Overview of PowerWorld Simulator Project Files

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Performing a simulation using PowerWorld Simulator sometimes requires using a number of different files. In addition to the case file that stores the model of the system, there may be one or more oneline diagrams depicting various regions of the system. These oneline diagrams might feature document links that connect to files that were created using other applications, as well as oneline links, which open other oneline diagrams when they are clicked. For these links to function properly, the documents and oneline displays to which they connect must be available. A simulation might also employ a template file that is used to load in a predefined set of solution, environment, and display options. Furthermore, the simulation might make use of data stored in auxiliary data files to supplement the data stored in the case file. Finally, a simulation might utilize a script file to perform some automated sequence of tasks, or even to display a movie of system conditions. Having to deal with so many files may make it difficult to transfer the case to another computer, or to share the model with a colleague. PowerWorld Simulator Project files provide a solution.

PowerWorld Simulator Projects have the extension *.pwp. A project serves as a container for all the files that might comprise a simulation, including the case file, one or more oneline diagrams, a script file, one or more auxiliary data files, and a case template, as well as any other support files you may wish to include. A project is actually a compressed file archive that is compatible with the widely available PKZip and WinZip file compression utilities. It is strongly recommended, however, that you work with project files strictly within the PowerWorld Simulator environment, as Simulator can automatically perform the file compression and extraction functions and process the contents of the included files in a single step. (Note: Simulator performs file compression and extraction using software components available from http://www.cdrom.com/pub/infozip/ and http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Orchard/8607/ main.html).