Core Module
Overview
The Core Module in DESS provides the main interface for entering and editing data, and also provides access to running and showing results for the different analysis modules. All licenses must include a DESS Core Module.
Geographic Representation and Mapping
By default, DESS shows electrical system data using a geographic view. This allows you to display background maps (produced using GIS or CAD systems) containing streets, land parcels and other points of interest. This also means that as you draw new lines, the lengths are automatically measured. You can display coordinate systems of X,Y metres, yards, feet (including for use with UTM earth projections) as well as latitude/longitude. If desired you can also create a schematic system view with manually entered line lengths.
Data Entry and Editing
Although data can be imported from GIS, you will need to manually edit the data to enter small systems or for what-if type analyses. Manually adding and editing data is quick and intuitive. It is as easy as drawing a network of nodes (busses) and connecting them using lines (conductors). Then add electrical system elements such as loads, transformers, regulators and switches. Repetitive data entry for common technical data such as conductor and transformer parameters is avoided by referring to a library of reference data that is user editable.
Circuit Tracing and Queries
Connectivity through the system data is handled invisibly and automatically updates itself as you add or edit lines, switches or phasing. The robust connectivity model handles the most complicated cases, including 3-phase to single-phase to 3-phase connectivity and partially opened 3-phase switches.
A collection of tracing and query tools make it easy to query your data for items of interest (e.g. find all 50kVA transformers or all red phase underground lines) and to make bulk changes to data values (e.g. change a group of conductors to a different size). Queries include up and downstream tracing, selecting network loops and de-energized sections and custom selection using any data property. This type of functionality is critical to working with large sets of data (i.e. most distribution systems).
Intuitive User Interface
DESS provides a simple yet powerful interface for editing data and understanding result data. The uncluttered main window uses a modern interface design for familiarity and ease of use. Features such as slide out sidebars, mouse-overs and mouse wheel support provide quick access to data with minimal clicking. Decluttering, colored themes, customizable labels and transparency allow you to control which data is shown and how to show it. Tooltips, a useful help system, and undo/redo help you get your data entered and correct mistakes.
Protection Coordination
DESS lets you enter and view time-current curves for overcurrent protection. A library of curves is defined for a range of common devices, and data for new devices is easy to add. You can use the light table view of the protection data in conjunction with the short circuit analysis to help ensure that devices coordinate correctly.
Customized Appearance
DESS gives you a wide range of features for controlling the appearance of the system. The visibility and transparency of each map layer can be controlled. You can choose custom rule-based symbols (symbol, size, color, etc) for any item in the system, and you can choose custom styles for lines. This allows you to set up a DESS system to appear exactly the same way you currently view your data.
Results Display
DESS provides a range of tools to help you view and interpret results from analyses. Thematic displays show data such as voltage or current on coloured overlays and make it easy for you to identify problem areas in your system. Mouse-overs show detailed data for each node and line in the system allowing you fast access to detailed data without lots of clicking or cluttered screens. HTML based reports provided formatted printable results for you records. You can also export results to a file or to the clipboard for use in other software.
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