Software Applications, USAmp+

USAmp+ for Windows
The Experts' System for Power Cable
Ampacity Calculations

General Description

USAmp+ models all types of underground power cables (Pipe-type, Extruded, Solid Paper or Self-Contained).

Computes steady-state and transient ampacities and temperatures for multiple cables with equal or unequal loading.
Models cross-sections with multiple duct banks, pipe cables and/or directly buried cables - provides simultaneous ratings.
Models steam lines or other extraneous heat sources.
Models Aerial cable installations, both horizontal and risers.

Cross Section with Steam Line

Operation

The user inputs data describing one or more installations. Each installation describes one of the following:a duct bank; a group of directly buried cables surrounded by thermal backfill; one or more pipe-type cable circuits with thermal backfill; or a steam line with thermal insulation.
The location of each installation is input to build up a cross-section file which references the data for each installation.The cross-section is displayed graphically on the screen. The earth ambient temperature and thermal resistivity are included in the data.
Each installation may have one or more cable circuits 3-phase or 1-phase). The location of each cable and its type and circuit identification are input in a graphical format. The thermal resistivity of the duct bank or trench is also input. The user gives the installation data a file name.
Each circuit described requires a set of load data (also saved with the installation data).This includes a maximum temperature and load factor for each rating and the starting temperature or loading for each transient rating.For each circuit the bonding method for metallic shields or sheaths is indicated.
The program includes an expert system for cable designs. The cable data is input interactively and the program assigns each cable a file number which is referenced in the installation file. Features of the cable editor are described under CABLE DATA.Computational output is sent to the screen and to a file for later printing or retrieval. The output file may optionally contain the details of the computation such as temperatures of cable components and surroundings, and the electrical and thermal parameters used to derive the results.

New Features

New features in USAmp+ For Windows are:

a new graphic interface with CAD style drop and drag placement of cross sections and heat sources
point and click editing
Output to Microsoft(R) EXCEL(c) spread sheet compatible CSV files
Multiple working directories for separate projects
Printing via network printers

Methodology

The program uses the Neher & McGrath (AIEE P.A.S. Oct. 1957) methodology for steady-state ratings and Neher (IEEE P.A.S. Feb. 1964) for transient ratings. This is consistent with IEC 287 (ratings for 100% load factor) and with the C.I.G.R.E. method for transient ratings (Electra Oct. 1972 and Jan. 1976). Also computes sheath losses for any arrangement and phasing of cables and for unequal currents.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

A free demo package is available on line. All you have to do is click on the USI icon and follow the instructions. You will need a password to install it so contact us to obtain the free password.

Click here to down load the demo!

CABLE DATA

Each cable may be of a different type, size and/or voltage rating. Included are:

Single or 3-conductor extruded dielectric cables rated 600 V to 230 kV. Maximum voltage depends on insulation type (Polyethylene, XLPE, EPR).
Single or 3-conductor, paper-lead cables, 5 to 46 kV, shielded or belted as covered by AEIC specifications.
High-pressure fluid - filled pipe-type cable with paper insulation 69-550 kV) or LPP (Laminated Paper/Polypropylene) insulation 138 kV to 750 kV)
High-pressure gas-filled pipe-type cable with paper insulation (69-138 kV).
Self-contained fluid-filled cables (69 kV and up).

Input of cable designs is facilitated by a cable "expert system". The AEIC cable specifications are "built in" to the program. The user inputs basic parameters (insulation type, number of conductors, voltage rating, shield and jacket type). Then the program retrieves the standard dimensional features and calculation constants for the cable and displays them. They may be edited "on-screen" to accommodate "non-standard" features. A company specification number may be included in the data. The cable data is assigned an ID and saved. A search routine retrieves the design the next time it is required. A printout of all cables in the database may be obtained, sorted according to specification number, voltage, insulation type, etc.

Cable Editor Page

EXTERNAL HEAT SOURCES

Steam lines or other heat sources may be specified. For steam lines the position, temperature, pipe diameter and thermal insulation are specified. The program computes the heat flowing from the steam pipe and the resulting temperature rise at the location of each cable is factored into the ratings. Alternatively, the program accepts the watts loss from a cable or pipe which is used to determine the interference temperature rise and derating of the other cables.

Sample Output

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The USAmp+ for Windows package is compatible with: Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT and Windows 2000 operating systems.

A Pentium class processor is required, and should have a minimum of 64 MB of RAM, a color video display set at a minimum resolution of 800 by 640, a CD ROM drive for program installation, and at least 20 MB of available hard disc space.

USAmp+ For Windows is file compatible with previous DOS based versions of USAmp and USAmp+ allowing the user to upgrade with no impact on previous work. USAmp+ includes a new file path set up procedure providing the user with multiple project directories.

USi 84 Business Park Drive, Suite 109 Armonk, New York 10504
Voice: 914.273.8727 / Fax: 914.273.6909
Email: info@usi-power.com | www.USi-power.com

Please direct any questions about this site to: webmaster
© USi 1998 - 2007 All Rights Reserved

	USAmp+ for Windows The Experts' System for Power Cable Ampacity Calculations
General Description USAmp+ models all types of underground power cables (Pipe-type, Extruded, Solid Paper or Self-Contained). Computes steady-state and transient ampacities and temperatures for multiple cables with equal or unequal loading. Models cross-sections with multiple duct banks, pipe cables and/or directly buried cables - provides simultaneous ratings. Models steam lines or other extraneous heat sources. Models Aerial cable installations, both horizontal and risers. Cross Section with Steam Line *Operation* The user inputs data describing one or more installations. Each installation describes one of the following:a duct bank; a group of directly buried cables surrounded by thermal backfill; one or more pipe-type cable circuits with thermal backfill; or a steam line with thermal insulation. The location of each installation is input to build up a cross-section file which references the data for each installation.The cross-section is displayed graphically on the screen. The earth ambient temperature and thermal resistivity are included in the data. Each installation may have one or more cable circuits 3-phase or 1-phase). The location of each cable and its type and circuit identification are input in a graphical format. The thermal resistivity of the duct bank or trench is also input. The user gives the installation data a file name. Each circuit described requires a set of load data (also saved with the installation data).This includes a maximum temperature and load factor for each rating and the starting temperature or loading for each transient rating.For each circuit the bonding method for metallic shields or sheaths is indicated. The program includes an expert system for cable designs. The cable data is input interactively and the program assigns each cable a file number which is referenced in the installation file. Features of the cable editor are described under CABLE DATA.Computational output is sent to the screen and to a file for later printing or retrieval. The output file may optionally contain the details of the computation such as temperatures of cable components and surroundings, and the electrical and thermal parameters used to derive the results.
New Features New features in USAmp+ For Windows are: a new graphic interface with CAD style drop and drag placement of cross sections and heat sources point and click editing Output to Microsoft(R) EXCEL(c) spread sheet compatible CSV files Multiple working directories for separate projects Printing via network printers
Methodology The program uses the Neher & McGrath (AIEE P.A.S. Oct. 1957) methodology for steady-state ratings and Neher (IEEE P.A.S. Feb. 1964) for transient ratings. This is consistent with IEC 287 (ratings for 100% load factor) and with the C.I.G.R.E. method for transient ratings (Electra Oct. 1972 and Jan. 1976). Also computes sheath losses for any arrangement and phasing of cables and for unequal currents. FOR MORE INFORMATION A free demo package is available on line. All you have to do is click on the USI icon and follow the instructions. You will need a password to install it so contact us to obtain the free password. Click here to down load the demo!
CABLE DATA Each cable may be of a different type, size and/or voltage rating. Included are: Single or 3-conductor extruded dielectric cables rated 600 V to 230 kV. Maximum voltage depends on insulation type (Polyethylene, XLPE, EPR). Single or 3-conductor, paper-lead cables, 5 to 46 kV, shielded or belted as covered by AEIC specifications. High-pressure fluid - filled pipe-type cable with paper insulation 69-550 kV) or *LPP (Laminated Paper/Polypropylene)* insulation 138 kV to 750 kV) High-pressure gas-filled pipe-type cable with paper insulation (69-138 kV). Self-contained fluid-filled cables (69 kV and up). Input of cable designs is facilitated by a cable "expert system". The AEIC cable specifications are "built in" to the program. The user inputs basic parameters (insulation type, number of conductors, voltage rating, shield and jacket type). Then the program retrieves the standard dimensional features and calculation constants for the cable and displays them. They may be edited "on-screen" to accommodate "non-standard" features. A company specification number may be included in the data. The cable data is assigned an ID and saved. A search routine retrieves the design the next time it is required. A printout of all cables in the database may be obtained, sorted according to specification number, voltage, insulation type, etc. Cable Editor Page EXTERNAL HEAT SOURCES *Steam lines* or other heat sources may be specified. For steam lines the position, temperature, pipe diameter and thermal insulation are specified. The program computes the heat flowing from the steam pipe and the resulting temperature rise at the location of each cable is factored into the ratings. Alternatively, the program accepts the watts loss from a cable or pipe which is used to determine the interference temperature rise and derating of the other cables.
Sample Output
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS The USAmp+ for Windows package is compatible with: Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT and Windows 2000 operating systems. A Pentium class processor is required, and should have a minimum of 64 MB of RAM, a color video display set at a minimum resolution of 800 by 640, a CD ROM drive for program installation, and at least 20 MB of available hard disc space. USAmp+ For Windows is file compatible with previous DOS based versions of USAmp and USAmp+ allowing the user to upgrade with no impact on previous work. USAmp+ includes a new file path set up procedure providing the user with multiple project directories.
USi 84 Business Park Drive, Suite 109 Armonk, New York 10504 Voice: 914.273.8727 / Fax: 914.273.6909 Email: info@usi-power.com \| www.USi-power.com Please direct any questions about this site to: webmaster © USi 1998 - 2007 All Rights Reserved