History

XGSLab History

XGSLab FOREWARD

XGSLab history began about in 1990.XGSLab stands for eXtended Grounding Software Laboratory.The first version of the GSA module was written in FORTRAN language in the years 1995 ÷ 1997.

For more than ten years GSA has been used for professional consultancy and for publications.In 2006 GSA has been rewritten in C and in 2007 the first commercial release of GSA was developed.In the years 2007 ÷ 2013 GSA has become one of the most popular grounding software in Europe, with several clients (universities and companies) worldwide.At the same time, customers’ requests have grown and it has become evident the need for a more powerful tool.

In the years 2012 ÷ 2014 was developed the first commercial release of the module GSA_FD. At the end of 2014 GSA and GSA_FD were unified in the XGSLab program. In 2015 was added the XGSA_FD module.

At the beginning of 2017 was added the module XGSA_TD. In 2017 the multilayer soil model has been implemented. The implemented algorithm is powerful and accurate and allows calculations with an arbitrary layers number. In 2018 was added the module NETS. In 2021 was added the module SHIELD.

In 2024 was added a new vector graphic interface and the module SHIELD_A.

The modules GSA, GSA_FD, XGSA_FD and XGSA_FD are based on a full wave solver of Maxwell equations in the presence of a conducting layered half space taking into account Green functions and Sommerfeld integrals. This powerful solver has been implemented using a numerical method known as PEEC (Partial Element Equivalent Circuit), and allows to simulate systems of conductors integrated with circuit components like generators and impedances.

The module NETS uses a solver of electrical networks based on circuit theory and Kirchhoff laws for multi-conductors and multi-phase systems. This solver has been implemented using a numerical method known as PCM (Phase Component Method).

The modules SHIELD and SHIELD_A are based on a full 3D numerical and analytical models and consider the most diffused methods used for the lightning shielding design.

Most people know that the electromagnetic fields are governed by a set of experimental laws known as Maxwell equations and circuit are governed by the Kirchhoff laws. But on the other hand, not many people know about the fundamental studies carried out by Green, Lorentz and Sommerfeld, about the Fourier transforms, and on the discoveries made by Ferraris, Carson, Schelkunoff and many other scientists and engineers.G. Green studied the solution of inhomogeneous differential equations and the so called Green functions are fundamental solutions of these equations satisfying homogeneous boundary conditions. For instance, the Green functions can be used as solutions of the Laplace equation that governs the scalar potential in a uniform or stratified propagation medium in quasi-static conditions.

XGSLab uses the Green functions for the calculation of the scalar potential in the multilayer soil model.H.A. Lorentz has been one of the most important theoretical physicists in the World and is known also for the Lorentz force which describes the combined electric and magnetic forces acting on a charged particle in an electromagnetic field. XGSLab uses the Lorentz equation for the calculation of the electromagnetic forces.A.J.W. Sommerfeld studied the earth reaction to the electromagnetic field and the rigorous solutions of the half space problem are known as Sommerfeld integrals, XGSLab implemented the Sommerfeld integrals for the calculation of the vector potential of horizontal or vertical electric dipoles. Without these studies would not have been possible to develop XGSLab.Furthermore, the calculation in the time domain have been made possible by using the Fourier transforms. Fourier transforms allow moving from the time domain and vice versa. G. Ferraris was one of the pioneers of AC power systems and an inventor of the multi phase power transmission systems, induction motor and alternator, some of the greatest inventions of all ages. Electromagnetic field known as an electromagnetic wave. The way in which charges and currents (i.e. streams of charges) interact with the electromagnetic field is described.

THE GREAT THINKERS

The modules GSA, GSA_FD, XGSA_FD and XGSA_TD are based on Maxwell equations, Green functions and Sommerfeld integrals. The module NETS is based on Kirchhoff laws. The module SHIELD is based on Rolling Sphere and Eriksson methods and a numerical model. The module SHIELD_A is based on Rolling Sphere method and an analytical model. Most people know that the electromagnetic fields are governed by a set of experimental laws known as Maxwell equations and circuits are governed by Kirchhoff laws. On the other hand, not many people know about the fundamental studies carried out by Green, Lorentz and Sommerfeld, about the Fourier transforms, and on the discovery made by G. Ferraris. G. Green studied the solution of inhomogeneous differential equations and the so called Green functions are fundamental solutions of these equations satisfying homogeneous boundary conditions. For instance, the Green functions can be used as solutions of the Laplace equation that governs the scalar potential in a uniform or stratified propagation medium in quasi-static conditions. XGS uses the Green functions for the calculation of the scalar potential in the multilayer soil model. H.A. Lorentz has been one of the most important theoretical physicist in the World and is known also for the Lorentz force which describes the combined electric and magnetic forces acting on a charged particle in an electromagnetic field. XGS uses the Lorentz equation for the calculation of the electromagnetic forces. A.J.W. Sommerfeld studied the earth reaction to the electromagnetic field and the rigorous solutions of the half space problem are known as Sommerfeld integrals. XGS implemented the Sommerfeld integrals for the calculation of the vector potential of horizontal or vertical electric dipoles. Without these studies would not have been possible to develop XGS. Furthermore, the calculation in the time domain were been possible by using the Fourier transforms. Fourier transforms allow moving from the time domain and vice versa. G. Ferraris was one of the pioneers of AC power systems and an inventor of the polyphase power transmission systems, induction motor and alternator, some of the greatest inventions of all ages. It is also important to be grateful to the scientists and engineers that have works in this field of research as for instance J.R. Carson (1886), S.A. Schelkunoff (1897), J.R. Wait (1924) and E.D. Sunde (1927). Of course, XGS is based on the works of other scientists and mathematician as for instance I. Newton (1643), L. Euler (1707) and J.F.C. Gauss (1777) and and many others that in more recent times contributed to improve the computing science. For all this we like to say that XGSLab is science for engineering.

26 June 2024 - XGSLab Release 2024.1.1

Completely new graphical interface based on vector graphics:
- Real and performing CAD included in the software
- No limit in handling the layout both about zooming and about rotating
- Coloured maps and contours all included in the same view and selectable by properly enabling layers
dwg format added to the importable formats
importation of 3D CAD entities such as polylines 2D and 3D
importation of complex 3D geometries for background (solids and meshes included)
Z coordinate oriented upward in GSA, GSA_FD, XGSA_FD and SHIELD
New scheduler features able to take data from projects to be run
Ability to analyse the transients of multiple elements in the same graph in TD
Minor bugs fixed

28 June 2023 - XGSLab Release 10.3.1

Electromagnetic forces and effects
Spark gap SPDs available for XGSA_FD
Management of conductors continuity to infinite as a conductor property
Dedicated tools for manual input of:
- Injected currents
- External electromotive force
- Longitudinal and transverse impedances
- Continuity to infinite of conductors
- Reference points (already existing)
New Harmonic Impedance graphical output in XGSA_TD
New “On tag” parameter in Scheduler
Minor bugs fixed

12 December 2022 - XGSLab Release 10.2.1

New XglCAD for vectorial graphic input in BETA version
Calculations with a virtually unlimited number of victim or source elements are now possible. The main limit is now given by the hardware capabilities.
Scheduling of projects considering the setting of parameters like:
- Tags to switch-off, frequency, fault location
- Distribution pictures to be generated
- Area calculations to be run
- Line calculations to be run
Metal to metal Voltage now available for XGSA_FD using the distribution "Potential Difference"
In Soil Resistivity Analyser available also the Geometric average in addition to the arithmetic
New standard EN 50522-2022 has been implemented
Minor bugs fixed

11 May 2022 - XGSLab Release 10.1.1

Screened conductors implemented in GSA_FD, XGSA_FD and XGSA_TD modules
Multi core cable in NETS
Conductors, Lines, Cables and Screened Conductors graphical editors are now available
Parameters allowed in projects added to scheduling (Beta)
XGL viewer improved in several features
Minimum length of lines to be imported now can be set
Improved calculation speed in multiple scenarios
Minor bugs fixed

13 September 2021 - XGSLab Release 10.0.1

- New module SHIELD for calculation of the volume protected by an LPS using EGM. Methods available:
  - Rolling Sphere
  - Eriksson
- Improved calculation precision by including the third Sommerfeld integrals dW/dx
- Fourier Analyser: arbitrary time samples can now be imported from a list without the need to know the corresponding equation
- New model NETS Hybrid able to consider cables, lines and conductors like pipelines in the same cell
- New features that allow to calculate magnetic and electric fields also below the soil surface
- Availability of customized level also for touch and step voltages, magnetic field and electric field
- Multi Zone Soil Model: new tool to place zone land mark graphically
- Seasonal Analyser: diffusivity can now be calculated using the depth of frost soil
- Implemented the chance to set the reference name at its creation
- Merge of the reference options “all references” and “single reference” in order to enable the user to select a customized list of references among the available ones
- XGL CAD:
  - New Cad 3d for Shield Module
  - XglViewer Improvements
- Minor bugs fixed

15 February 2021 - XGSLab Release 9.6.1

- New 3D Viewer implementation based on OpenGL, only for results. (x64 versions)
- New way to set conductors properties using libraries
- No more conductor segmentation into mesh sides
- Three windings transformers can now be considered in NETS
- Very long overhead lines can be computed in NETS
- Mutual impedances can now be set in Sources, longitudinal and transverse impedances in NETS
- New drawing tools for GS modules:
  - Draw rectangle
  - Object snap on conductors intersections
  - Object snap on elements ends
- Shortcut from right-button menu to quickly set transverse impedance to simulate infinite conductor length
- Reach distance available also in GSA
- Minor bugs fixed

23 July 2020 - XGSLab Release 9.5.1

- - Step voltage calculation is now possible from steps 0.25 m (0.82021 ft) long
  - Dramatic improvement of performance in generating touch voltage plots with 'all elements' option active
  - For each soil resistivity measurement is now possible to define a tag usable also to specify what is the traverse which that measurement belongs to
  - Implement the new Seasonal Analysis that allows to consider the soil model variations depending on the temperature expected for a location
  - Google Earth exportation for layout, 2D distributions, area calculation results for potential, magnetic field and electric field
  - New CSV exportation option for each distribution picture (excepted in TD). Now it is possible to export exactly what is plotted in the software, sorted exactly like in the software plot for 1D picture. For 2D and 3D each element is exported like a record with centre point coordinates and related value
  - 3D picture generation faster and with a double level of quality:
    - Defaut quality = just a few seconds needed
    - High quality = maximum a few tens of seconds needed
  - New graphical features to edit the layout like:
    - 'Reverse' that inverts the orientation of one or more conductors
    - 'Scale' that scales one or more conductors keeping as reference a definable base point
    - reference points graphical definition
  - Rearrangement in connection options and features:
    - New groupbox in the panel to handle them
    - New handling of 'T' connections: the connection is detected if just the conductor touched in the middle is bare
    - New option that allows to neglect all insulations in detecting the connections
  - Introduced the possibility to set connections that can be just theoretical (and not represented physically)
  - The word 'Span' is now replaced by the word 'Conductor' in the software terminology
  - Minor Bugs fixed

12 March 2020 - XGSLab Release 9.4.1

Implemented a complete compatibility with Imperial Units!
Improved earth potential area and line calculation performances. Reduction of time needed from 50% up to 80%!
Many new graphical interaction features:
- Scroll in/out for 2D and 3D layout and for 2D and 3D distributions
- Pan using mouse scroll for 2D and 3D layout and for 2D and 3D distributions
- Zoom selected spans both from 2D and 3D layout and from list of spans
List of spans now exportable and importable in xml format
Last area and line calculation automatically saved in the folder of the project
External impedances and inputs now visible also 1D distributions
Minor bugs fixed

See more...

From 2014 to 2020...

28 November 2019

XGSLab Release 9.3.1

Improved reach touch voltage
Argument plotting for normalized frequency spectrum in TD
Imperial units considered for dxf importation
New soil parameters frequency dependance model CIGRE TB 781
More intuitive representation of area and line calculation
Automatic layers number research
Improved scheduler with the option to program the starting of the calculations
Minor bugs fixed

30 September 2019

XGSLab Release 9.2.1

New tool for corona effect calculation for XGSA_FD
Reach touch voltage option now available for option "All elements" in FD modules
Custom levels for contour pictures introduced in the plot of earth surface potential in GSA, GSA_FD and XGSA_FD modules
Enlarged the frequency range in which the validity of the software is granted up to 100 MHz in GSA_FD, XGSA_FD and XGSA_TD modules
New distribution available: "Leakage Current on Small Holidays - Superficial" in GSA_FD and XGSA_FD modules
New default colour scales available for a quick customization of results outfit
Minor bugs fixed

13 June 2019

XGSLab Release 9.1.1

Improvement of NETS with Zig Zag Transformers, Pipe Type Cables and Connection Visualization
Improvement of Automatic Report
Introduced the possibility to divide spans into one single element also for FD and TD modules
New control in debug able to find missing connections in one electrode for FD and TD modules
New step by step analysis of debug in order to focus more easily the errors
New algorithm for 1D distributions able sort the spans considering their position, orientation and connections
Possibility to export frequency dependent impedances to EMTP®
New IEC/TS 60479-1:2018 implemented
New drawing tools like Array and Offset
Improved doubtful connection reliability
New levels of fragmentation introduced: “very high” and “very low”
Improved graphical output for 3D pictures with steep gradients
Minor bugs fixed

21 February 2019

XGSLab Release 9.0.1

New module NETS! a solver for full meshed multi-conductor and multi-phase networks taking into account all the neutral conductors paths as well as the earth path. Based on Kirchhoff laws for multi-conductor and multi-phase systems
Enhanced level of detail in post processing results: enabled the possibility to plot not only modulus but also real and imaginary part for scalar fields, real and imaginary part for each component for vector fields
New drawing features like "move" and "copy"
Introduced the possibility to interact with the background drawing it, keeping it as reference with object snap and deleting it graphically and/or from the dedicated table
Minor bugs fixed

09 January 2019

XGSLab Release 8.3.2

New scheduling feature that allows to run multiple calculations in series (>= Professional ver)
New layout parameters arrangement: origin + length, width and depth
New possibilty to export in dxf format contours obtained in area calculation
New graphical options for graduation of axis
New drawing options like "Rotation"
New suggestion for element fragmentation
Minor various improvements
Minor bugs fixed

18 April 2018

XGSLab Release 8.3.1

Enhanced calculation speed
Improved calculation stability
Improved calculation accuracy both with multilayer soil models and with soil multizone models
New graphical output "contours"
New graphical costumization by setting the number of levels in colours area graphical output
Many new graphical options for touch and step voltages area calculation results
New customizations options in impulse analyzer
New possibility to save and load area and line calculations. This feature is very useful also to fully use and appreciate the new XGSLab Viewer
Minor Bugs fixed

16 February 2018

XGSLab Release 8.2.1

Calculation of potentials and touch and step voltages below the soil surface
New energization mode for sources with uniform leakage current density
Enhanced calculation stability also for projects with elements both below and above the soil surface
Layout exportation tool added (dxf format)
Possibility to apply a scale factor in order to simulate different levels of energization for the same scenario
Many drawing tools and features added
Tag filter for layout and for all elements option in Line and Area Calculations
Improved soil analyzer
Minor bugs fixed

11 November 2017

XGSLab Release 8.1.1

IDE Improvements: like Project panel popups
New standard management: more accurate, more complete
IEC 60479-1:2005 considered in addition to EN 50522:2010 and to IEEE Std 80-2013
Can work with a multilayer soil model with an arbitrary layers number
More performing importation algorithm: about 15 times faster than the old one
More performing drawing tools: Faster, More reliable, With new features like "array"
More performing debug algorithm: Automatic fixing of most of superpositions, Automatic fixing of most of vertical short elements, Very precise detecting of doubtful separations
More performing "All Elements" option in Safe Areas calculation: about 20 times faster than the old one
Minor bugs fixed

24 July 2017

XGSLab Release 8.0.1

New soil analyzer to calculate multilayer soil models considering Wenner and Schlumberger measures as input
New calculation algorithm able to process multilayer soil models with arbitrary layers number
New drawing tools that enables the User to draw directly in the software the layout in a very effective and quick way
New layout management tools to improve the User’s experience
Possibility to interact graphically both with active and inactive spans
New graphical outfit of User’s interface
Minor bugs fixed

14 March 2017

XGSLab Release 7.0.1

TD module activated! Main Calculation and Line Calculation are available
New settings for z axis in 3D pictures
Set elements tool improved in precision and effectiveness
Possibility to input/read complex numbers both in Cartesian and in Polar coordinates
Introduced “Color by” option: it allows the user to color the layout by using different parameters (everything the same, electrode, tag, material)
Minor bugs fixed

21 December 2016

XGSLab Release 6.7.1

Optimized RAM Consumption: using the 6.7.1 version it is possible to study the same project with a RAM consumption -20/30% than the previous versions.
More refined calculation algorithm for High Frequencies.
Improved management of German and Spanish languages.
Introduced the possibility to store Area Calculations.
New graphical tool that enables to rotate the 3D pictures of Area Calculation.
Improved management of the legend: now perfectly readable at any resolution setting.
Improved inverse-Fourier Transform algorithm and new graphical tools for TD module.
Minor bugs fixed

18 October 2016

XGSLab Release 6.6.1

New file project management. Single file instead of folders collection.
New and easier importation procedure. Now the User has just to set the wanted total amount of elements and then import all the records set according to the dxf file in the Import window.
New feature in debug pictures called “Doubtful Separation”: useful to easily detect possible lacking connections among victims (available in *_FD modules).
Introduced a minimum value for Zt that must be > 0.1 mΩ and a maximum value for Zl that must be < 10 MΩ.
Improved calculation accuracy
Time Domain module developed and under test excepted post processing phases.
Minor bugs fixed

29 June 2016

XGSLab Release 6.5.3

Low Frequency breakdown: possibility to set a threshold below which no inductive coupling is considered. This makes the calculation more stable, expecially with very insulated elements.
Improved graphical output.
Possibility to swith off some text in layout pictures, in order to make them more readable.
Enlarged limits of layout representation.
Zone Indication in View 1D pictures.
New warning message in case of controverstial source span.
Some bugs fixed

30 May 2016

XGSLab Release 6.5.2

Improved calculation performances with time saving up to 20%.
Improved user experience with more responsive interaction with the software.
More refined electromotive force calculation in multi zone.
New graphical representation of debug.
New option “Orientation” in layout pictures in order to show the spans orientation.
Enlarged layout limits.
Some bugs fixed.

09 May 2016

XGSLab Release 6.5.1

Multizone soil Model!
New table with all the values related to the additional impedances, both transverse and longitudinal.
Improved graphic output and interaction.
By reading span properties with a click on layout now it is possible to read also characteristic impedance and propagation constant.
Improved tables graphic and interaction.
Possibility to modify tag of spans without losing a possible available calculation.
New distribution picture, showing the power losses along the conductors.
Improved debug contronls on too short elemnts with a covering.

09 February 2016

XGSLab Release 6.4.2

New soil data management considering the frequency dependance of the resistivity values
Possibility to name the electrodes in GSA and the reference and injection points in GSA_FD and XGSA_FD
New graphic interaction with 3D pictures:
- In the layout activated the possibility to read properties and to edit spans
- In the distributions activated the possibility to read results values
New graphic tool in 1D distribution: with a single click the values displayed by the cursor can be named with a label and pasted on the picture
Improved graphic output for all distributions
Improved debug speed
Improved Line Calculation speed for Touch and Step Voltages thanks to multithreading implementation
Improved management of External Electromotive Forces
Minor bugs fixed

23 November 2015

XGSLab Release 6.4.1

Enhanced performances: up to 20 times faster than the previous release.
New automatic report, exportable in many formats like rtf, pdf, xls, html.
New pictures management in a “Gallery” window.
Rearrangement of main menu icons, in order to get better sequence in the step by step Data Input and in order to simplify the calculation options available.
Improved graphical output with more readable numerical output.
Many lattice tower CAD models available in Helpdesk area.
Minor bugs fixed.

31 August 2015

XGSLab Release 6.3.1

Enhanced validity limit in frequency domain up to a few MHz
Improved Earthing Currents tool with the application of the calculated current
Tooltip activated in 2D distributions pictures using right mouse button click on the “interesting” element
Tooltip activated in 1D distributions pictures moving the mouse cursor over the picture
Improved graphical outputs
Minor bugs fixed

7 July 2015

XGSLab Release 6.2.2

New graphic features for Line Calculation results to improve user’s interaction
New graphic tool to trace a catenary using three measured points (XGSA_FD only)
New tool to set the global number of elements
New distribution picture “Covering Stress Voltage” aimed to investigate the voltage applied to a possible coating (GSA_FD and XGSA_FD only)
Minor bugs fixed

28 May 2015

XGSLab Release 6.2.1

New tool to set Volume Visualization graphically
New graphical look: more user friendly and more intuitive!
Possibility to import also civil works as background
Enhanced calculation speed for area calculations thanks to implementation of multithreading
More flexibility in the choise of the standard
Some minor bugs fixed

30 April 2015

XGSLab!

GSLab has been renamed in XGSLab, that means: Over and under Ground System Analysis ...

In this way, we approach a really new sperimental field.

09 April 2015

GSLab 6.1.2 Release

Improved the dxf importation procedure
More user friendly AGSA_FD layout
Line calculation completely tilting for Magnetic field and Electric Field calculations
Improved code efficiency
Some minor bugs fixed

23 March 2015

GSLab 6.1.1 Release

Electric field calculation for AGSA_FD
Enlarged limits for Volume Visualization
Improved translation into German Language
Implemented the possibility to export results in .csv format both for Magnetic Field and for Electric Field
Some bugs fixed

09 March 2015

GSLab 6.0.1 Release

New module AGSA_FD for interference and magnetic field calculation for systems both aerial and buried
Great improvement of the stability of the software
New distribution figures for Electromotive Force (GSA_FD and AGSA_FD)
Input of arrays of horizontal spans implemented
Faster “All Elements” picture generation (GSA_FD and AGSA_FD)
Easier usage of “Covering Layer”: it can be input once the calculation is finished with no need to run the calculation again
Some bugs fixed

07 January 2015

GSLab 5.0.5 Release

New 1D representation of LCD, current and potential distributions
Improved calculation stability
Some bugs fixed

18 December 2014

GSLab 5.0.4 Release

New area and line calculations available: Magnetic field on a flat surface (GSAFD)
New 2D pictures for touch and step voltages (for both modules)
Possibility to keep as reference all elements per touch voltages 2D pictures (GSAFD)
A few bug fixed

10 November 2014

GSLab 5.0.3 Release

Calculation Speed improvement.
Possibility to create reference points in "Safe Area Graph".
New Option: Accessible Soil Covering Layer also in Post Processing phase.
Bugs Corrections.

13 October 2014

GSLab 5.0.2 Release

20 times faster than previous version.
Possibility to save calculation. Avoid to recalculate.
Touch Voltage Result new graphical result.
Manual Updated.
Bugs corrections.

19 September 2014

GSLab 5.0.1 First Release

Improved management of External Electromotive Forces