FAQ

Q1: Can Matlab or Octave plain text script files be used as data input?

A1: No, only binary mat files can be used as input. MPV preserves the binary accuracy. The mat file must contain a Matpower structure named mpc with at least mpc.bus, mpc.gen and mpc.branch records. Another reason for not allowing Matlab script input is that it can contain functions modifying the mpc data that can be interpreted by Matlab or Octave only when used by Matpower. MPV cannot run Matlab code.

Q2: Is Matpower data necessary to start editing network using MPV?

A2: No, *.mat file does not have to be opened and read to start editing a new network. Network data does not even have to be saved in a *.mat between MPV sessions. Of course, an mpv file must be saved if editing is to be continued later on. After the user is satisfied with the network edited during, possibly, multiple MPV sessions the network can be saved in a *.mat file and used in a Matlab or Octave session.

Q3: Can Matlab or Octave exchange data with MPV during a single session?

A3: Yes, the user can edit a network in MPV and save the data in *.mat file which can be used by Matpower. Then, Matpower can write the data back to *.mat file which can be synced by MPV and the results would be displayed in MPV. MPV can be linked to Octave and communication through a file would be avoided but Octave is a GPL software, so any modifications to it would have to be released to public domain or the resulting executable used by the developing company only. Unfortunately, development and maintenance of MPV is time consuming, so it is expensive and releasing it to the public is not an option, at least not for now. MPV can also be made part of Matlab, similar to Simulink but that would be even more expensive to implement. If there is a need for something like that, Bia Soft does custom development.

Q4: Does MPV have to display the entire network defined by *.mat file?

A4: The entire network or only a part of a network can be displayed and edited. The network defined in *.mat file can be expended with new elements or even edited in both Matlab/Octave and MPV. Editing the same network from both MPV and Matlab or Octave is a more advanced feature and requires good understanding of the Matpower data format and MPV operations.

Q5: Can automatic layout be used for just a part of the network in *.mat file?

A5: Automatic layout can be used to display an entire network, part of a network, network area, zone or a vicinity of a bus.

Q6: What are the future MPV features?

A6: The addition of FACTS devices to both Matpower and MPV is envisioned. Also, libraries of real life and custom devices is a possibility. Matpower version 8 has been released and MPV will address its new features in the near future.

Q7: Can MPV files be edited manually?

A7: Yes they can, but carefully. MPV files are sqlite3 files and can be edited like any other slite3 data base. However, in addition to Matpower mpc data there is GUI information included. If GUI records are deleted or modified manually, MPV will very likely crash. Modifying mpc data is completely safe.