

 Open file PDC40 form DesignBase5 > Samples > ACPDC folder.
 Run “Error Checking” to ensure the data in the file is viable, correct errors if any.
 Run “Advanced Power Flow”.
 Run “Short Circuit”.
Short-circuit can be run at any time while performing PDC studies without leaving the PDC program. The
purpose of this function is to refresh the Short-circuit data after changes (influencing short-circuit level in
the network) have been applied to the model. To that end, a new icon, , has been added to the PDC
toolbar.
Notice that some PDC data are already injected it the PDC40 network. In this exercise we will start from
the beginning. Therefore, edit all the elements in the network and delete their PDC information as shown
in Figure 7.
Figure 7. Delete PDC information.
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2.3.1. Create / Delete PDC Study
After the network is prepared for coordination studies, click on the PDC icon to invoke PDC toolbar.
Notice the existence of previously created studies; use “delete” icon to remove all the existing studies,
Figure 8.
Figure 8. Delete PDC Study.
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Once the existing studies have been deleted, proceed to isolate coordination path under study (path is
shown in Figure 9). To do this, continue as follows:
 Hold down the “Shift” key on the keyboard;
 While the “Shift” key is being held down, select one by one each component in the coordination path.
Once an element has been successfully selected, it will be highlighted by yellow dots as shown in the
next screen-capture. Make sure that all nodes and buses in the coordination path are selected in the
process.
 Once all the components have been selected release the “Shift” key.
Once the coordination path has been selected click on “Create a New Study” to assign a study to the
selected path.
Figure 9. Select the coordination path. Assign new study to it.
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2.3.2. Study Options

After “Create a New Study” option is selected, the following dialog box will open. Alternatively, this dialog
box can be opened using “Study Options” command from PDC toolbar (Figure 10). The study options are:
 Label - This field is required. It defines a unique name for each study.
 Note 1 (Note 2) - Text entered here will be printed below the TCC graph.
 Phase or Ground - User defines the type of the study. If “Phase Only” is selected, ground curves will
not be shown on TCC.
 Amp Multiplier - Defines the scale on current axis.
 Voltage - All the curves are plotted on the same base voltage.
 Text Size/Font - Enables the user to control the size of the text of axes and curve labels.
 Grid Plot Time - Enables the user to extend TCC graph up to 10000 seconds.
 Define SC Arrows - User can specify short circuit level independently of the components used in the
study.
Figure 10. Study options
Click OK to the study options indicated above.
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2.3.3. AC Motor Curves
Once the study options are selected and saved, the PDC program will generate a new drawing with the
user’s selected coordination path and an empty TCC graph.
Click once on motor to add its starting curve. From “Insert” menu select “Insert Motor Curve” (see Figure
11). This selection will generate step motor curve as shown in Figure 13. Notice another available option
in insert menu: “Insert Custom Curve”. This option will be discussed in Section 5.10.2.
Figure 11. Insert Motor Curve
Motor PDC dialog screen, Figure 12, will appear next. A detailed explanation of the dialog boxes follows.
Motor Section A
Equipment Voltage: Voltage rating of the motor.
Design Load Amps: Nominal Nameplate Amps or other load condition being studied.
Short Circuit Amps: Short Circuit Current Available at the motor connection point.
Short Circuit Flag: Short Circuit Current representation on the TCC graph (Arrows, Flags, etc.)
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Motor Section B
Curve Label: Type an appropriate label for the Motor.
Curve Color: Select a color from the pick list.
Current Multiplier: Shifts the motor curve along the current axis of the TCC by this factor.
Show Inrush as a Step: Graphs the inrush section of the motor start as a step rather than slanted.
Motor Section C
Power Factor: Motor nominal running power factor in PU.
Efficiency: Motor nominal running efficiency in PU.
Service Factor: Motor service factor.
B D
Figure 12. Motor PDC Dialog
Motor Section D
Full Load Amps: Motor full load amps.
LRA Mult. Factor: Locked rotor current as a factor of the Full Load Amps of the motor.
Starter Tap %: Percent starting current as a function of the starting method being selected.
Locked Rotor Amps: Calculated locked rotor amps.
Inrush Mult Factor: Inrush current as a factor of locked rotor current.
Inrush amps: Motor starting inrush current.
Max. Acc. Time: Maximum time for the motor to reach steady state (synchronous) speed
Max. Withstand Time: Generic maximum time that the motor can withstand the locked rotor condition
without suffering thermal damage.
Hot Stall Time: Maximum time that the motor can withstand the locked rotor condition without
suffering thermal damage, under higher temperature conditions. Such conditions
can include heavy-duty cycles, frequent starts, poor cooling conditions, etc.
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Cold Stall Time: Maximum time that the motor can withstand the locked rotor condition without
suffering thermal damage, under lower temperature conditions. Such conditions
can include light duty cycles, infrequent starts, enhanced cooling conditions, etc.
Figure 13 illustrates the AC motor parameters used for protective device coordination.
Full
Load
Cold Stall Time
Current
Max. With. Time
Hot Stall Time
Accel.
Time
Locked
Rotor
Current
Inrush
Current
Figure 13. Typical Motor Time-Current Curve.
The PDC dialog screen in Figure 12 is automatically populated with the data from Motor “Power Flow”
and “Short circuit” tabs. To proceed, enter the curve label and click OK. Motor TC will be displayed in
TCC window.
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2.3.6. Cable Damage Curves
Proceed to add cable damage curve. Select the cable.
Figure 14. Insert Cable Curve
From the “Insert” menu select “Insert Cable Curve” (see Figure 14). The appropriate cable PDC dialog will
appear. All the cable data are automatically entered. Proceed to add the curve label. Extend the cable
characteristic to 10 seconds. Click OK. The cable damage curve will be displayed on TCC plot (see
Figure 16).
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Figure 15. Cable PDC dialog
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2.3.7. Transformer Inrush/Withstand Curves

Proceed to add transformer withstand curve. Select the transformer.
Figure 16. Insert Transformer Curve
From the “Insert” menu select “Insert Transformer Curve” (see Figure 16). The appropriate transformer
PDC dialog will appear. All the transformer data are automatically entered. Proceed to add the curve label
and to extend the transformer characteristic to 500 seconds as shown in Figure 18. Click OK. The
transformer curve will be displayed on TCC plot (see Figure 17).
Coloring scheme: Observe the color of symbols on the left-hand screen. Elements with PDC data are
colored in red. Elements without PDC data are black. Select one red element – cable, for instance.
Select “Edit > Hide curve” (see Figure 17). Notice that the cable curve is hidden while its color has
changed to blue.
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Figure 17. Coloring scheme
19
Figure 18. Transformer PDC dialogue boxes
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2.3.8. Fuses
Proceed to add fuse characteristic. Select the fuse. From the “Insert” menu select “Insert Device Curve”.
Figure 19. Insert Fuse Curve
From the “Device Library Manager” select “Fuse > ABB”. Select the fuse as shown in Figure 20, then click
“Select”.
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Figure 20. Fuse Library
22
C
B
Figure 21. Fuse Dialog Screens
Fuse PDC dialog screens shown in Figure 21 will appear. Detailed explanation follows.
Fuses Section A
Equipment Voltage: Voltage rating at the point where the Fuse is being connected.
Design Load Amps: Steady State load at the point where the Fuse is being connected.
Short Circuit Amps: Short Circuit Current Available at the Fuse connection point.
Short Circuit Flag: Short Circuit Current representation on the TCC graph (Arrows, Flags, etc.)
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Fuses Section B
Curve Label: Type an appropriate label for the fuse characteristic.
Color: Select a color from the pick list.
Shading: Select from pick list (Solid, Cross Hatching, etc.)
Clip Fuse at SC: Cuts the fuse curve at the short circuit level.
Current Multiplier: Shifts the curve along the current axis on the TCC by this factor.
Lower Limit: Lower search limit as % of the Design Load Amps. (Auto-Select Mode)
Upper Limit: Upper search limit as % of the Design Load Amps. (Auto-Select Mode)
Fuses Section C
Manufacturer: Selects manufacturer database from the pick-list.
Voltage: Voltage rating for the fuse to be selected.
Auto Select: Automatic fuse selection command.
Browse: Browse through database of the selected manufacturer @ the selected voltage.
Curve Set Number: Displays the selected fuse curve set number.
Fuses Section D
Browse: Browse through database of the selected manufacturer.
Interpolate: Interpolate (create) a non-existing curve between two existing ones.
Fuses Section E
Type: Displays the selected fuse type from the manufacturer’s database.
Speed: Displays the speed of the selected fuse.
Rating: Displays the selected fuse rating in Amps.
Switch Type: Allows the user to select the type of switch used for the fuse.
Switch Size: Allows the user to specify the rating of the switch in Amps
Adj. for DC Application: Allows the user to specify the DC time constant in sec for cases in which the fuse
will be used in DC applications.
To proceed with the fuse selection, enter all the data as shown in Figure 21. Next, click the “Search”
button. If the selected fuse is found the “Search” button will become a “Save” button. Click on the “Save”
button next. The fuse characteristic is displayed on The TCC graph and its label and size is displayed on
the PDC study drawing. (see Figure 22).
If you select the fuse curve on the TCC graph the PDC toolbar will be extended. Notice the green arrows
at the end of the PDC toolbar. Using these arrows user can change the settings of the fuse; user can
move the characteristics through all possible settings (6, 10, 16, 25, 40, 63, 100, 125, 160 and 200A) for
the particular fuse.
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Figure 22. Fuse Settings
If the desired fuse size does not exist in DesignBase5 library, user can use the interpolation feature in the
fuse PDC editor to generate the desired curve. Clicking on the “Interpolate button” (see Figure 21 - area
“D”) will invoke the interpolation dialog box. If, for instance, an 85 A fuse is to be created, it is necessary
to select the appropriate range (63-100A in this case) and to specify a value within the range (85 A).
Click on the “Interpolate” button to create desired characteristic.
Figure 23. Fuse Interpolation
25
2.3.9. Relays
Proceed to add relay characteristics. First select the overload relay 0009. From the “Insert” menu select
“Insert Device Curve”.
Figure 24. Insert Relay Curve
From the “Device Library Manager” select Relay > Standard > GE. Select the relay as shown in Figure 25
and click “Select Phase”.
26
Figure 25. Relay Library
27
B C
Figure 26. Relay Dialog Screens
28
Relay PDC dialog screens in Figure 26 will appear. Set the relay as shown above. Detailed explanation
follows.
Relay Section A
Equipment Voltage: Voltage rating at the point where the relay is being connected.
Design Load Amps: Steady State load at the point where the relay is being connected.
Short Circuit Amps: Short Circuit Current Available at the relay connection point.
Short Circuit Flag: Short Circuit Current representation on the TCC graph (Arrows, Flags...)
Relay Section B
Curve Label: Type an appropriate label for the relay.

Ext. Relay to Short Circuit: Select if you wish to extend the curve up to the short circuit flag.
0% voltage curve @ 25% TS: Refer to section 2.3.8.
Continuous Tap Setting: Select if you wish continuous interpolation between limits.
Show Min/Max Trip Curves: Show the minimum and maximum curves and enter percent value.
Relay Section C
Auto Select: Automatic relay selection command.
Instantaneous only: Selects instantaneous settings only.
Curve Set Number: Displays the selected relay curve set number.
Relay Section D
Auto Select: Automatic relay selection command.
Interpolate: Interpolate (create) a non-existing curve between two existing ones.
Calibration: Allows the user to enter field-tested calibration points.
Relay Section E
This section holds the information that pertains to the relay Type, Time Dial, CT Ratio and Tap Setting.
These values can either be entered manually or automatically when the Auto-Select function has been
used.
Relay Section F
This section (when selected) holds the information that pertains to the relay’s various Instantaneous setting
parameters. Multi-Segment Relay capability Enables use of two instantaneous segments.
To proceed with the relay selection, enter all the data as shown in Figure 26. Next, click the “Search”
button. If the selected curve is found the “Search” button will become a “Save” button. Click on the “Save”
button. The relay characteristic is displayed on the TCC graph and the relay PDC label is displayed
together with its time-dial on the PDC study drawing. (see Figure 27).
If you select the relay curve you will notice an extension of the PDC toolbar. Notice the green arrow at the
end of the toolbar. Using these arrows user can change the time dial of the relay.
29
Figure 27. Relay Settings
Following the same steps used for the motor overload relay, proceed to enter the 50/51 relays “0001” and
“0005” as shown in
Figure 28 and Figure 29.
30
Figure 28. Relay “0005” – Dialog Screens
Figure 29. Relay “0001” – Dialog Screens
The completed PDC study is shown in Figure 30. To avoid crowding, the TCC graph has been extended
to 100 seconds using “Study Options > Grid Plot Time” as explained in Section 2.3.2.
31
Figure 30. Completed TCC study
32
2.3.10. Relays - 0% voltage curve @ 25% Tap Setting

Note:
The information contained in this section, has been extracted from IEEE Std. 242-1986 - Buff Book
(IEEE Recommended Practice for Protection and Coordination of Industrial and Commercial
Power Systems).
This setting applies mainly to the protection of backup generator systems. When considering the topic of
generator protection, system designers are sometimes reluctant to use any relay that operates purely on
the over current function. The reason for this is to avoid false trips that may be caused by transient
and/or temporary overload load conditions. The use of ordinary time over current relays can present a
dilemma when attempting to determine the proper settings. The two possible scenarios of concern are as
follows:
- Low settings: The relay might trip the generator unnecessarily on normal overloads.
- High Settings: The relay might not respond at all due to the decaying characteristic of the generator
current.
In view of these facts, some over current relays are especially designed to make their operating
characteristics a function of voltage as well as the current. As the magnitude of the voltage applied to the
coil decreases from the rated value, the time-current characteristic is modified so that the relay becomes
more sensitive. There are two types of relays that are typically used for this application:
1. Voltage Restraint Over current Relay

2. Voltage Controlled Over current Relay
For more information on the operation and details of these two types of relays, refer to the IEEE Std. 242-
1986 - Buff Book (IEEE Recommended Practice for Protection and Coordination of Industrial and
Commercial Power Systems).
DesignBase allows the user to include modified relay curves for Voltage Restraint Over current relays. As
the voltage is reduced during a fault, the current required to operate the relay at a given tap setting also
drops. This gives the relay an infinite series of characteristic curves. The performance at selected values
is given as follows:
% Rated Volts Pickup, % Tap Setting

100 100
78 78
48 52
0 25
By selecting the “Show 0% voltage curve at 25% tap setting” field, DesignBase allows the user to select
the curve that would correspond to a 0% volt condition (Bolted Fault Condition), which reduces the tap
setting down to 25% of the original setting. The program automatically plots the curve.
The figure in the next page shows an example of how the 0% voltage curve is included in the TCC to aide
the user in the coordination analysis.
33
Figure 31. Example of a Relay TC Graph showing both the 100% & 0% Voltage Trip Response
Curves
34
2.3.11. Circuit Breakers
Proceed to add circuit breaker characteristics. Since the current PDC study does not contain a breaker,
close the study using “Restore View” button. The entire PDC40 network will be shown. Select the LV
breaker “0008“ and select “Insert > Insert Device Curve” option from the PDC toolbar. Notice that the
breaker curve will be added directly on the one-line diagram (without using PDC studies).
Figure 32. Direct Injection of PDC data
From the “Device Library Manager” select “Breakers > Solid State > GE”. Select the breaker as shown in
Figure 34 and click “Select”. The same result can be achieved by simply double clicking on the breaker
symbol and clicking on the library field pull down menu shown below.
35
Figure 33. Direct Selection of PDC data From Breaker Editor
36
Figure 34. Breaker Selection
B C
37
E
D
Figure 35. Solid State Breaker Dialog Screens
Solid state Circuit Breaker (SSCB) PDC dialog screens (see Figure 35) will appear. Set the breaker as
shown above. Detailed explanation follows.
SSCB Section A
Equipment Voltage: Voltage rating at the point where the breaker is being connected.
Design Load Amps: Steady State load at the point where the breaker is being connected.
Short Circuit Amps: Short Circuit Current Available at the breaker connection point.
Short Circuit Flag: Short Circuit Current representation on the TCC graph (Arrows, Flags, etc..)
SSCB Section B
Curve Label: Type an appropriate label for the SSCB.
Clip Breaker at SC: Cuts the breaker curve at the short circuit level.
SSCB Section C
Voltage Class: Voltage rating for the breaker to be selected.
Breaker Type: Selects the breaker type from the manufacturer’s database.
Trip Type: Selects the breaker’s trip unit from the manufacturer’s database.
Browse: Browse through database of the selected manufacturer @ the selected voltage.
Curve Set Number: Displays the selected SSCB curve set number.
SSCB Section D
Interrupting Rating: Displays the Interrupting Rating of the SSCB.
SSCB Section E
This section holds the information that pertains to the SSCB Frame Size/Max Rating, Current
Sensors/Tap/Plug Settings, LTPU, STPU and Instantaneous settings. These values can either be entered
manually or automatically when the Auto-Select function has been used.
38
After the circuit breaker is selected, add transformer curve to the transformer “0011”; use the procedure
explained in Section 2.3.7. After the transformer curve is added, create a new PDC study. Study should
span between bus bars SW-1 and SUB-1. The study options are shown in Figure 36.
Figure 36. Study #2 - Options
39
PDC study # 2 is shown in Figure 37. PDC toolbar can be used to change the breaker settings. Select the
breaker curve and click on the pulldown menu with the breaker settings. Select “Short Time Pickup” as
2
shown in Figure 37. Use the blue arrows to reduce the pickup to 2.00. Next, select “Short Time I T Delay”;
use arrows to remove this part of the curve. The curve should now look like the one shown in Figure 38.
Figure 37. Tuning the Breaker Settings – 1
40
Figure 38. Tuning the Breaker Settings – 2
2.3.12. Adding Protective Devices using PDC Catalog

Examples in Sections 2.3.8. through 2.3.11. explain how to add PDC curves into existing protective
devices. In other words, the devices physically exist on DesignBase one-line diagram. In some cases (for
example in transmission systems) the devices are not shown in one-line diagram. In these cases,
protective curves of fuses, breakers and relays can be added to the model using PDC catalog.
41
Figure 39. Adding the PDC Devices Using the Catalog
To demonstrate, open the PDC study created in the previous section. We will assume the existence of a
relay at the end of the line “0007”. Next we can select a relay symbol from PDC catalog and drag and
drop it onto the feeder (see Figure 39). Once we release the relay symbol we will be asked to overwrite
the existing PDC curve (the existing feeder damage curve). Instead overwriting, click “Insert After” (see
Figure 40).
Figure 40. Adding the Second Curve to Device
42
The new PDC curve should be added following the steps explained in Section 2.3.9. User is encouraged
to finish this exercise, replicating the curve shown in Figure 41 and using the data displayed in the figure.
Figure 41. PDC Curve Injected Using the PDC Catalog
After finishing this exercise click the “Restore View” icon. Notice that the newly created relay will not be
shown on one-line diagram. It is visible only within the PDC study.
43
2.4. Reports
In this section, we will learn how to report different PDC results and parameters. PDC annotations, text
and tabular reports and TCC graphs will be discussed. The examples will be based on the PDC40 file and
on the studies presented in Section 2.3.
2.4.1. PDC Back Annotations

To report the results/settings back on the drawing, PDC “Back Annotation” icon should be used. The icon
is located within the PDC toolbar (see Section 2.1.1) and it looks the same as back-annotation icons of
other DesignBase programs (power flow, short-circuit etc.).
Data are usually annotated on the one-line part of the PDC studies (left-half of screen). A new feature of
the PDC annotation is that data can be annotated directly on the entire one-line diagram. Once the “Back
Annotation” is activated the following screen will appear:
Figure 42. PDC Annotation Dialog
44
“Phase or Ground” section in the screen in Figure 42 can be used to annotate the phase settings only,
the ground settings only, or both.
“All Equipment ” section in the screen in Figure 42 contains the information common to all the PDC
equipment. User decides which properties will be displayed by using checkmarks.
Back Annotation dialog box contains separate tabs for breakers, relays, fuses etc. The breaker-tab is
shown in Figure 42. User chooses which properties will be displayed for a particular equipment type by
using checkmarks.
The results of PDC back annotation are presented in the Figure 43.
Figure 43. PDC Data Annotated on the Drawing
45
2.4.2. Text Reports

Text reports are study oriented. Before creating a text report user needs to open a study. To generate a
text report, open the “PDC Study #1” within the PDC40 job-file. Click on the “Print” icon from the PDC
toolbar.
Figure 44. Generating a Text Report
After clicking the “Print PDC” the dialog box shown in Figure 45 will appear. User can decide to send the
data to an Excel table or to generate a text report. Select “Show Current PDC Study Report” and Press
“OK” to continue. The report shown in Figure 46 will be generated.
46
Figure 45. Parameters of the Text Report
At this point, the report can be printed out, copied to the clipboard or saved as a text file for third party
software customization. Click on “Clipboard” option. To exit, select “Done” from the menu.
47
Figure 46. PDC Text Report within the DesignBase environment
The report has been copied to the clipboard. To paste the report in an MS Word document, simply use
the “Paste” command within the MS Word. To preserve the DesignBase formatting, select the entire
report and change its font to “Courier” and the font size to “9”. An example of the MS Word report is
shown in
48
Figure 47.
Figure 47. PDC Text Report pasted in MS Word
49
2.4.3. Professional Reports

Professional reports are bus bar oriented or project oriented. User can report the settings of all the
devices within the project. User can also report the settings of all the devices within the particular panel
(bus-bar). To generate professional reports, open the PDC40 file. Invoke PDC toolbar and click on the
“Edit” button within the PDC toolbar (see Figure 48).
To generate global reports, click on “Reports” and choose the type of report needed. To generate bus-bar
oriented report, select the bus-bar; use “Edit > Reports by Busbar” option. User can select more than one
bus-bar. If no bus-bar is selected, report for all bus-bars will be generated.
Figure 48. Generating Professional Reports
As an example, breaker and relay reports are generated (see Figure 49 and Figure 50). The professional
report can be printed or exported to another application. User can navigate through the report listing
different pages or using the search tool. Different functions of the professional report toolbar are
illustrated in Figure 51.
50
Figure 49. Professional Breaker Report.
Figure 50. Professional Report Toolbar
51
Professional report can be exported to third party software and customized within that software. Typically
the report is exported to Adobe Acrobat or to MS Excel. To export the software click on the “Export”
button on the Professional Report toolbar. Choose “Application” as the destination of the report, and
choose preferable report format. Next click “OK” (see Figure 52) and the report will be exported to the
chosen software.
Figure 51. Exporting the Professional Report
Figure 52. Professional Report in “pdf” Format
52
2.4.4. Injecting Faults and Tripping-Time Maps

DesignBase PDC program offers two tools for the calculation of device opening time. Fault current can be
injected to any component within a PDC study. The generated report will show tripping time of all the
upstream devices. This tool will be depicted first. Also, user can inject short circuit at any point in the
network and generate the report with device sequence of operation. This report will be discussed later.
Before injecting the fault current, open a study. For this example, open the “PDC Study #1” within the
PDC40 job-file. Select the induction motor M1 and choose “Insert > Inject Fault” from the PDC toolbar,
Figure 53. Injecting the Fault within the PDC Study. The following dialog box will appear:
User can inject any fault current in the above dialog. We will inject a current of 1000A and click “OK.” As a
result of this action, DesignBase text report shown in Figure 55 will open.
Figure 53. Injecting the Fault within the PDC Study
53
The “Protective Device Open Time Report” gives the information of opening time of all devices in the
study. The report can be printed out, copied to the clipboard or saved as a text file for third party software
customisation (these are common features of all DesignBase text reports). Select “Done” to exit from the
report menu.
Figure 54. Protective Device Opening-Time Report
The same results can be obtained by injecting a 989 Amps fault on breaker “0009” as shown below. The
inject fault feature works both on branches and busses.
54
User can also inject the short circuit at any point in the network to generate the report with device
sequence of operation. To demonstrate this PDC feature, first use the “Restore View” icon to go out of
the PDC study. Next, select the induction motor M1 and click on “Device Sequence of Operation” icon as
shown in the Figure 56. The “device Sequence of Operation Professional Report” will be generated
automatically (see Figure 56). The report gives the tripping time of all the protective devices upstream of
the faulted device.
Figure 55. Device Sequence of Operation
55
DesignBase
Figure 56. Device Sequence of Operation - Professional Report
56
After closing the professional report, tripping results will be annotated on the one-line diagram. Beside the
name of protective devices, the program will display the appropriate short-circuit branch currents and the
appropriate opening times.
Figure 57. Device Sequence of Operation - Annotations
The Coordination Report analyses the entire model and detects the part of the network with coordination
issues. Instead of analyzing hundreds of protective paths, engineer can now focus only on pats with
issues.
57
58
2.4.5. Graphical Reports
While a PDC study is open user can print its one-line diagram and TCC graph directly from DesignBase.
User should simply make the appropriate half-screen active and use the “File > Print” command.
Alternatively, user can copy and paste both half-screens into MS Word. “Edit > Copy Graph to Clipboard”
will transfer TCC graph to clipboard, while “Edit > Copy Network to Clipboard” will transfer the one-line
diagram to clipboard. User can paste both pictures using the “paste” or “paste special” command within
the MS Word environment.
Figure 58. Copy Graph/Network to Clipboard
User can combine both screens using the “Place One Line on TCC” icon from the PDC toolbar (see
Figure 59). To remove the one-line diagram from TCC graph, select it and press “Delete” key.
Alternatively, user can bring TCC graph on the left-half screen using the “Copy/Paste TCC” icon from the
PDC toolbar (see Figure 60). To enable this action, make the left-half screen active (click on it). To
remove the TCC graph from the one-line, click on “Show Study” icon.
Finally, user can ring both, the TCC graph and the report; on the left-half screen using the “Copy/Paste
TCC and Table” icon from the PDC toolbar (see Figure 61). To enable this action, make the left-half
59
screen active (click on it). To remove the TCC graph and the table from the one-line, click on “Show
Study” icon.
Figure 59. Place One Line on TCC
60
Figure 60. Copy/Paste TCC
61
Figure 61. Copy/Paste TCC and Table
62
2.5 Additional PDC Functions
2.5.1. Time-Current Measurements
There are two ways to perform measurements/readings on the TCC graph.

The first method applies a single point: “the yellow dot”. If user clicks on the TCC graph (anywhere but on
TC curves) the yellow dot will appear in the lower left corner of the graph. At the same time its
coordinates will appear in the extension of TCC toolbar (see Figure 62). User can drag and drop the
yellow dot anywhere on the screen and read its coordinates at the PDC toolbar.
Figure 62. Time/Current Measurements Using “the Yellow Dot”
The second measurement method is used to measure time discrimination (coordination) between two
curves. First make TCC graph active (click on it). Click on “Measure Time-Current” icon. A “green”
adjustable rectangle will appear on TCC graph. User can move the adjustable rectangle over the TC
curves. Adjusting the upper and lower left corner of rectangle on two adjacent TC curves, user can read
the time coordination for a desired current value (see Figure 63).
63
Figure 63. Time/Current Measurements Using “Measure Time-Current” tool
64
2.5.2. Creating Studies Over Multiple Drawings / Pages
To demonstrate this DesignBase PDC feature we need to create a multiple-drawing project. To do that,
open the PDC40 file. Next, add a new drawing to the file using the “File > Add a New Drawing File to
Project” command from main DesignBase menu. Place the new drawing in the same folder as the main
drawing, PDC40.axd and name it PDC40new.axd. Next use the “Window > Arrange All” command from
the main menu; your DesignBase screen should look like in the one shown in Figure 64.
Figure 64. Creating Multiple-Drawings Project
Copy the SW-1 bus bar (using “Edit > Copy” command) from the PDC40.axd and paste it in
PDC40new.axd using “Edit > Paste Duplicate Symbol” command. Notice that the pasted equipment has
the same name as the original and that it is energized. You can continue to build the model on the new
drawing. For this exercise we will add a circuit breaker, a feeder and a motor. The model will look like the
one shown on Figure 66.
Next, we will create a study including the equipment between the motor MOT-1 and the bus-bar SUB-2.
The study extends over both drawings. Our first step will be to invoke PDC toolbar and to click on the
“Create a New Multiple Drawings Study” icon – the “blue plus”. Notice that the color of the icon will
change from blue to red; also notice the equipment counter in the extension of PDC toolbar (see Figure
65).
65
Figure 65. Multiple-Drawings PDC Toolbar
Figure 66. Multiple-Drawings Project
Continue selecting all the equipment from PDC40new.axd. Click on the red plus (“Add Equipment”) icon.
Notice that equipment counter counts five elements. Next, select all the equipment between bus-bars
SUB-2 and SW-1 in PDC40.axd. Click on the “Add Equipment” again. Equipment count increases to 11.
Create a new study using “Create a New Study” button- the “black plus”. The study will contain selected
elements from both drawings as shown in Figure 67.
66
Figure 67. Multiple-Drawings Study
67
2.5.3. PDC Commands within DesignBase Editor
User can edit or delete PDC data using PDC tab of DesignBase editor (see Figure 68). To accelerate the
process of PDC injection, user can use Copy/Paste buttons within the PDC tab. If there are several
breakers with the same PDC curves, user can use the PDC interface to inject the curve in the first
breaker. Next, user should use editor to copy and paste the data in the rest of the devices.
Figure 68. PDC Commands Within DesignBase Editor
User can disable the curve using “Disable” button. This is a useful feature when evaluating several
alternative settings for the same breaker. Disabled curve will not be shown in TCC graph. Its annotation
will not be displayed in one-line diagram. Last, but not least, disabled curve will be ignored by Arc
Flash program.
68
2.5.4. Adjusting the Shape of Single Line Diagram
Once the study is created, single line diagram will appear exactly the same as in the original CAD
drawing. User can move and resize all the objects following the same logic as in CAD drawing. User
cannot disconnect objects.
To align all the symbols in single line diagram user should do the following (see Figure 69):
 Step 1: Select and drag and drop the elements to the desired location
 Step 2: Adjust the connections on bus-bars. Since the program will not allow you to disconnect
and reconnect the elements, you need to drag and drop the connection points while holding
the “Ctrl” key. “Ctrl” key allows the user to adjust the connection points without disconnecting
elements.
 Step 3: Adjust the length of bus-bars by dragging and dropping their end points.
Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Step 1.
Step 2.
Figure 69. Aligning the Elements on the Single Line Drawing
69
3. Standalone & Network Based Protective Device Coordination Program
To invoke Standalone and Network based Protective Device Coordination program, referred to as S&N
PDC program, make sure that you do not have any project open in the main DesignBase program
window and then choose Selection > Standalone and Network PDC from the main DesignBase menu.
Alternatively, click on the appropriate toolbar button .
Verify that the S&N PDC interface appears as indicated in Figure 70. The system is now ready to create
and analyze a standalone network. The detailed procedure will be explained in further sections of this
chapter.
Figure 70. Standalone and Network Based Interface
70
3.1. The Protective Device Library Manager

The Protective Device Library Manager (referred to as PDLM) is a powerful interface that allows the user
to select curves based on a highly organized database. Its use is extremely simple and it can be invoked
directly from a standalone study as it is being conducted. This section will illustrate how to access and
use this application.
The addition of protective device curves can be carried out directly from the PDLM, which is present in
the PDC program interface. This command is not explicitly used in the GUI based PDC (Chapter 2),
because that method makes use of it automatically as a device is added to the coordination path.
To invoke the PDLM, select the “Device” button (see Figure 70). Add a protective device, by clicking on
the desired position within the right half-screen of S&N PDC interface. Protective device library manager
will appear next (see Figure 71).
Notice that the protective devices are organized in different “folders” by category. Let’s assume that a
Standard Relay is to be added to the study. To accomplish this:
 Click on the “+” sign to the left of the folder named “Relay”.
 Expand the “Standard” option by clicking on the “+” sign.
 Select the required manufacturer. In this example, select ABB (refer to Figure 72 for following steps).
 Select whether the relay will be used as a Phase or Ground protection device. Select “Phase” here.
 From the list of available relays, select the one that is required for the study. In this example, select
as indicated in Figure 72.
 Proceed to complete and fine tune the settings for the selected relay, or use the Auto-Select feature.
Select “Search/Save” to add the curve to the PDC Study.
 The relay curve will be shown within the S&N PDC interface.
If the type name or the curve number is known, the relay can be searched by using the new PDLM search
feature.
71
Figure 71. Protective Device Library Manager
72
Figure 72. Choice and Settings of the Desired Relay
73
3.2. The Protective Device Coordination Utility Toolbar
The protective device coordination utility toolbar allows the user to perform two basic groups of functions:
Group 1.0: PDC Graph Management.

Group 2.0: Addition of protective device coordination curves. It includes the PDLM.
Group 1 is subdivided into two other tools as follows:

Group 1.1: One-Line Diagram path management tools.
Group 1.2: General management tools.
Figure 73 shows where each one of these groups can be found.
Group 1.1
Group 1.0
Group 1.2
Group 2.0 Protective Device

Library Manager
(PDLM)
Figure 73. PDC Utility Toolbar
Group 1.1 tools are further explained in Figure 75. To use these tools, simply select the desired function
and click on the section, node or path of the network to be used. To re-generate the network from any
view, select “Regenerate Network”.
Group 1.2 tools and group 2.0 tools are explained in Figure 75 and Figure 76.
74
Figure 74. Group 1.1 Tools
75
Select from this area

the generic class of
PDC device to be used.
Refer to section 3.1
for information on
the PDLM Interface.
Choose from this area

the specific type of the
selected device. The
figure below shows the
specific case of a
motor.
Motor
Load
Bus
Power Source
Transformer
Cable
76
3.3. Conducting a Standalone PDC Analysis
Figure 77. Network used for Standalone PDC Analysis
In this section, we will learn how to create a Stand-Alone AC Protective Device Coordination file. The
exercise will be based on the single line diagram shown in the above figure. The system in question
consists of the following components:
AC Fuse: S&C SMU-20-STD 80E

Transformer: 1000 kVA 13.8kV / 480 V / Z = 5.75% / Delta-Wye (sg)
SS Breaker: GE AK/AKR ECS LS / AKR-50 / 1200 AMP
Main Bus: 480 Volt / 1500 AMP
O/L Relay: GE 139 OL / TD = 2.0 / Tap = 4.3 / CT = 150/5
Feeder: 4/0 AWG
AC Motor: 100 HP / 480 Volt.
The sole objective of this tutorial is to learn how to enter the AC devices according to the background
information explained in the previous sections.
77
3.3.1. Adding the Motor to PDC Study
To add the motor to PDC study:

 Step 1: Select the “Motor” icon.
 Step 2: Select motor.
 Step 3: Click once anywhere in the design space.
 Step 4: Fill out the information for the motor as indicated below.
 Step 5: Select “OK” from motor dialog.
Figure 78. Adding the Motor to Standalone PDC Study
TCC curve for newly added induction motor will be shown on TCC graph (see Figure 77). To save the
PDC study use “File > Save Standalone AS” command from the main menu.
78
3.3.2. Adding the Cable to PDC Study
To add the cable to PDC study:

 Step 1: Select the “Cable” icon.
 Step 2: Select “Cable”.
 Step 3: Click once on the motor.
 Step 4: Complete the cable data as indicate below.
 Step 5: Click “Search”.
Figure 79. Adding the Cable to Standalone PDC Study
79
3.3.3. Adding the Relay to PDC Study
To add the relay to PDC study proceed to perform the following steps:
 Step 1: Select the “Device” icon.
 Step 2: Click once on the cable.
 Step 3: Following the procedure explained in Section 3.1. select the GE / 139 OL phase relay.
 Step 4: Complete the relay data as indicated below.
 Step 5: Click “Search”. Once the selection has been found click “Save”.
Figure 80. Adding the Relay to Standalone PDC Study
80
3.3.4. Adding the Bus to PDC Study
To add the bus to PDC study proceed to perform the following steps:
 Step 1: Select the “Bus” icon.
 Step 2: Select “Bus”.
 Step 3: Click once on the relay.
 Step 4: Complete the bus data as indicate below.
 Step 5: Click “Save”.
Figure 81. Adding the Bus to Standalone PDC Study
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3.3.5. Adding the Solid State Circuit Breaker to PDC Study
To add the breaker to PDC study proceed to perform the following steps:
 Step 2: Click once on the main bus.
 Step 3: Following the procedure explained in Section 3.1. select the following circuit breaker:
“GE / AK/AKR / ECS LSI”.
 Step 4: Complete the breaker data as indicate below.
Figure 82. Adding the Solid State Circuit Breaker to Standalone PDC Study
82
3.3.6. Adding the Transformer to PDC Study
To add the transformer to PDC study proceed to perform the following steps:
 Step 1: Select the “Transformer” icon.
 Step 2: Select “Xfmr”.
 Step 3: Click once on the “from” end of the breaker.
 Step 4: Complete the transformer data as indicate below.
 Step 5: Click “Save”.
Figure 83. Adding the Transformer to Standalone PDC Study
83
3.3.7. Adding the Fuse to PDC Study
To add the fuse to PDC study proceed to perform the following steps:
 Step 2: Click once on the “from” end of the transformer.
 Step 3: Following the procedure explained in Section 3.1. select the following fuse: S&C /
SMU-20 STD / 80E.”
 Step 4: Complete the fuse data as indicate below.
Figure 84. Adding the Fuse to Standalone PDC Study
84
3.3.8. Injecting Short-Circuit Currents in a Standalone PDC Study
The final product of performed Standalone PDC study is shown in the figure below.
To inject the short-circuit current in the study perform the following steps:
 Select the “Inject Fault Current” icon.
 Double click on the desired node (motor in this example)
 Type the magnitude and voltage of the SC current and select the study “Options”.
 Press “OK” to start the analysis.
Figure 85. Injecting Fault Current to Standalone PDC Study
85
Report showing the tripping times of all the devices in the path of the fault will be displayed. The partial
report is shown in the figure below. Select “Done” to exit report.
Figure 86. Partial Tripping Time Report in Standalone PDC Study
86
3.3.9. Generating PDC Reports in a Standalone PDC Study
To generate a report within the Standalone PDC study, click on the “Table” command from main menu.
Fill in the “Table Parameters” dialog box and click “OK”. Partial report showing the PDC devices entered
in the study will be displayed. Select “Done” to exit.
Figure 87. Partial PDC Report in Standalone PDC Study
87
3.4. Generic PDC Interface
This interface allows the user to address the following scenarios and contingencies:
- Open DesignBase Standalone PDC Files.
- Open old EDSA Technical/DesignBase text based files. Once the files are opened, the user
can conduct a PDC analysis, or modify existing ones attached to the file.
- Open EDSA version 2.5 up to 2.95 files. These files can be opened regardless of whether a
graphical file exists or not. Once the files are opened, the user can conduct a PDC
analysis, or modify existing ones attached to the file.
- Open EDSA Technical 2005/DesignBase graphical files. If user prefers standalone PDC
engine, user can import entire model into the engine and perform studies within it.
The following example shows how to open an existing DesignBase file with Standalone and Network
Based PDC program and to perform the PDC study on it. The process is illustrated in Figure 88 and it is
performed in the following steps:
 Step 1: From the “File” menu, select “Open Job…”

 Step 2: Select the file to be studied. In this case select “PDC40NB.MDB”, and press
“Open”.
 Step 3: Select “Cancel” to render the entire network onto the design space. If the job file
contains any existing PDC studies, they would be listed here. In such cases, simply
select the study of interest and open it for reviewing and or editing.
Once the network is displayed on the right half-screen, user should proceed as shown in Figure 89:
 Step 5: From the “Study” menu, select “New Study”.

 Step 6: Type a name for the study”.
 Step 7: Choose “Isolate the segment of the network to use for this study”.
 Step 8: Select the “from” and “to” nodes for the segment to be isolated.
 Step 9: Select “OK”.
The isolated section of the network will be displayed. User can continue to create a PDC study in the
manner explained in Section 3.3.
88
Figure 88. Open Network Based PDC Study
89
Figure 89. Create a Network Based PDC Study
90
3.4.1. Generic PDC Analysis / Adding Ground Fault Protection Devices
In this exercise we will add a ground fault protective device to the study.
To add the ground fault relay to PDC study proceed to perform the following steps:
 Step 2: Double click on the motor supply breaker.
 Step 3: Select “Insert Before” option, we do not want to delete the existing phase relay
 Step 4: Select the following relay: “GE / IAC-53.”
 Step 5: Press “Select Ground.”
 Step 6: Select the following relay settings
Figure 90. Adding the Ground relay
91
Observe the newly added ground relay curve (see Figure 91). To minimize the clutter and avoid
confusion, the user can select “Study Options” from the main menu. Next user can decide whether to
display the ground or the phase studies independently. Select “Ground Only”. The rest of the curves will
disappear from the TCC plot.
Figure 91. Displaying the Ground Characteristics Only
92
3.4.2. Modifying Protective Device Settings Graphically / Curve Dragging
The DesignBase PDC interface allows the user to modify the settings of all protective devices, using any
of the three following methods:
Method 1 Through the Database.

This is accomplished by double clicking on the device (either on the TCC graph or the
one-line), and making the required setting changes in the appropriate fields.
Method 2 Directly through the TCC Graph / Dragging Curves.

Using the mouse, the user can drag the curve (or section of the curve) over to the desired
position, and then release it there.
Method 3 Directly through the TCC Graph / Right-Click Sub-Menu.

Placing the mouse on top of the desired curve and right clicking with the mouse, will
invoke a sub-menu which lists all of the available settings for that curve (or section of
curve). The user can simply double-click on the desired setting, and the curve will
relocate accordingly.
Any changes made using methods 2 and 3 are automatically recorded and saved in the device’s settings-
database for the study under consideration.
This section will illustrate how to use the last two techniques in order to modify or fine-tune settings during
the course of the study. The methods are illustrated in Figure 93 and Figure 93.
93
Step 1.
Place the mouse on top of the curve,
or section of the curve that is to be
modified. Make sure that a double-
ended arrow and the curve label
appear as indicated here.
Step 2.
While holding the left mouse button
down, drag the curve over to the
desired position, and then release. In
this case move the curve over to the
left.
Step 3.
The final product
is shown here.
This number indicates the

changes in the setting for this
section of the curve as it is being
modified. In this example it
shows the breaker’s “Short Time
Pick-Up” setting.
Figure 92. Modifying Protective Device Settings Graphically / Dragging Curves
94
Step 1.
Place the mouse on top of the curve, or
section of the curve that is to be modified.
Make sure that a double-ended arrow and
the curve label appear as indicated here.
Step 2.
Right-Click using the mouse.
Step 3.
Scroll until the desired “Short Time”
pickup setting is displayed.
Double-Click on the desired setting.
Step 4.
The final product is
shown here.
Figure 93. Method 3 - Modifying Protective Device Settings Graphically / Using Sub-Menus
95
4. Standalone DC Protective Device Coordination
This tutorial will illustrate how to conduct DC Protective Device Coordination Studies using the
DesignBase PDC program. Before this topic is fully addressed, the following notes should be kept in
mind:
Loads in the DC PDC are specified in Amps, and can be represented as a DC Bus or a DC Load. The
only devices that can be practically considered for DC protection are Fuses and Fixed Magnetic Breakers.
Relays and Solid State Breakers, which rely on current transformers as transducers, cannot be used in
DC applications.
4.1. Application of AC Rated Fixed Magnetic Breakers in DC Systems
Circuit breakers are essentially RMS sensing devices. The way in which different types of breakers sense
the RMS value of the current will define how suitable they are for DC applications. The application of AC
electronic breakers in DC systems, for example, is prohibited. These devices are not rated for use in DC
systems because their trip units use current transformers (CT) to sense current. Based on this the only
breakers that are suitable for DC application are the AC Fixed Magnetic units.
The tripping characteristic of AC fixed magnetic breaker (see Figure 94) is composed of three parts:
1. Long Time Region

2. Transition Region
3. Instantaneous Region
Long Time Region

For a thermo-magnetic breaker, the sensing element in this region is made of a bimetal element. This
element deflects as a result of the heat produced by the current flowing through it. This deflection is
2
proportional to I making it an ideal RMS current sensor. The deflection caused by the flow of DC current
will be similar to that of an AC current of the same RMS value. This fact renders the Time Current
Characteristic (TCC) in this region, unchanged both AC and DC applications.
Conclusion: No adjustment is required for the AC curve in this region.
Transition Region
Trip times in this region are not precisely defined, since in there is a transition from a thermal to magnetic
behavior. Depending on the amount of current flowing, tripping can be thermal if there is an intentionally
built-in delay (as shown on the graph), or magnetic if there is no built-in delay. Current flowing through
the circuit breaker activates the electromagnetic element. The magnetic force is proportional to the
square of the instantaneous value of current, rather than the RMS value over some period.
Current on AC trip curves is expressed in terms of RMS values while DC is expressed as an

instantaneous value. This difference is an essential factor in adjusting AC curves to suit DC applications
in this region.
Under AC overcurrent conditions, the circuit breaker armature may chatter, knocking the latch partially off
with each electrical cycle. Under similar DC conditions, the magnetic force must be sufficient to unlatch
with a single forced motion.
Manufacturers will generally provide adjustments to the trip curves in the transition region in the form of
multipliers or redrawn AC trip curves. The effect of these adjustments is to slightly increase the stated AC
magnetic tripping levels when the same circuit breaker is used in DC circuits. Several manufacturers
96
express this difference as a multiplying factor that ranges from 1.1 to 1.4 times the AC tripping value
when the breaker is used in DC applications.
Conclusion: Adjustment will be made to the AC curve in this region. The user will be required to input
the multiplying factor and the PDC program will adjust the data points.
Instantaneous region
In this region tripping and clearing are instantaneous, with no intentional delay for either AC or DC
applications. Actual clearing times will vary depending on whether the circuit is AC or DC and on the
design of the interruption system of the circuit breaker. However, the maximum total clearing time is
generally expressed as a conservatively long duration on AC tripping curves due of the large number of
other variables, provided that the circuit’s rise-time is 10 ms or lower. Unless otherwise clarified by the
manufacturer, the AC maximum tripping time will also satisfy DC applications.
Conclusion: An option will be provided to the user to override the min and max clearing time stated in
the build program.
100
0
Long Time Region
100
10
Tim
e in
Transition Region
Sec
ond
s
Instantaneous
.1
Region
.01
.5 1 10 100 1000 10000
Current in Amperes X 10
480 Volt Phase

Time-Current Characteristic Curves 8:46:
cutler hammer
Selec
t
Figure 94. Application of AC Rated Fixed Magnetic Breakers “Ent
in DC Systems
er
Curv
97 e”.
Selec
4.1.1. DesignBase PDC Program Revision for Fixed Magnetic Breakers
To account for all of the previously discussed issues, the dialog box for Fixed Magnetic Breakers has
been modified as shown in Figure 95:
Figure 95. DC Configuration Fields for Fixed Magnetic Circuit Breakers
4.2. Application of AC Rated Fuses in DC Systems
Fuses are RMS current sensing devices. Fuse TCC curves are tested and plotted for RMS values of
current. As previously discussed, DC short circuit values are treated as instantaneous values rather than
RMS. The DC current, as a function of time during a DC short-circuit, must therefore be expressed in
terms of the circuit’s time constant. This enables the coordination engineer to calculate with precision the
instantaneous value of the current at the required times along the TCC curve.
Using the appropriate mathematical formulation, compensation factors are calculated. These factors are
then used to shift the fuse’s melting to the right of the TCC for DC short circuit. The actual shifting
characteristic is dependent upon the inductance and resistance of the short circuit path, as they
determine the DC short circuit time constant (L/R) in seconds.
98
To properly plot the manufacturer AC fuse TCC curve in a DC application, the time constant must be
known. Then the TCC curve is shifted to the right by dividing the current value off the published curve at
the respective time constant by the DCCF and re-plotting the points.
If rated voltage is applied, the short circuit current will reach 63.2% of rated current in one time constant.
In other words, the time constant gives a measure of how quickly the current in a DC circuit can rise or fall
under transient conditions.
10000
The time constant also provides a measure of Adjustment of DC Fuses
Figure 92
the inductance and resistance in the circuit. Original
The greater the voltage and the circuit time Modified
constant, the more difficult it becomes to 1000
interrupt the short circuit and extinguish the
arc. This is due to the high levels of energy
stored in the system’s inductance.
100
For a circuit with a given resistance, a large
inductance will result in a slow rate of current
rise. This, in turn, increases the time needed
for the fuse to reach its melting point and
10
ultimately interrupt the circuit. Circuit with
negligible inductance will have a fast current
rise, which will lead to an opposite effect. As a
rule of thumb, DC circuits operating at rated
1
voltage and having a time constant less than 5
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
msec, will have short circuit melting and
clearing characteristics similar to an AC
Original (AC)
system.
0.1
Modified (DC)
Figure 96 shows a typical adjustment made to
an AC fuse being used in a DC application.
0.01
Note: Figure 96. Adjustment of DC Fuses for
Use in DC Application
The interrupting capacity of a protective device decreases
as the DC short circuit time constant increases. As the time constant increases, the device’s capability to
safely open the circuit decreases.
4.2.1. DesignBase PDC Program Revision for Fuses
To account for all of the previously discussed issues, the dialog box for AC Fuses has been modified as
shown in Figure 97.
When the “Adjust Curve for DC Application” is selected, the program requests the circuit’s time constant
in sec. The circuit’s time constant can be obtained using the DesignBase DC short circuit program. This
information is used to correct the AC fuse curve as explained earlier in this document. This new curve
(corrected data) is placed in a temporary file used for plotting purposes. This temporary curve is neither
saved nor is it used to overwrite the original AC fuse curve in the database. If the Adjust TCC curve for
99
DC application is left unchecked, then no adjustments are made and the time constant value is not
required.
Figure 97. DC Configuration Fields for AC Fuses
100
4.3. Standalone DC PDC Tutorial Exercise
In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a Stand-Alone DC Protective Device Coordination file. The
exercise will be based on the single line diagram shown in Figure 98. The system in question consists of
the following components:
Main DC Bus: 480 Volts / 400 Amps (Rated)

A DC Fuse: 400 Amp / ECSR-2
A DC Breaker: 100 Amp / K SER C KD
DC Load Bus: 200 Amp @ 480 Volts (Load)
The sole objective of this tutorial is to learn how to enter the DC devices according to the background
information explained in Sections 4.1 and 4.2.
Figure 98. DC Tutorial Example
To invoke Standalone Protective Device Coordination program choose Selection > Standalone and
Network PDC from the main DesignBase menu. Alternatively, click on the appropriate toolbar button .
101
4.3.1. Adding the DC Load Bus
Once the Protective Device Coordination interface appears, proceed to enter the first element in the
network, as indicated below. The first element will be the DC Load Bus.
 Step 3: Click once anywhere in the design space.
 Step 4: Fill out the information for the DC bus as indicated below.
 Step 5: Select “Save” from the bus dialog.
Figure 99. Adding the DC Bus to Standalone PDC Study
Once the Load Bus has been added, verify that the buses as well as its TCC curve are shown in the
study. At this point proceed to save the job file as a Stand-Alone PDC file.
102
4.3.2. Adding the DC Circuit Breaker to PDC Study
To add the DC breaker to PDC study proceed to perform the following steps:
 Step 2: Click once on the DC bus.
 Step 3: Following the procedure explained in Section 3.1. select the following fixed magnetic
breaker: “CH - 600V - K SER C – KD.”
 Step 4: Complete the breaker data as indicated below.
103
Figure 100. Adding the DC Breaker to Standalone PDC Study
4.3.3. Adding the DC Fuse to PDC Study
To add the DC fuse to PDC study, perform the following steps:

 Step 2: Click once on the “form” side of the DC breaker.
 Step 3: Following the procedure explained in Section 3.1. select the following fuse:
“EDISON / 600V / ECSR-2 / 400A.”
 Step 4: Complete the fuse data as indicate below.
Figure 101. Adding the DC Fuse to Standalone PDC Study
104
4.3.4. Final comments on DC PDC Study
Finally, proceed to enter the Main DC Bus as the last element in the network:
 Step 3: Click once on the “from” end of the fuse.
 Step 4: Fill out the DC bus information.
 Step 5: Select “Save” from the bus dialog.
The final product is shown in the Figure 102, normalized to 250 Volts.
The figure shows DC characteristics for both: the breaker and the fuse. Notice that the hatched curves
show the modified sections required to accommodate the DC application under study. Shaded curve
shows the original AC curves.
Figure 102. Complete DC PDC Study
105
5. PDC Database
In this section we will learn how to create, edit and change protective device curves within the
DesignBase environment. Relays, fuses, and circuit breakers will be covered. You must acquire from the
manufacturer the log-log data sheets, the catalog information, and the interrupting ratings of the device
you want to model. Make sure you determine which values are dependent on other values, such as:
whether the short time pickup of a circuit breaker is a multiple of the sensor tap or the long time pickup.
What is New in Build AC Fuses Version 7.65.0.0
 Linked fuse build program with a software based digitizer capable of Opening jpeg & pdf
files.
 PDC library enhanced with hundreds of new devices
106
5.1. Methods and Analyses
Twenty-Point Curves
Most of the curves, or sections of curves, can be entered as Twenty Point Curves. These are twenty
unevenly spaced points representing the curve section. Each point is specified with the coordinates:
Amps and Seconds. Some devices require the points to be a multiple of the Amp Setting. The endpoints
are important. Make sure the points are grouped more closely in areas of the greatest curvature. For
speed and accuracy, DesignBase uses linear interpolation on the points to regenerate the curve. Our
studies have shown that carefully chosen linear interpolation points were more accurate numerically
and visually near to the manufacturer’s data sheets.
Slopes and Intercepts
For Solid-State breakers, some of the line curve sections are specified with slope-intercept values. Unlike
standard textbook slope-intercept forms, the intercept axis is the Second axis or Current axis. All values
are converted to Log before being used.
Y=m*X+B
X = 1/m *Y+A
DesignBase Program uses the followings conventions to handle slope and intercepts:
A. The second form of the line equation shown above is used.

B. 1/m is considered to be the "slope".
C. X axis is the log of the current.
D. Y axis is the log of time.
E. Following industry convention, X and Y axes are labeled with the current and time values
respectively. Therefore, the log of the time and current values must be computed and inputted.
The example below illustrates how the conventions previously discussed are used.
107
As Us e d b y EDSA
Calculating the Slope of a Line on Log-Log Scale
Ope ning Curve Clearing Curve
A1 1 A2 30 A 11 1 A 12 30
T1 1.81 T2 0.455 T 11 3.22 T 12 0.8
log A 1 log A 2 log A 11 log A 12

Slope o Slope c
log T 1 log T 2 log T 11 log T 12
Slope o  2.463 Slope c  2.442
Int ercept o log A 1 Slope o  log T 1 Int ercept c log A 11 Slope c  log T 11
Int ercept o  0.635 Int ercept c  1.24
I2t fun ction a s pe r ab ove

Multiplier Codes
Horizo ntal De lay Ba nd: Ma x = 1.50 sec, Min = 0.9 0 se c
For all breakers, the specification of a section of curve, or device setting, is either an Amp value, or a
multiple of an Amp value, or a multiple of a multiple. Each item that needs a specification, will ask for a
multiplier code to specify ACB-4010
what it is a multiple of. The following codes are used:
Short Time Delay Band 7
# - Amp
108
X - Sensor or Amps Rating
C - Current Setting
L - Long Time Pickup
S - Short Time Pickup
I - Instantaneous Pickup
H - Interrupt Rating
G - Ground Pickup
N - Current Sensor
F - Frame Size
These codes are very important for the proper replication of curves.
5.2. How to access PDC data files
To open all the PDC build programs and files select the “Database” menu from the main DesignBase
Interface.
The library files are all located under the program Data folder and can only be opened with their
corresponding build program after they are launched.
5.3. Creating / Editing a Fuse Library
To open “Build AC Fuse” program select “Database > Fuses > AC” from the main DesignBase menu. To
create a new fuse library select “File > New” and assign a file name to the new library and press “Open”
(see Figure 103).
109
Figure 103. Create New Fuse Library
Proceed to create the fuse entry as depicted in Figure 104.
110
Step 1. Step 2.
To add a new fuse to the library, Select the “Description” tab, and
select the “Add Fuse” icon. enter the data for the fuse.
Step 3.
Select the “Voltage” tab, and
enter the voltage, interrupting
ratings and impedance data for
Specify the Time D
Enter the gener

Select “Edit/Add Relay”.
dicated here.
ial information here.
Specify the Time D

Enter the gener
dicated here.
ial information here.
the fuse.
Step 4.
Select the “Curves” tab, and
enter the rating and time current
characteristic of the fuse. Use
Digitizer function to select points
directly from the manufacturer
curve.
Figure 104. Create New Fuse Curve
111
Curve editor has two new features designed to help users add curves:
 Digitizer Launch digitizer
 Import Add digitized points directly to curve editor
The newly added fuse is shown on the main interface as indicated below. Use the “Display Options”
interface to control the “Grid Display”, “Curve Display” and “Plot Scale Parameters”.
Figure 105. Newly Created Fuse Curve
To edit the existing fuse, open a fuse library first; in this example we will open ABB file (see Figure 106).
To edit a fuse, select the fuse from the list and either double-click on it, or select the “Edit Fuse” icon.
To create another fuse curve using interpolation, refer to explanations in Figure 107.
112
Figure 106. Open an Existing Fuse
113
Figure 107. Fuse Interpolation Using the Library
114
5.4. Creating / Editing a Solid State Circuit Breaker Library
To invoke AC Solid State Circuit Breaker database editor, select “Database > Circuit Breaker > AC Solid
State” from the main DesignBase menu. The Solid State library will open. To create a new SSCB library,
select “File > New” (see
Figure 108). To Save new library select “File > Save” and save library file in “DesignBase5 > Data” folder
(see Figure 109).
Figure 108. Create New Solid State Library
115
Figure 109. Save Solid State Library

When new file is named, proceed to complete Manufacturer, Curve Set #, Type, Trip Type, Frame Size,
Amp Sensor, and Max Amp fields as indicated in the below screen-capture. To add component select
“Edit > Components and Breaker Info”. Here the user needs to define whether this device is a Phase or
Ground fault protection unit. User also needs to define the tripping components that are applicable to the
SSCB being added to the library, Rating, and Plugs. Proceed to enter the data as indicated in Figure 110
and then select “OK” to accept the selection.
116
Figure 110. Components and Breaker Info
Next proceed to click on the red circles of the SSCB Time Current Curve, in order to enter the respective
settings for each section. Follow the procedure shown Figure 111. Once each dialog box is completed,
select OK and proceed with the next one.
117
Figure 111. Long-Time, Short-Time, and Instantaneous Settings of the New SSCB
When entering the different “Time Delay” sections of a curve, the program offers the following options:
> Per Unit Values: Amp Value, Current Sensor, Sensor Tap\Rating Plug, Current
Setting, Long Time Pickup, Short Time Pickup, Instantaneous
Pickup, Interrupting Rating, Frame Size
> Shapes: Curve, Slope & Time Band
118
In turn each of the shapes has its own editor as indicated in Figure 112. This degree of flexibility allows
the user to model even the most complicated custom devices available on the market.
Figure 112. Various Time-Dial Options
Curve editor has Digitizer and Import features:
 Digitizer Launch digitizer
 Import Add digitized points directly to curve editor
To be able to select breakers from the created SSCB library, library needs to be imported to
pdc_devices.pdclib library (see the section about import function).
To add a new breaker in the existing pdc_devices library select manufacturer from pull down box (Figure
113). Scroll down the breaker list and at the end of the list is <New Breaker…> field (Figure 114).
Proceed as explained for new SSCB library.
119
Figure 113. Manufacture Selection
Figure 114. New Breaker field
120
To edit an existing SSCB user first needs to find that breaker in the Solid State library. To select any
SSCB directly from the database list, proceed as indicated in the Figure 115.
Figure 115. Open an Existing SSCB
To edit a specific SSCB, select the SSCB and proceed as indicated in the Figure 116.
121
Step 1:
Select the settings database
to be changed, by clicking on
the respective red circle. Step 2:
Make the required changes.
Step 3:
Select “OK”.
Figure 116. Edit an Existing SSCB
122
5.5. Creating / Editing a Fixed Magnetic Breaker Library
DesignBase5 also offers a Fixed Magnetic Device Builder, which enables users to create their own
custom device databases. To access this feature, select “Database > Circuit Breaker > Magnetic AC
Fixed” from the main DesignBase menu. To create a new fixed magnetic device library select “File >
New” (see Figure 117). To Save new library select “File > Save” and save library file in “DesignBase5>
Data” folder (see Figure 118), as in the case of SSCB.
Figure 117. Create New Fixed Magnetic Library
123
Figure 118. Save Fixed Magnetic Library
As soon as the new file is named, proceed to complete Manufacturer, Frame Type, and Curve Set # fields
as indicated in the below screen-capture. To edit curve select “Edit > Edit Curve”. Proceed to enter the
data as indicated in Figure 119 and then select “OK” to accept the selection.
To be able to select breakers from the created Fix Magnetic library, library needs to be imported to
pdc_devices.pdclib library (see the section about import function).
124
Figure 119. Edit Fixed Magnetic Breaker
To add new breaker in existing pdc_devices library select manufacturer from pull down box. At the end of
the breaker list is <New Breaker…> field. Proceed as explained for new Fixed Magnetic library.
To edit an existing Fixed Magnetic Breaker user first needs to find that breaker in Fixed Magnetic library.
The way to select an existing Fixed Magnetic Breaker is the same as for SSCB. Once the specific breaker
is selected proceed as indicated in the Figure 120.
125
Figure 120. Edit an Existing Fixed Magnetic Breaker
126
5.6. Creating / Editing a Relay Library
DesignBase can model three different types of relays: standard relays, reclosers and thermal-overload
relays. Standard relays will be covered in this section. To invoke relay database editor select “Database >
Relay > Standard” from the main DesignBase menu. To create a new relay library select “File > New” and
assign a file name to the new library and press “Save”, as in the case of SSCB.
Figure 121 illustrates how to enter a relay curve based on a point-by-point defined curve. The newly
added relay, as well as its respective time-current curve are shown in Figure 122.
Step 2.
Enter the general relay
information as indicated
here.
Step 3.
Specify the Time Dial
information here.
Step 1.
Step 4.
Select “Enter Curve”.
Step 7.
Step 6. Select “Save”.
Select “OK”.
Step 5.
Enter the Time vs. Current characteristic
that corresponds to the time dial specified
above.
Figure 121. Creating A New Relay Based on a Point-by-Point Curve
127
Figure 122. The New Point-by-Point Relay Curve.
Figure 123. Creating a New Formula-Based Relay
128
Figure 123 gives the necessary explanation on how to create a formula-based relay. The newly added
formula-based relay, as well as its respective time-current curves, are shown in Figure 124.
Figure 124. The New Formula-Based Relay Curve
129
Figure 125. Interpolation of a Relay Curve
Figure 125 shows how to interpolate one specific setting located between two existing ones. To view the
interpolated curve select the “View Family” icon and verify the existence of the newly added time-dial
setting.
130
The program also offers the option of interpolating a group of curves between two existing ones. To
accomplish this, the user must specify a resolution factor which will define how many curves will be
interpolated beween the selected range. In the below screen-capture, 9 curves have been interpolated
between the Time Dials of 9.8 and 9.9. The resolution factor in this case is 0.01.
Figure 126. Interpolation of a Curve-Set
To view the interpolated curve-set select the “View Family” icon and verify the existance of newly added
time-dial setting.
131
5.7. Digitizer
The Digitizer software is designed to help users add curves faster to the fuse and the protective device
library. All curve “Time Delay” segments have Digitizer function that will help select points directly from
the manufacturer curve. Curve can be in pdf or jpeg format. Enter the delay setting and select Curve
Shape. Select “Digitizer” (Figure 127).
Figure 127. Digitizer
To select a curve, go to the main menu and select “File > Open”. Proceed as indicated in the Figure 128.
Note: Min/Max for the axis must be on a power of 10.
132
Figure 128. How to Define Axis
When the Min and Max Axis are selected, proceed as in Figure 129 to select curve points.
133
Note: The limit for a Delay Curve in Solid State build is 20 points.
In Fixed Magnetic build program there are 30 points maximum.
Figure 129. How to Select Curve Points
The Import button enables users to add digitized points from the digitizer directly to the “Edit Curve”
editor. Select “Import” and then select min and max curve (Figure 130) and select “OK”. Select “OK” in the
curve editor to save delay settings.
134
Figure 130. How to Select Min/Max Curve
5.8. Import Function
To be able to select breakers in PDC from a newly created library, libraries need to be imported to
“PDC_DEVICES.PDCLIB” library file. Select “File > Import” (Figure 131). Select library file to import and
press “Open”(Figure 132).
135
Figure 131. How to Select Import function
Figure 132. Select File to Import
136
Three import options are available as shown in Figure 133:
Figure 133. Import Options
5.9 Convert DesignBase 3.0 Circuit Breaker Library Files to DesignBase Current Library Format
To convert breaker libraries from DesignBase 3.0 to DesignBase new library format use the “Convert
Circuit Breakers” feature by clicking on “DesignBase > Convert Circuit Breakers” (Figure 134).
Figure 134. How to Convert Circuit Breakers
Step 1: Select library file/files that will be converted.

Step 2: Select location and name the converted file
Step 3: Select “Convert” (Figure 135)
137
Figure 135. Convert PDC Breaker Files
When files are converted, click on “Exit. To be able to select converted breakers in PDC import the newly
converted files to the main “PDC_DEVICES.PDCLIB” library file. Please refer to section 5.8 for more
information.
5.10 Motor and Generator Decrement Curve Libraries
The following two sections are dedicated to advanced PDC functions: motor and generator decrement
curves
138
5.10.1. Motor decrement export function from advanced motor starting to protective device
coordination
DesignBase5 allows the user to run Advanced Motor Starting, to export the time-current curves to
*.csv/Excel, then import the motor time current from *.csv into DesignBase Equipment folder. Once the
data are in the folder, the user can use the curves within the Protective Device Coordination program.
To learn how to do this, first, we will open the file “DesignBase5 > Samples > Transient > Loadramp.”
Next, we will open Advanced Motor Starting program.
Figure 136. Advanced Motor Starting
Then select from DesignBase Advanced Motor Starting toolbar. Review the motor’s parameters and
make sure they are OK. Open the “Advanced Motor Starting Option”, , and select the options as
shown in Figure 137. Run the motor starting program, , and close the automatically generated text
report. Select “Report Manager” (see Figure 138). View curves graphically (see Figure 139).
139
Figure 137. Advanced Motor Starting Options
140
Figure 138. Advanced Motor Starting Report Manager
141
Figure 139. Graphic Presentation of the Motor Starting Results
Within the Report Manager dialog, click on “Export Results to Excel”. Export the results in actual units and
save the file as shown in Figure 140.
Figure 140. Exporting the Motor Starting Results
142
From the main DesignBase menu select “Database > Power Source/Withstand”. “Build Withstand” screen
will appear. Select the “File > Import From CSV File” option. Open the curve generated in the previous
step. Enter the necessary descriptive data as shown in Figure 141.
Figure 141. Importing Withstand Curve
143
The curve will be displayed. Make sure that curve appears satisfactory. Save the characteristic in
“DesignBase5 > Data” folder. Close “Build Withstand” screen.
Next, start PDC program and proceed to enter the motor data as follows:
 Step 1: Click on PDC icon.
 Step 2: Select the motor “10”.
 Step 3: Create the new PDC study as explained in Section 2.3.1.
 Step 4: Select the motor and use “Insert > Insert Custom Curve”; refer back to Figure 11 if needed.
 Step 5: Go to the “Manufacturer” field and select the motor imported from Advanced Motor Starting.
 Step 6: Complete the rest of the data in motor dialog as shown below.
Figure 142. Inserting Motor Starting Curve
144
Once the selection is successfully completed motor curve will be shown in TCC window (see figure
below).
Figure 143. Motor Decrement Curve Imported from the Advanced Motor Starting.
145
5.10.2. Generator Withstand / Decrement
To learn how to create generator withstand / decrement curve, first select “Database > Power Source /
Withstand” from the main DESIGNBASE menu.
Select “File > New” and assign a name to the file (see Figure 144).
Figure 144. Creating New Generator Characteristic
Proceed to add a new record (see
146
Figure 145). Enter descriptive information. Next click on “generator Decrement” button inside the “curves”
tab.
Enter generator kVA rating, voltage in volts, X” in Percent, X’ in Percent, X, T”d in seconds, T’d in
seconds. Select Excitation Type. The appropriate values are also given in
Figure 145. Click “calculate” when finished.
Newly created generator withstand / decrement curve is shown in Figure 146.

Figure 145. Adding New Generator Record
148
Figure 146. Newly Created Generator Withstand Decrement Curve
To inject the curve in PDC study, perform the same steps as in the case of motor decrement curve.
150

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Protective Device Coordination

Power Analytics Corporation

©Copyright Power Analytics Corporation 2012

Version 6.60.00 October 2012

Figure 1. PDC as a part of Paladin DesignBase environment ........................................................ 4

Figure 42. PDC Annotation Dialog .............................................................................................. 44

Figure 130. How to Select Min/Max Curve................................................................................ 135

What is New in Version 6.60.00

F. New breakers search filters for Protective Device Library.

Protective Device Coordination Capabilities, Functions and Features

 AC and DC protective device coordination

Figure 1. PDC as a part of Paladin DesignBase environment

2. Protective Device Coordination Program

2.1. PDC Graphical User Interface

2.1.1. PDC Toolbar

Show Plot One- Copy/

Figure 2. PDC Toolbar

2.1.2. PDC Catalogs

ANSI catalog IEC catalog

Figure 3. PDC Catalogs

2.2. Open/Close Existing PDC Study

Figure 4. PDC40 One-Line Diagram

To go back to one-line diagram, Figure 4, click on the “Restore View” icon.

Figure 5. PDC40, an existing PDC study

2.3. Creating PDC Studies

Figure 6. Network used PDC analysis (DesignBase file PDC40)

Before starting PDC analysis perform the following steps:

Figure 7. Delete PDC information.

2.3.1. Create / Delete PDC Study

Figure 8. Delete PDC Study.

Figure 9. Select the coordination path. Assign new study to it.

2.3.2. Study Options

Figure 10. Study options

Click OK to the study options indicated above.

2.3.3. AC Motor Curves

Figure 11. Insert Motor Curve

Figure 12. Motor PDC Dialog

Figure 13. Typical Motor Time-Current Curve.

2.3.6. Cable Damage Curves

Proceed to add cable damage curve. Select the cable.

Figure 14. Insert Cable Curve

Figure 15. Cable PDC dialog

2.3.7. Transformer Inrush/Withstand Curves

Figure 16. Insert Transformer Curve

Figure 17. Coloring scheme

Figure 18. Transformer PDC dialogue boxes

Figure 19. Insert Fuse Curve

Figure 20. Fuse Library

Figure 21. Fuse Dialog Screens

Figure 22. Fuse Settings

Figure 23. Fuse Interpolation

Figure 24. Insert Relay Curve

Figure 25. Relay Library

Figure 26. Relay Dialog Screens

Curve Label: Type an appropriate label for the relay.

Figure 27. Relay Settings

Figure 28. Relay “0005” – Dialog Screens

Figure 29. Relay “0001” – Dialog Screens

Figure 30. Completed TCC study

2.3.10. Relays - 0% voltage curve @ 25% Tap Setting

1. Voltage Restraint Over current Relay

% Rated Volts Pickup, % Tap Setting

2.3.11. Circuit Breakers