Component MeteorSpec-NETWORK

There are three different ways to use MeteorSpec-NETWORK and the user can freely choose any method from the following: 

Method A. The distribution network model is located directly in the electrical installation project file. The model shall be built according to the actual coordinates of designed network objects. In this case, you get automatically all the cable lengths and all the coordinates of objects. Refer to the „Quick start. Method A“ Help topic for details. 

Method B. The distribution network model is located in a separate file, and the electrical installation project file is attached as an external reference. We recommend applying this method as the basic method of using the program. The model shall be built according to actual coordinates of designed network objects. In this case, you get automatically all the cable lengths and all the coordinates of objects. Refer to the „Quick start. Method B“ Help topic for details. 

Method C. The distribution network „abstract" model is drawn without reference to the real coordinates of distribution network objects. This method is mainly used to analyze distribution networks. Refer to the „Quick start. Method C“ Help topic for details. 

The basic terms of constructing the network model are identical for all cases.

Basic steps of using MeteorSpec-NETWORK

For the beginning works, you must be sure that all MeteorSpec-NETWORK work layers and all network model blocks exist in the drawing.

Step 1. Creation of the network model. All elements of a network model must be located on the layer "mtr-spec-nw-model". Cable sections of a low-voltage distribution network are simulated with lightweight polylines. Power supply sources, consumers and junctions are simulated with blocks. Use the "Insert Block" command to insert blocks of model nodes and power supply. Use the "Draw Model Line" command to draw cable sections between blocks according to network topology.

Step 2. Assigning data to model objects using the commands "Object Data" or "Copy Data". The „Object Data" command is a universal command for viewing, modifying, and assigning data to any objects in the network model. The „Copy Data" command is intended to assign data to several objects from a source object. The „Copy Data" command supports all objects except power supplies.

Step 3. Calculation of short circuit currents and voltage losses at any nodes of a feeder using the "Calculate" command. The „Calculate" command is a universal command for performing electrical calculations.

Step 4. Calculation of power demand and load currents in any cable sections using the "Calculate" command. The „Calculate" command is a universal command for performing electrical calculations.

Step 5. Analysis and application of calculation results. Clarification of of network topology. Correction of cable types and cable cross-sections. Choice and sizing of protective devices.

Step 6. Calculate specifications of the model objects, using the „Cable Specification" command. The results of the program work can be issued as separate files or can be published on layouts in the model drawing.

Steps 2, 3 4 and 5 can be repeated for optimal results.

We strongly recommend to use the MeteorSpec-NETWORK template delivered with the software. Use the “MTR-SPEC-GET-TEMPLATE” command to find the template file and save it in your current project folder with the desired file name.

For details, please, refer to the chapter “Getting started with MeteorCalc SL” in the MeteorSpec-NETWORK Help system. 

Component MeteorSpec-ELECTRIC 

MeteorSpec-ELECTRIC is a collection of various calculators for electrical designers and students. With MeteorSpec-ELECTRIC you may significantly simplify the process of miscellaneous electrical calculations when working on electrical projects.

The current version of the MeteorSpec-ELECTRIC contains the following calculators:

Power -> Current calculator - calculation of currents in thee-phase, single-phase and DC electrical circuits;

Current -> Power calculator - calculation of active power in thee-phase, single-phase and DC electrical circuits;

Ohm's Law calculator - calculation of voltage, currents and resistance in DC electrical circuits;

Component MeteorSpec-PLINE

It is a totally customizable multipurpose tool for summarizing lengths and areas of any objects that can be modeled by lightweight polylines;

With MeteorSpec-PLINE you may significantly simplify the process of miscellaneous calculations relating to materials, equipment and the amount of works when working on technical projects.

The software allows simulation of any engineering network elements, communications, facilities and areas in technical projects. And then the program quickly calculates summarized lengths, areas and amounts of objects of the model.

The software is highly recommended to users who work in the field of power supplies, communication, computer networks, water supplies and sewages, architecture, road construction etc

Installation 

1. Check that you are in the system with the same user name that you will work with the program in the future. Close all the Autodesk® AutoCAD®;

2. Start the installation setup file you received;

3. Select your location from a list;

4. Begin your work with the plugin using the MeteorSpec LT template fails.  Type in the command line:  MTR-SPEC-GET-TEMPLATE

Trusted Locations 

MeteorSpec LT loads digitally signed executable modules only.  On the first start, a path to the program folder will be added in the Trusted Locations list automatically.  Please, allow the program to do this if such a request occurs. 

Check your regional calculation settings

We strongly recommend you check and set the settings of calculations.  Temperatures of conductors directly affect the results of calculations. 

Uninstallation 

To uninstall this plug-in, click Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features and uninstall as you would any other application from your system. 

To install the latest version, Please uninstall the previous version of the app.

After installation 

We strongly recommend you check and set the settings of electrotechnical calculations.  Use the “MeteorSpec-NETWORK Options” command and call the “Calculation Settings” window. 

The default value of a conductor temperature for max SCC calculations. According to the IEC 60909- 0, a conductor temperature of 20 °C is assumed for the calculation of the maximum short-circuit current. 

The default value of a conductor temperature for min SCC calculations. According to the IEC 60909-0, when calculating minimum short-circuit currents, the value of the cable resistance has to be introduced at a higher temperature. This temperature usually is defined by regional standards. 

The default value of a conductor temperature for voltage losses calculations. This temperature usually is defined by regional standards. The long-term permissible operating temperature of power cable may be used in the absence of such a standard. 

The default value of nominal voltage in low-voltage distribution networks. A nominal voltage of low voltage networks directly affects the results of current and voltage drop calculations. 

Voltage tolerance in low-voltage distribution networks. This parameter defines the voltage factors used in short-circuit calculations. A voltage factor (as the part of an equivalent voltage source) directly affects the results of short-circuit currents calculations. 

First start 

For the first start we recommend you refer to the “MeteorSpec LT getting started beginners guide” brochure and use the “Example #1. Power supply of small residential area” dwg-file. This step-by-step example is adapted for the free version. 

To download the more recent trial version of MeteorSpec LT visit https://meteorspec.com/downloads/autocad  

To download the more recent trial version of the partner software visit https://meteorcalc.com/downloads/autocad  

Component MeteorSpec-NETWORK  - Network feeders should have a tree-shaped structure and should not have closed contours.

Component MeteorSpec-PLINE - The polylines, are used for the area calculations, should not include self -intersections. The area calculations of self-intersections polylines might be incorrect. The program will show a warning message if you try to calculate an area of self-intersections polyline.