CDEGS (Current Distribution, Electromagnetic Fields, Grounding, and Soil Structure Analysis) is a powerful engineering software suite developed by SES & Technologies Ltd. It is widely used for designing and analyzing power system grounding, earthing, electromagnetic interference, and soil structures. The software employs advanced numerical techniques, such as finite element methods and Fourier transforms, to model complex 3D conductor networks and multi-layered soil structures. CDEGS is a trusted tool in industries like power utilities, construction, and telecommunications for applications including grounding grid design, lightning protection, electromagnetic compatibility, and interference analysis.

The CDEGS suite comprises core computation modules (RESAP, MALT, MALZ, TRALIN, SPLITS, HIFREQ, FCDIST, and FFTSES) and specialized packages such as AutoGround, MultiGround, MultiFields, MultiLines, AutoGridPro, AutoGroundDesign, Right-of-Way Pro, SESShield-3D, SESShield-2D, SESEnviroPlus, SESTLC, and CorrCAD. These modules enable engineers to compute current distributions, electromagnetic fields, touch/step voltages, grounding resistance, and interference effects, ensuring compliance with standards like IEEE 80, IEC 61936, and IEC 62305.

Latest Features in CDEGS Version 18

SES Software Version 18, released prior to Version 19.0, introduced significant enhancements to improve functionality, accuracy, and user experience. Below are the key features and updates specific to CDEGS Version 18, based on the evolution of SES software capabilities:

  1. Enhanced 3D CAD and Visualization Tools:
    • Version 18 improved the interactive 3D CAD module, enabling more intuitive modeling of complex conductor networks and soil structures. It supports multi-region, horizontally layered soils with arbitrary layers and resistivities, as well as finite volume and vertically stratified soil models.
    • Advanced graphical outputs, including 3D models and detailed reports, were introduced to enhance visualization and communication of results to stakeholders.
  2. Automation for Grounding Design:
    • AutoGroundDesign and AutoGridPro modules were upgraded to automate grounding grid design and analysis, reducing manual effort and design time. These tools help optimize designs to avoid overly conservative approaches, lowering material and labor costs.
    • Automated data input and parametric analysis capabilities were enhanced to handle uncertain or incomplete soil data, improving result reliability.
  3. Improved Import/Export Capabilities:
    • Version 18 introduced better compatibility with CAD formats like DWG, DXF, and KML, as well as spreadsheet files, streamlining integration with tools like AutoCAD.
    • Enhanced reporting and graphing utilities allowed users to customize outputs for specific project needs, improving documentation and presentation.
  4. Advanced Electromagnetic and Interference Analysis:
    • The MultiFields and MultiLines modules were upgraded to support high-frequency and transient analysis, particularly for lightning protection and electromagnetic interference studies.
    • Improved calculations for line constants in buried and above-ground pipe-type cables, enhancing accuracy in circuit modeling for complex networks.
  5. Performance Optimizations:
    • Version 18 was optimized for Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, ensuring compatibility with modern operating systems at the time of release.
    • Performance enhancements addressed computational efficiency, enabling faster processing of large-scale grounding and interference models.
  6. Specialized Modules and Packages:
    • SESShield-3D and SESShield-2D were enhanced for lightning protection system design, included in higher-tier packages like CDEGS and MultiGroundZ+.
    • SESEnviroPlus and CorrCAD modules were improved for environmental impact assessments and cathodic protection analysis of buried networks.
    • Right-of-Way Pro was updated to automate interference studies in shared utility corridors, improving efficiency for large projects.

Benefits of Version 18 Features

  • Accuracy: Built on SES’s 30+ years of validated field tests and research, Version 18 ensures precise modeling for grounding and electromagnetic studies.
  • Efficiency: Automation and streamlined workflows reduce design time, making it ideal for complex projects with tight deadlines.
  • Versatility: The software supports a broad range of applications, from simple grounding grids to advanced transient and interference analyses.
  • Compliance: Designs align with international standards, enhancing safety and reliability in electrical systems.
SES CDEGS 18
SES CDEGS 18