Grounding Analysis Speedup.  The grounding analysis computational speed has been further enhanced with version 8 using Intel’s OneMKL mathematical libraries.  These libraries are highly optimized for Intel microprocessors providing additional speedup over the version 7.9 parallel processing performance.  The additional speedup depends on the microprocessor core and cache characteristics.  A speedup in the order to 5-10 times has been observed on an intel Xeon 24 core processor. 

Grounding model C has been enhanced.  Model C now takes into account self-inductance of ground conductors, as well as self-capacitance of insulated or above ground conductors.  The low frequency analysis results are close to model D results, while computational time is significantly faster than model D. (comparable to model B compute times).  It is therefore recommended to use model C for most new cases.

Touch Voltage Reference.  Above ground electrical conductors are now taken into account in determining the nearest conductor voltage used as a reference for touch voltage evaluation.  Touch potential plots created using grounding models B, C and D with touch voltage reference set to “Nearest Ground Point” take advantage of this feature.

Transformer Model with Sequence Parameters.  This 3-phase transformer model can now represent both autotransformers (with or without hidden tertiary), as well as two winding transformers with any combination delta and wye winding connections.  The transformer impedances are specified in terms of positive, negative and zero sequence parameters.  For autotransformers and Y-Y connected two-winding transformers the zero sequence parameters are based on a T-Equivalent circuit.

Overhead Electrical Conductors now provide the sagging insulator options, just like the civil conductor version. Furthermore, the inductance and capacitance of overhead electrical conductors (both self and mutual) is now included in model D.

Ground Solution Data are now stored in separate binary files. This makes case data files more compact and speeds-up opening ground model files in edit mode.

CDEGS Software File Import/Export.  The Safe Engineering Services CDEGS program input files for the RESAP, MALT and MALZ modules can be imported into WinIGS.  Furthermore, the WinIGS grounding model, as well as Wenner and Schlumberger soil resistivity measurement data can be exported into the corresponding CDEGS program input files. 

Previous Updates

Soil Resistivity Analysis The AutoMark function now invalidates the computed soil model parameters only if bad data have been identified.

Various UI Enhancements: Optionally now permitting the use of ground model solutions from older program versions, added pop-up message reminding user to process Wenner soil data changes before exiting entry form, improved user interface specifying local versus global permissible touch & step voltages. NEW: Ground Conductor Coating Parameters editable in common dialog. Zoom Selected command in Ground Editor Added, also group names may now be up to 24 characters. Popup Dialog Titles. All dialogs now have unique titles (This feature can facilitate some third party automation solutions)

Computation of Electric Field Near Buildings Generated by Nearby Overhead Lines: The electric field around buildings is computed using a 2-D model. Building profiles are entered using an easy to use graphical user interface. The existsing “Mutually Coupled Overhead Line Model” provides the line configuration and the conductor characteristics. Results are presented as 2-D plots along user defined paths, as well as color coded maps. 2-D plot data can also be exported in CSV files.

Rolling Sphere Method Improvement.  The protected area identified with the rolling sphere method can now be exported in vector format. Data are exported in CSV or DXF files containing X-Y coordinates of polygons defining the protected area perimeter. Furthemore, the rolling sphere analysis takes advantage of multicore computers to speed-up computations.

High Resolution Display Support.  A number of user selectable options have been added in version 7.6t, which support very high resolution displays, such as larger toolbar icons and pop-up dialogs.

Enhanced Mutually Coupled Lines Model Editing. Conductor parameters and positions can now be edited in CAD-style edit window, showing line cross-section view.

User Specified Boot Resistance.  The permissible values of Touch and Step voltages now optionally take into account the user specified boot resistance and human body resistance.

Soil Resistivity Measurement Interpratation.  The RMS error and the measurement residuals are now reported in the Wenner and Schlumberger data analysis functions.

Batch Mode GPR Analysis Enhancements.  This analysis function allows you to simultaneously select any number of neutral or ground nodes and perform maximum GPR analysis on each of the selected nodes in Batch Mode.  The analysis results are tabulated in a pop-up dialog and also automatically stored in a CSV (Comma Separated Values format) file.  The tabulated results include Fault current, Split Factor, Earth current, Local GPR, Ground Resistance, X/R ratio at the fault location.  With version 7.6h, the tabulated results also include maximum touch and step voltages, permissible touch and step voltages, and the overall safety margin.

Enhanced Equipotential Polygonal Frames.  Equipotential plots can now be rendered with continuous smooth color maps for better hot spot visualization.  Furthermore, these color maps are automatically stored and can be used in EDIT mode as a guide for grounding design improvements. Equipotential polygonal plot frames can automatically conform to existing fences or polygonal lines, or become circular with user defined radius and center point. While repositioning equipotential polygonal frame vertices, markers appear on both sides of the edited vertex 3-feet away from the frame perimeter line.  This feature facilitates setting the frame boundary 3 feet away from fences or other structures so that touch voltages are computed within the appropriate regions.  (NOTE: A similar feature has been added to the horizontal polygonal ground conductor element). With version 7.6h, polygonal equipotential frames can be created and/or modified while in EDIT mode in order to facilitate batch mode touch and step voltage evaluation. The Resolution Limit in polygonal equipotential frames was increased from 512 to 2000.

Soil Resistivity Analysis data (Wenner, Schlumberger, and Driven Rod method) can now be exported in imported from CSV format files.

Ground Editor Element Selection.  Selection by rectangular area can optionally include elements crossing into selection window.  This option is activated by holding down the Shift key while dragging the mouse pointer to define the selection window.  It is also activated if the mouse stroke is from lower right to upper left direction.  Furthermore, while selecting multiple elements using the Ctrl key, now permits de-selecting a selected element.

Automatic Connector Creation.  A new command in the ground editor automatically creates a slant conductor connecting two existing conductors at the shortest distance points.

Single-Line-Diagram Voltage and Current Display.  Network view can now display up to five voltages end currents at each node and terminal.

Conductor Library.  I-Beam shaped conductors are now supported in the conductor library (Non-circular conductor category).

Case File Path Display.  The complete file path can now be display on each view frame top, instead of the file name only.  This option is selected in the General Options dialog window, under the GUI tab (Screen Group, checkbox “Show Complete File Path”).

Fault Current Analysis Updated.  The fault current analysis command output is now much more compact.  New options were added allowing selection of file format and content.

Improved Ground rod in GEM model accuracy for cases where the GEM resistivity is higher than the soil resistivity.

Additional information on past versions is available under the “New Features” section of the WinIGS program online help.