Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

Power Analytics Corporation

10805 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 270
San Diego, California 92127
U.S.A.
U.S. Toll Free Phone: 800-362-0603
Fax: 858-675-9724
www.PowerAnalytics.com

©Copyright Power Analytics Corporation 2012

All rights reserved

Version 1.10.00 May 2008

Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

IMPORTANT NOTE: Power Analytics Corporation’s software products are tools intended
to be used by trained professionals only. They are not substitutes for your professional
judgment or for independent verification and testing of results as they pertain to your
specific application. Use of all Power Analytics Corporation software products is governed
by the terms and conditions of the End-User License Agreement (“EULA”) you accepted
when purchasing and installing the software. You must comply with these terms and
conditions in applying the instructional material in this manual. If you do not have or are
unfamiliar with the contents of your EULA for this software, you should request, read, and
understand a copy of your EULA before proceeding.

Please accept and respect the fact that Power Analytics Corporation has enabled you to make an
authorized disk as a backup to prevent losing the contents that might occur to your original disk
drive. DO NOT sell, lend, lease, give, rent or otherwise distribute Power Analytics Corporation
programs / User's Guides to anyone without prior written permission from Power Analytics
Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from
Power Analytics Corporation.

i
 Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

This document gives a brief overview of Paladin Design Base Toolbar functions.
Understanding these functions can help to use the program properly. The Paladin
DesignBase toolbar is shown in figure below.
Complex
Lock
Component
New Print Cut Undo Select Rotate Unlock
Open Print Preview Delete Redo Text box Flip Zoom Import/
Group Make straight
Save Capture Copy Export
Rollback Ungroup
Paste On/Off to Excel

Text
Project Editor Refresh Wire
Short Advanced PDC Ground
Manager Back & Color Circuit Harmonics Sizing Arc
Power Flow Mat
Annotation Transients Flash
Master Find Cable
File Auto Data analyzer
Reliability Ampacity
Editor One-line Error checking

 “Create a New Drawing”, “Open an Existing Drawing” and “Save the

Current Drawing” functions are identical to the corresponding functions in any
Windows-based program. Additionally, “New/Open/Save Drawing” and
“New/Open/Save Project” functions coexist in Paladin DesignBase file menu. For
the projects with a single drawing, these functions are essentially the same. For
the multiple-drawing projects the “Drawing” functions allow the user to select a
particular drawing within the project.
 “Print” and “Print Preview” functions work the same as in any Windows
applications.
 “Capture” and “Rollback” commands allow the user to save/retrieve a copy
of his project. These functions are particularly useful for saving the project on the
server while working on a local machine. While working on the project user can
“Capture” it by clicking on the first icon. User will be asked where and under
what name to save the project. User can continue working on the current project
while having a copy saved in the desired location. User can also use “rollback”
command by clicking on the second icon. Rollback command will change the
current project to any previous version already created with “Capture”.
 “Cut”, “Delete”, “Copy” and “Paste” functions work the same as in other
Windows applications.
 “Undo” and “Redo” work only on changes performed on drawing. Changes
done on the database cannot be undone.

1
Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

 “Select” function changes the shape of cursor to the familiar arrow that
enables editing of the components.
 “Text box” function should be used to add text on the drawing as in any
Windows based program.
 “Rotate” and “Flip” functions work the same as in other Windows
applications.
 “Zoom In/out”, “Zoom Window”, “Zoom All” and “Zoom Previous”
functions work the same as in other Windows applications. In addition, user can
zoom in and out using the mouse scroll button.
 “Group” and “Ungroup” functions should never be used with electrical
symbols. If user attempts to group these symbols, the program will give the
following warning:

User can use these functions with other drawing components; typical example is
the default drawing’s title box. The box can be ungrouped, redesigned and
grouped again.
 “Lock/Unlock” function can help to preserve drawings. The icon changes
appearance depending of the status of the project: for unlocked and for
locked drawings. Once the drawing is built user can lock it. User cannot change
the geometry of the locked drawing, cannot add or delete components,
scenarios, etc. User can edit components of the locked drawing and run all the
analyses.
 “Make Straight” function should be used to straighten branches in the
drawing. User can apply this function either on an individual branch or on all
branches connected to a bus bar. In the latter case user needs to select the bus
bar first and then click on “Make Straight” icon.

2
 Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

 “On/off” function should be used to open (close) several components at the

same time. User should select the components first and then click on the icon.
Selection of components could be done in two ways:
o user can click on components, one by one while holding the shift key
o user can “fence” the components using the mouse left-click:

 “Complex Component Catalog” function opens a special catalog with

complex components (transfer switch, UPS etc.). In addition, this catalog can be
used to add user-created special components.
 "Export/Import to Excel" allows user to export data to Excel format. Data can
be edited and imported back to DesignBase database.
 “Project Manger” function gives an overview of the entire project: database
and drawing files; type and number of components, etc. Click on a component
from the list to zoom to the component in the drawing (see the following screen
capture).

3
Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

 “Master File Editor” is one of Paladin DesignBase’s most important functions.

All the general properties of a file are defined here (file locations, equipment
defaults, scenarios, settings etc.). User must become familiar with all the master
file options before creating new project. To learn more about master file editor
please review the “Creating Your Job File” document available on your pdf-
manual CD.

 “Text Editor” function enables the user to edit equipment without using the
drawing. User can edit buses or branches, all or specific type, etc. User can
navigate through equipment, edit and change it without using the actual drawing.

4
 Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

 “Find” function enables the user to locate the particular branch/bus in the
system. User should pick up the bus/branch name from the pull down menu and
click OK. Program will zoom in to the selected branch/bus.

 “Auto One-Line” automatically creates the drawing using the database.

 “Refresh” function refreshes annotations in the system.
 “Back Annotation” function enables the user to display various data. User can
display general bus/branch properties and/or equipment specific data. User can
change the size and color of the text, etc.
 “Color Annotation” function should be used for different color-coding of the
network. Default option is connectivity color-coding (energized equipment is
black, disconnected equipment is gray). User can change this option and color
the network according to voltage level, network type, etc.
 “Data Structure Analyzer” is an important tool that should be used while
building the model. In rare occasions where computer/program crashes the
database file might contain entries that are not in the drawing and vice versa.
“Data Structure Analyzer” compares the drawing vs. database and repairs the
database if necessary.
 “Error Checking” is another important tool. It reports illogical items in the
model. Error checking produces two types of messages: errors and warnings.
While errors need immediate attention, warnings may or may not need to be
addressed. Typical warnings are existence of islands and loops, different system
and nameplate voltages, typos (48V instead of 480V), etc.

5
Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

 “AC Short Circuit” and “DC Short Circuit” functions give shortcuts to
corresponding programs. When these are selected, short circuit toolbar will be
opened. User can always select a different type of short circuit calculation using
the pull down menu within the short circuit toolbar (see below):

 The advanced power flow part of the toolbar has shortcuts to

the following analysis: Advanced Power Flow, AC Optimization, Advanced Motor
Starting, AC Load Analysis, Advanced Capacitor Sizing, Voltage Stability and DC
Power Flow. When any of these is selected, the corresponding toolbar will be
opened. User can always change the analysis using the pull down menu within
the toolbar (see below):

 Paladin DesignBase offers two PDC programs: “Standalone and Network

PDC” and “Protective Device Coordination”. Both programs use the same
engine; 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. Protective Device Coordination program is based on
graphical user interface. User first builds the model and then invokes PDC
program to analyze device coordination.
 “Harmonic Analysis”, “Transient Stability”, “Advanced Reliability”
and “Wire Sizing” functions provide the links to related programs. All four
programs are completely integrated in Paladin DesignBase CAD environment.
Once any of these is selected the corresponding toolbar will open.
 “AC Arc Flash” and “DC Arc Flash” functions can be used in two ways. If
the model of a system is opened, arc flash analysis will be performed on the
jobfile. Alternatively, these programs can be used as standalone; to enable this
user needs to select these functions without having opened any model.

6
 Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

 “3-D Substation Ground Grid” program will be invoked using this function.
The program is standalone and will open a window independent from Paladin
DesignBase environment.
 “Cable Ampacity IEC /Neher McGrath” program will be invoked using this
function. The program is standalone, independent from Paladin DesignBase
environment.

Review of Paladin DesignBase Menu

In this section we will explain some of the functions from the program’s main menu. The
emphasis will be put on important but infrequently used commands. For a more
comprehensive overview of all Paladin DesignBase functions, review our manuals
available on your documentation CD.

File Menu:
“has developed software whereby
 "Import PSS/E RAWD File” allows system
data in the Siemens/PTI PSS/E format to be
imported directly into Paladin DesignBase
software package. used to import old files in
the current version of software. This option
should only be used for files created in
DesignBase 2.95 or older version of software.
Once the option is selected, user will be
guided through a series of screens that will
help to import the old database and create the
system drawing.
 “Import to EDSA” is a specific function developed for importing Intergraph’s “Smart
Plant Electrical Files”. After selecting this option user goes through several screens
that help to locate the file, select the file type, etc.

7
Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

 Each project consists of several files. “Pack

and Ship Project” function helps user to pack
the file together in one “.cab” archive. Once
the option is selected, user will be asked for
the name and the destination of the archive.
Archive can be unpacked using winzip or any
similar software.

Edit Menu:

 “Paste Duplicate Symbol” is a commonly overlooked

function. The function can be applied to either nodes
or bus-bars. It allows user to electrically connect two
drawings. User can copy a node or a bus bar from
one drawing and paste it as a duplicate symbol on
another drawing. Using this procedure user creates
two graphic presentations of a single element, a
single entry in the database.

View Menu:

 “Content Explorer” function shows/hides the

equipment catalog. “F8” function key can be used
for the same purpose. Once the model is built the
catalog is obsolete; user can hide the catalog to
maximize the screen area.
 “Property Window” function, or “F9” key, shows/hides
the property window. This window could be used to
define various properties of selected symbols: color,
pattern, font size, angle, etc.

8
 Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

Insert Menu:
 “AutoCAD Drawing” function is used to insert
AutoCAD files in Paladin DesignBase environment.
Once the option is selected, user will be guided
through a series of screens that will allow the import
of files. Notice that files must be saved in AutoCAD
2000 format before importing to Paladin DesignBase.

Database Menu:

 “Project Libraries” function is used to open the

general project library. User can choose between
US and metric library (“Projlib.mas” and
“Projlibm.mas”). Use can create other libraries.
The libraries contain feeders, transformers,
reactors, capacitors, motors and generators.
 “Battery Library” function opens the DC battery
library. The format of DC library is considerably
different in this version; for more information refer
to “Battery Sizing” manual on the documentation
CD.
 The rest of the functions in this menu open the
corresponding databases. To learn more about
these functions refer to our “Build Devices”
manual available on the documentation CD.

9
Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

Tools Menu:

 “Auto Snap” function defines snapping of lines to

various points in the model. Proper selection of
points and snapping distance will allow user to easily
connect components in the drawing.
 “Symbol Replacement Wizard”, “Replace Bus-bar”
and “Create Nodes” are auxiliary functions that
should be used in conjunction with “Convert
DesignBase 2.95 File” tool from the File Menu. Their
main purpose is to improve automatically generated
drawings.
 “Input Data Report” is an important tool that
generates reports of all the input data. Upon
selecting this option, user can choose the report type
(spreadsheet, text or professional report) and design
the report content (branch data, bus data, echo of
input data, etc.).
 “Global Edits” is a collection of functions that enables
user to set some parameters globally to all the
components in the project (rather than doing it
individually). The frequently used global edits are:
o “Set Node Suppress Status” function suppresses/unsuppresses selected
nodes. By default nodes are suppressed: there are ignored in annotation and
reports. User can include the nodes in annotation/reports by unsupressing
them.
o “Change Load Flow % Running” function enables user to control diversity of
loads. User can select a set of the loads and change their % running; from
100% to 75% for instance.
o Once the project is built user may need to change properties of a particular
type of branch, for instance resistance of all 500 kcmil cables. Instead of
editing all of the cables, user can perform a single change in the library.
“Refresh Branch Impedance Values from Library” function allows the user to
transfer the new values to all the feeders in the project.

10
 Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

Analysis and Selection Menus:

Using these two menus user can start all Paladin DesignBase engines. Some of the
options have submenus: “Power Flow” and “Additional Calculations” submenus are
shown in the screen capture below:

Draw and Modify Menus:

 Both menus contain common graphical tools.

Using Draw menu user can draw different
shapes. Draw functions work the same as in
other AutoDesk, Microsoft or similar
Windows-based applications. Modify menu
contains tools for manipulation with graphical
symbols. Modify functions are not different
than in other Windows applications.

Window Menu:

 Windows menu is used for managing several drawings.

User can open a new drawing using “New Window”
function. User can display all opened drawings using
“Arrange All” or “Cascade” functions. User can select a
particular drawing from the list at the bottom of the
window menu.

11
Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

Help Menu:

 “Paladin DesignBase 2.0 Help” function opens a new

window containing the most important Paladin DesignBase
help files. New users should refer to “Getting Started” and
“Quick Start Guide” help folders first. All the help files are
also available on pdf CD.
 “ECAD Drawing Help” function will open a new window
containing help files for our GUI – Actrix.
 “About Paladin DesignBase 2.0” option enables the user to
display his license information, version and date of his
program.

Package Limits:
Package size and the size of the current project are shown in the continuation of the
main program menu. In the above example there are 2074 buses in the 30,000-bus
package. Only the active buses (sources, loads and bas bars) are counted. Nodes and
loads within the schedules are not considered. When the size of the project exceeds the
package limit the associated icon (see above) will change from green to red.

12
 Paladin® DesignBase™Toolbar Functions

Paladin® Product Family

The Power Analtyics Paladin® product family offers the industry’s most comprehensive, tightly
integrated solutions for advanced power systems modeling… all built around the powerful Paladin
DesignBase Modeler.

13