Model Studio CS Lightning Protection

The software is intended for electrical engineers and specialists in lightning protection and grounding. It combines lightning receptor placement, protection zone calculations, and design documentation within a unified model.

The current version is Model Studio CS 3.0, build 7680. Service Pack 2 was released in October 2026.

Lightning Protection Zone Calculations

When lightning receptors are placed, the software automatically generates protection zones according to the selected standards-based method. The calculated zones are displayed directly in the facility's 3D model.

The software supports individual and grouped lightning rods, as well as single, double, and closed-loop catenary systems.

• Generate 3D lightning protection zones.
• Calculate interacting lightning rods.
• Calculate catenary lightning protection systems.
• Generate horizontal sections of protection zones.
• Create vertical sections and sectional views.

For catenary lightning protection systems, mechanical sag calculations are available based on cable properties and specified conditions.

Standards-Based Calculation Methods

The developer specifies support for several standards-based methods, including СО 153-34.21.122-2003, РД 34.21.122-87, СТО Газпром 2-1.11-170-2007, and other documents.

The calculation method can be changed during design. After selecting a different standard, the software recalculates the protection zones without requiring the entire facility to be modeled again.

This allows engineers to compare calculation configurations and verify lightning receptor placement relative to protected equipment.

Grounding System Design

Model Studio CS Молниезащита supports the creation of grounding grids, grounding strips, and individual grounding devices.

The 2026 update improved commands for working with closed-loop grounding strips and object categories, including main grounding conductors and grounding devices.

Design work uses specialized components from the equipment, product, and material database. Users can create custom components and work with a shared corporate library.

Design Documentation Generation

The model generates lightning receptor layout plans, protection zone drawings, horizontal and vertical sections, equipment specifications, and tabular calculation documents.

Output documents can be prepared in Microsoft Word, Excel, and nanoCAD using templates defined by the design organization.

Compatibility

The software runs in the nanoCAD environment and supports collaboration with other Model Studio CS applications. When CADLib Модель и Архив is used, lightning protection systems can be coordinated with models of substations, structures, and engineering systems.

The current version requires the nanoCAD Platform 24.1–26.0 with the 3D module. Windows 10/11 and Linux systems listed by the developer are supported.

CAD.kz can help select a license, implement the software, and train specialists.