August 18, 2008
Over one hundred participants representing sixty utilities from all over the world gathered in Montreal for the annual CYME Users Group. This year, the program spanned the whole week, covering emerging issues and many aspects that distribution engineers face every day, and presenting the new and upcoming features of the CYMDIST, CYMTCC and CYMCAP software.
The week started with a one-day technical engineering course on the integration of Distributed Generation in distribution systems, presented by Chad Abbey of Natural Resources Canada and Farid Katiraei of Quanta Technology. The seminar covered the many facets of the impacts of the interaction of distributed generation with distribution systems and was complemented by a thorough presentation of assessment methods and of safe and cost-effective integration solutions.
As always, the main purpose of this annual meeting was to share ideas and information on matters that are of concern to the CYME community of users. The conference focused on the presentation of the new features of CYMDIST, CYMTCC and CYMCAP introduced this year, and the additional functionality of the upcoming version 5.0 of CYMDIST to be released in a few months. Discussions over the current issues and requirements for further enrichment of the functionality were on the program, enriched by one-on-one meetings with the CYME engineers and specialists.
David Lee of Pacific Gas & Electric commented: “It is an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and networking with other utilities. The input from all users will make CYMDIST an even more powerful and efficient tool for distribution planning.”
This year, we have introduced a number of enhancements to the engineering models of CYMDIST (including generators, motors, transformers and overhead lines), further developed the DG modeling to include dynamic models, Wind Energy Conversion Systems, and controls. Transient stability and dynamic motor start modules have been added. We have enhanced the phase merging modeling (for example of URD loops) including single-phase switching capabilities. Arc Flash analysis has also been enhanced; now featuring network-wide analysis of your distribution network following NESC 2007 standards. The important re-design of the CYMTCC software database along with the enhancements to the device management and coordination tools brings greater compatibility with the new devices now appearing on the market and make that software even easier to use.
The program of the ever popular hands-on training sessions was expanded this year to include more specialized subjects and expert issues directly derived from the requests from our customers and the new features now available with the software.
Bill Winnerling, Patrick Energy Services, said: “The training sessions that I attended were right on target for my needs. And the hands-on experience is so very valuable as it presents a real learning environment.”
CYME thanks all the participants and speakers involved in this year’s Users Group, making it a success, once more.
Some comments from our customers:
Peter Allen, Georgia Power Company:
“This has been the best conference to date. The additional training workshops along with the One-on-One meetings really added to the benefits of attending this year. Please continue to provide these features in future conferences.”
Shawn Li, ENMAX:
“Users Group provided a good experience in learning new features and being able to try out new things in the workshop. Excellent chance to meet new people in the industry from several parts of the world.”
Philippe Chollet, Romande Énergie:
“In general I found this Users Group (First for me) very interesting. First of all, I could better know the technical staff and the commercial staff, this is very important for our relations. Secondly, I appreciated the topics which have been presented; it will be useful in my daily work.” “The organization was excellent, timing, hotel, breaks, meals, conference rooms, staff, presentations and more.” “I very appreciated the one-on-one meetings.”
John W. Bowen, Alabama Power Company:
“This year was the best meeting in the 8 years that I have been coming. Why, because the program was so well organized and scheduled. We got to meet other Users, learn details about upcoming enhancements, and learn details about the existing software. What a Users Group, it was a complete package!”
“Meeting and discussing issues with other users is always a plus, but when you can talk to users from all over the world you find out what common problems exist. You discuss these problems and find ways to solve these issues.”
Bill Winnerling, Patrick Energy Services:
“Conference venue was excellent with the great support from the CYME team and the Delta hotel. As always, the conference social events proved to be a great time for meeting and chatting with the CYME staff and participants. Many common issues we all have are discussed and often resolved during these events.”
“Conference agenda and format works very well, and I recommend continuing the same process in future meeting. Exciting to preview the coming attractions, and informative to hear the issues and suggestions from both new and powers users. The CYME and utility presenters were excellent...entertaining and interesting.”
“The Thursday training sessions that I attended were right on target for my needs. And the hands-on experience at CRIM is so very valuable as it presents a real learning environment.”
Ray Klopfenstein, Oklahoma Gas & Electric:
“This was my first UG meeting and I felt that I received some good tips for CYMDIST and CYMTCC. The individual classes were informative and helpful and I liked being able to choose what I attended.”
Corinne Rocherieux, Powersys:
“I really appreciated the Users Group 2008. It was my first participation and I did learn a lot. I found the technical presentations very relevant.”
Jens Dalsgaard, Informi GIS A/S:
“Selling the CYMDIST application in the Danish market participating the conference was a very assuring experience. I truly believe we've found the right partner.”
“You have a professional attitude and ability, you work with the guys at universities knowing about the things that are new to you, you implement new stuff swiftly, you are actually open to criticism and suggestions, your application is intuitive and robust and your support is impressive.”
Matt Sveinbjornson, ATCO Electric:
“Great conference. Agenda, schedule and pace were set that we could network with other users and be in the sessions without losing interest.” “It was nice to meet the CYME team and learn which role each team member does.”
David Lee, Pacific Gas & Electric:
“It is an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and networking with other utilities. The input from all users will make CYMDIST an even more powerful and efficient tool for distribution planning.” “Overall, I’m impressed by the quality of people in the CYME organization.” “Customer driven development and improvement process is good and should continue.”
Herb Wagner, FortisAlberta:
“The workshops were well run and very informative as usual.” “It's always great to see that CYME is listening to it's customers with continual improvements to the program.”
Mark Van Tol, Hydro One Networks:
“Great coverage of industry-relevant topics, and thorough overview of how to solve our problems using CYME as a tool.”
Kathleen Dizon, St.Thomas Energy:
“The different hands-on sessions are very effective for me. I have learned so many new things that we can do on the software.”
Charity Howard, Marietta Power:
“Excellent conference! I really enjoyed myself and meeting new people. I liked how you had workshops for all level of CYME users.”
Michael McTavish, Hydro One Networks:
“A professional and well organized conference held in a beautiful city. The food was great and the people were friendly.”
