Substation automation engineering system

Abstract

The invention relates to a substation automation engineering system which comprises an input unit (10) and a processing unit (20). The input unit is configured to receive a base query including details of a substation project. An input unit is configured to provide the base query to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine one or more files in the database (30), the determining including searching the database (30) to select one or more files including using the base query. The processing unit is configured to determine configuration description information for the substation project, the determination including applying a base query and one or more files.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a substation automation engineering system, a substation automation engineering deployment and verification system, a substation automation engineering method, a substation automation engineering deployment and verification method, and a computer program element. Background Art

[0002] Any substation project, whether new or retrofit, begins with a call for tenders from various substation automation vendors. Each vendor then submits its bid. If the project is selected, detailed construction of the substation system configuration begins, followed by the configuration of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). This is a complex process requiring the assistance of experts to complete multiple design and construction tasks.

[0003] Figure 1 An existing reference model of information flow in the configuration of IEC 61850 Part 6 is shown.

[0004] Figure 1 The reference model illustrates the information flow during substation automation engineering. It describes how different files and information are handled. The engineering / build process begins with the System Configuration Tool, which takes a system perspective. This tool imports the substation's single-line diagram, a basic diagram showing electrical components, their connections, and the flow of power within the substation. Next, an IED capability template file describing the functional capabilities of the IED type is imported. Engineers can also use existing IED configurations (instantiated IED description files) from previous projects. The engineer then configures the connections between IED functions and substation components, as well as the communication services and data flows between IEDs. This ultimately results in a Substation Configuration Description (SCD) file, which contains information about the power system, communication services, IEDs, and information models. The SCD file is then provided to the IED configurator, which generates a Configured IED Description (CID), which is then exported to the IED. The CID is a subset of the SCD file and contains all information related to the IED. Special extensions are allowed within the CID. The IED Configurator can also export a settings file containing information related to IEC parameter settings, analog and binary input / output configuration, etc.

[0005] Figure 2 An example of the existing overall process is shown.

[0006] exist Figure 2 The following contents are involved:

[0007] ICD—IED configuration description file (IED template file)

[0008] IID—Instantiated IED description file (pre-configured IED description file)

[0009] CID—Configured IED Description File (Configured IED Description File)

[0010] SCD—Substation Configuration Description File

[0011] refer to Figure 2 The tender document contains information about the customer's requirements, such as the substation topology at hand, the protection schemes they are interested in, and cybersecurity requirements. This detailed document is used by substation automation engineering experts to understand these requirements and determine substation automation functions, IED types, communication configurations, data flows, and more. Finally, the system is constructed using the system configurator. This requires using ICD template files and the previously mentioned project IED description files to construct the System CD. The SCD contains all the information the IED configurator needs to export the CID file. The entire process is complex and time-consuming.

[0012] Before the engineering process begins, however, system engineers must first analyze the tender documents containing information about the customer's requirements, such as the substation topology, the protection scheme of interest, and cybersecurity requirements. This detailed tender document needs to be carefully reviewed to determine data flows, IED types, communication specifications, and the substation's automation functions. They then begin system construction using the system configurator. This also requires familiarity with which ICD template files to utilize when building the SCD, as well as which IED description files to adopt from previous projects. The SCD stores all the data the IED configurator needs to generate the CID file.

[0013] The whole process is complicated and time-consuming.

[0014] It is necessary to resolve these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Therefore, whether for new substations or substation upgrades, it would be advantageous to have improved support tools for substation configuration.

[0016] The objects of the invention are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are contained in the dependent claims.

[0017] In a first aspect, a substation automation engineering system is provided, comprising:

[0018] - input unit;

[0019] -Processing unit.

[0020] The input unit is configured to receive a basic query, wherein the basic query includes details of a substation project. The input unit is configured to provide the basic query to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine one or more files in a database, wherein the determining includes searching the database to select one or more files, wherein the files include applying the basic query. The processing unit is configured to determine configuration description information for the substation project, wherein the determining includes applying the basic query and the one or more files.

[0021] It should be noted that a base query may constitute more than one piece of information.

[0022] Thus, a system or tool is provided that is useful not only for sales / OEMs but also internally for R&D engineers who can use the virtual setup to easily configure the physical equipment of the substation and / or test and validate the system.

[0023] In one example, the base query includes one or more tender documents related to the substation, and / or one or more line diagrams related to the substation, and / or one or more graphic layouts related to the substation.

[0024] In one example, the system includes an output unit, and the output unit is configured to output configuration description information for a substation project.

[0025] In one example, the base query includes information regarding customer demand for a new substation or customer demand for an upgrade to an existing substation.

[0026] In one example, the base query includes information about the substation topology.

[0027] In one example, the base query includes information about one or more protection schemes for the substation.

[0028] In one example, the base query includes information about one or more cyber security requirements of the substation.

[0029] In one example, the base query includes information about the data flow requirements of the substation.

[0030] In one example, the base query includes information about the types of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) in the substation.

[0031] In one example, the base query includes information about the communication requirements of the substation.

[0032] In one example, the base query includes information about substation automation functions.

[0033] The basic query may include one or more of the above contents, or even all of the above contents. The basic queries described in detail above are not an exhaustive list, and there are other possible related basic queries.

[0034] In one example, the configuration description information includes a system configuration (SCD) of the substation.

[0035] In one example, the configuration description information includes one or more IED configurations of the substation.

[0036] In one example, the configuration description information includes an instantiated IED description file (IID) (pre-configured IED description file).

[0037] In one example, the configuration description information includes an IED configuration description file (ICD) (IED template file).

[0038] In one example, the configuration description information includes a configured IED description file (CID) (Configured IED Description File).

[0039] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration of one or more protection schemes of the substation.

[0040] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration of one or more network security solutions for the substation.

[0041] In one example, the configuration description information includes configurations of one or more data flow schemes of the substation.

[0042] In one example, the configuration description information includes details of the type and configuration of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) of the substation.

[0043] In one example, the configuration description information includes configurations of one or more communication schemes of the substation.

[0044] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration related to a substation automation function.

[0045] The configuration description information may include one or more of the above information, or even all of the above information. The configuration description information described in detail above is not an exhaustive list, and there are other possible forms of related configuration description information.

[0046] Therefore, for new substation projects, the engineering system can generate information similar to that used as input to the engineering system.

[0047] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous bids for substation projects.

[0048] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous wiring diagrams for a substation project.

[0049] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous drawings and / or circuit diagrams of a substation project.

[0050] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous template files for a substation project.

[0051] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous settings for a substation project.

[0052] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about a previous configuration of a substation project.

[0053] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of a Substation Configuration Description file (SCD).

[0054] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of an instantiated IED description file (IID) (pre-configured IED description file).

[0055] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of an IED Configuration Description file (ICD) (IED template file).

[0056] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of a configured IED description file (CID) (Configured IED Description File).

[0057] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about at least one setting.

[0058] In one example, the processing unit is configured to semantically evaluate the base query.

[0059] A new system is provided for automatically generating system configurations (SCDs) and intelligent electronic device (IED) configurations from a basic query and for their configuration.

[0060] In this way, the lead time from tender to commissioning of new or revamped substation projects is reduced. In addition, requirements can be verified with the customer at an early stage and any necessary adjustments can be made promptly, which reduces the cost of engineering changes at a later stage.

[0061] Thus, starting with a query of a tender document and / or a single-line diagram and / or a graphical layout, the automated framework provided by the system semantically evaluates and understands the query and finds similar relevant documents (SCD, IID, ICD, CID, setup files) by searching a knowledge base of past project bids, single-line diagrams, template files, settings, and configurations. The found documents are then included as context in the base query of the pre-trained AI engine, which generates SCD and CID files for new substations or substation upgrades based on these inputs.

[0062] In one example, determining at least one of the one or more files includes using one or more of the following: a text similarity algorithm, an image similarity algorithm, a multimodal similarity algorithm, a semantic and structure-based similarity algorithm.

[0063] In one example, determining at least one file of the one or more files includes determining at least one file based on a similarity to at least a portion of the base query.

[0064] In one example, determining at least one of the one or more files includes determining at least one device or unit based on a similarity to at least a portion of the base query, and wherein the at least one file is associated with the at least one device or unit. Here, the device or unit can be an IED, a controller, a sensor, a valve, a relay, an actuator, a switch, an interconnector, a disconnector, or any other type of device or unit found in a substation.

[0065] Thus, a basic query is used to interrogate a database storing details of, for example, devices and units of other exemplary substations. The basic query is used to identify one or more devices or units of these exemplary substations and select one or more files associated with these one or more devices or units. Thus, the selected files have been identified as being useful for the substation project, and the configuration description information for the substation project then uses the files thus selected.

[0066] In one example, the processing unit is configured to implement a trained AI engine to determine configuration description information for a substation project.

[0067] In one example, the trained AI engine includes a large language model (LLM).

[0068] In one example, the processing unit is configured to parse the base query and the one or more files into a series of sequential requests, and determining the configuration description information for the substation project includes processing the series of sequential requests by the trained AI engine.

[0069] In one example, the input unit is configured to provide information from a user to the processing unit, and the determining of the configuration description information of the substation project includes utilizing the information from the user.

[0070] In one example, a processing unit is configured to determine intermediate information, the determining comprising applying a base query and one or more documents, the processing unit is configured to present the query to a user, the processing unit is configured to determine the query based on the intermediate information, and the information from the user is provided by the user in response to the query presented to the user.

[0071] Thus, the processing unit utilizes the basic query and one or more files to determine that the configuration description information, which may not have a high level of confidence, is completely correct, or that insufficient information is available to determine the configuration description information—this can be considered intermediate information. The intermediate information is used to determine a query, which may be a request to confirm details or provide more information. The processing unit can then present the query to the user using a VDU or other output unit. The user can then use a keyboard or other input unit to provide information in response to the query. The processing unit uses this information from the user to determine the configuration description information for the substation project.

[0072] In one example, the processing unit is configured to implement a virtual setup of a substation, the implementation comprising applying configuration description information of the substation project.

[0073] In one example, implementation of a virtual setup of a substation includes determining one or more substation test scenarios, the determining including applying configuration description information of the substation project.

[0074] In a second aspect, a substation automation project deployment and verification system is provided, comprising:

[0075] - input unit; and

[0076] -Processing unit.

[0077] The input unit is configured to receive configuration description information of a substation project from the substation automation engineering system according to the first aspect. The input unit is configured to provide the configuration description information of the substation project to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to implement a virtual configuration of the substation, wherein the implementation includes utilizing the configuration description information of the substation project.

[0078] In one example, implementation of a virtual setup of a substation includes determining one or more substation test scenarios, the determining including applying configuration description information of the substation project.

[0079] In a third aspect, a substation automation engineering method is provided, comprising:

[0080] - receiving a basic query, wherein the basic query includes details of the substation project;

[0081] - determining, by a processing unit, one or more files in a database, the determining comprising searching the database and selecting one or more files, said files comprising applying a base query; and

[0082] - Determining, by a processing unit, configuration description information for the substation project, the determining comprising applying a basic query and one or more files.

[0083] It should be noted that a base query may constitute more than one piece of information.

[0084] In one example, the base query includes one or more tender documents related to the substation, and / or one or more line diagrams related to the substation, and / or one or more graphic layouts related to the substation.

[0085] In one example, the base query includes information regarding customer demand for a new substation or customer demand for an upgrade to an existing substation.

[0086] In one example, the base query includes information about the substation topology.

[0087] In one example, the base query includes information about one or more protection schemes for the substation.

[0088] In one example, the base query includes information about one or more cyber security requirements of the substation.

[0089] In one example, the base query includes information about the data flow requirements of the substation.

[0090] In one example, the base query includes information about the types of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) in the substation.

[0091] In one example, the base query includes information about the communication requirements of the substation.

[0092] In one example, the base query includes information about substation automation functions.

[0093] The basic query may include one or more of the above contents, or even all of the above contents. The basic queries described in detail above are not an exhaustive list, and there are other possible related basic queries.

[0094] In one example, the configuration description information includes a system configuration (SCD) of the substation.

[0095] In one example, the configuration description information includes one or more IED configurations of the substation.

[0096] In one example, the configuration description information includes an instantiated IED description file (IID) (pre-configured IED description file).

[0097] In one example, the configuration description information includes an IED configuration description file (ICD) (IED template file).

[0098] In one example, the configuration description information includes a configured IED description file (CID) (Configured IED Description File).

[0099] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration of one or more protection schemes of the substation.

[0100] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration of one or more network security solutions for the substation.

[0101] In one example, the configuration description information includes configurations of one or more data flow schemes of the substation.

[0102] In one example, the configuration description information includes details of the type and configuration of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) of the substation.

[0103] In one example, the configuration description information includes configurations of one or more communication schemes of the substation.

[0104] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration related to a substation automation function.

[0105] The configuration description information may include one or more of the above information, or even all of the above information.

[0106] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous bids for substation projects.

[0107] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous wiring diagrams for a substation project.

[0108] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous drawings and / or circuit diagrams of a substation project.

[0109] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous template files for a substation project.

[0110] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous settings for a substation project.

[0111] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about a previous configuration of a substation project.

[0112] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of a Substation Configuration Description file (SCD).

[0113] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of an instantiated IED description file (IID) (pre-configured IED description file).

[0114] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of an IED Configuration Description file (ICD) (IED template file).

[0115] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of a configured IED description file (CID) (Configured IED Description File).

[0116] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about at least one setting.

[0117] In one example, the processing unit is configured to semantically evaluate the base query.

[0118] A new method is provided for automatically generating system configurations (SCDs) and intelligent electronic device (IED) configurations, and settings therefor, from a base query.

[0119] Thus, starting with a query of a tender document and / or a single-line diagram and / or a graphical layout, the automated framework provided by the method semantically evaluates and understands the query and finds similar relevant documents (SCD, IID, ICD, CID, setup files) by searching a knowledge base of past project bids, single-line diagrams, template files, settings, and configurations. The found documents are then included as context in the base query of a pre-trained AI engine, which generates SCD and CID files for new substations or substation upgrades based on these inputs.

[0120] In one example, determining at least one of the one or more files includes using one or more of the following: a text similarity algorithm, an image similarity algorithm, a multimodal similarity algorithm, a semantic and structure-based similarity algorithm.

[0121] In one example, determining at least one file of the one or more files includes determining at least one file based on a similarity to at least a portion of the base query.

[0122] In one example, determining at least one file of the one or more files includes determining at least one system based on a similarity to at least a portion of the base query, and wherein the at least one file is associated with the at least one system.

[0123] In one example, the method includes implementing, by a processing unit, a trained AI engine to determine configuration description information of a substation project.

[0124] In one example, the trained AI engine includes a large language model (LLM).

[0125] In one example, the method includes parsing, by a processing unit, a base query and one or more files into a series of sequential requests, and determining configuration description information for a substation project includes processing the series of sequential requests by a trained AI engine.

[0126] In one example, the method includes receiving information from a user, and wherein determining configuration description information for the substation project includes utilizing the information from the user.

[0127] In one example, the method includes determining, by a processing unit, intermediate information, the determining including applying a base query and one or more files, wherein the method includes determining, by the processing unit, a query based on the intermediate information and presenting the query to a user, and the information from the user is provided by the user in response to the query presented to the user.

[0128] Thus, the processing unit uses the basic query and one or more files to determine that the configuration description information may not be completely correct with a high level of confidence, or to determine that there is insufficient information to determine the configuration description information - this can be considered intermediate information. The intermediate information is used to determine a query, which can be a request to confirm details or provide more information. The processing unit can then present the query to the user using a visual display unit (VDU) or other output unit. The user can then use a keyboard or other input unit to provide information in response to the query. The processing unit uses this information from the user to determine the configuration description information for the substation project.

[0129] In one example, the method includes implementing, by a processing unit, a virtual configuration of a substation, the implementing including utilizing configuration description information of a substation project.

[0130] In one example, performing a virtual setup of a substation includes determining one or more substation test scenarios, the determining including applying configuration description information of the substation project.

[0131] In a fourth aspect, a substation automation project deployment and verification method is provided, comprising:

[0132] - receiving, by the processing unit, configuration description information of the substation project from the substation automation engineering method according to the third aspect; and

[0133] - Executing the virtual configuration of the substation by the processing unit, the execution comprising using configuration description information of the substation project.

[0134] In one example, performing a virtual setup of a substation includes determining one or more substation test scenarios, the determining including applying configuration description information of the substation project.

[0135] In a fifth aspect, a computer program element for controlling a processor to perform the method according to the third aspect is provided.

[0136] In one example, a computer readable medium storing the computer element of the fifth aspect is provided.

[0137] In a sixth aspect, a computer program element for controlling a processor to perform the method according to the fourth aspect is provided.

[0138] In one example, a computer readable medium storing the computer element of the sixth aspect is provided.

[0139] The computer program element may be, for example, a software program, but may also be an FPGA, a PLD or any other suitable digital device.

[0140] The above aspects and examples will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0141] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings:

[0142] Figure 1 An example of the current state of information flow in engineering is shown, and a known reference model of information flow during configuration is shown;

[0143] Figure 2 An example of the current state of IED configuration is shown;

[0144] Figure 3 An exemplary substation automation engineering system is shown, wherein the processing unit 50 is optional and the processing unit 50 may be a part of the processing unit 20, Figure 3 Also provided is an exemplary substation automation project deployment and verification system, wherein the processing unit 50 receives output from the processing unit 20;

[0145] Figure 4 An example substation automation engineering method is shown, wherein step 600 is optional and step 600 may be a part of step 500, Figure 4 Also shown is an example of an exemplary substation automation project deployment and verification method, wherein the output from step 500 is processed at step 600;

[0146] Figure 5 shows a detailed example of a substation automation engineering system, which may also operate as a substation automation engineering deployment and verification system;

[0147] Figure 6 A detailed example of a database 30 in the form of one or more vector databases is shown;

[0148] Figure 7 A detailed example of a substation automation engineering system is shown, which may also operate as a substation automation engineering deployment and verification system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0149] Figure 3 An example of a substation automation engineering system is shown, including:

[0150] - input unit 10; and

[0151] -Processing unit 20.

[0152] The input unit is configured to receive a basic query, wherein the basic query includes details of the substation project. The input unit is configured to provide the basic query to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine one or more files in the database 30, wherein the determination includes searching the database 30 to select one or more files, wherein the files include applying the basic query. The processing unit is configured to determine configuration description information for the substation project, wherein the determination includes applying the basic query and the one or more files.

[0153] Thus, a system or tool is provided that is useful not only for sales / OEMs but also internally for R&D engineers who can use the virtual setup to easily configure the physical equipment of the substation and / or test and validate the system.

[0154] Figure 3 A processing unit 50 is shown, but the substation automation engineering system need not include such a processing unit; the functionality of processing unit 50 may be provided by processing unit 20. Processing unit 50 may be part of an external server, or even provided by cloud computing. Furthermore, database 30 is not required to be part of the system and interrogated to identify one or more files, but it may be part of the system and, for example, be located in a memory associated with processing unit 50.

[0155] It should be noted that a base query may constitute more than one piece of information.

[0156] In one example, the base query includes one or more tender documents related to the substation, and / or one or more line diagrams related to the substation, and / or one or more graphic layouts related to the substation.

[0157] In one example, the system includes an output unit 40 , and the output unit is configured to output configuration description information of the substation project.

[0158] In one example, the base query includes information regarding customer demand for a new substation or customer demand for an upgrade to an existing substation.

[0159] In one example, the base query includes information about the substation topology.

[0160] In one example, the base query includes information about one or more protection schemes for the substation.

[0161] In one example, the base query includes information about one or more cyber security requirements of the substation.

[0162] In one example, the base query includes information about the data flow requirements of the substation.

[0163] In one example, the base query includes information about the types of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) in the substation.

[0164] In one example, the base query includes information about the communication requirements of the substation.

[0165] In one example, the base query includes information about substation automation functions.

[0166] The basic query may include one or more of the above contents, or even all of the above contents. The basic queries described in detail above are not an exhaustive list, and there are other possible related basic queries.

[0167] In one example, the configuration description information includes a system configuration (SCD) of the substation.

[0168] In one example, the configuration description information includes one or more IED configurations of the substation.

[0169] In one example, the configuration description information includes an instantiated IED description file (IID) (pre-configured IED description file).

[0170] In one example, the configuration description information includes an IED configuration description file (ICD) (IED template file).

[0171] In one example, the configuration description information includes a configured IED description file (CID) (Configured IED Description File).

[0172] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration of one or more protection schemes of the substation.

[0173] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration of one or more network security solutions for the substation.

[0174] In one example, the configuration description information includes configurations of one or more data flow schemes of the substation.

[0175] In one example, the configuration description information includes details of the type and configuration of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) of the substation.

[0176] In one example, the configuration description information includes configurations of one or more communication schemes of the substation.

[0177] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration related to a substation automation function.

[0178] The configuration description information may include one or more of the above information, or even all of the above information.

[0179] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous bids for substation projects.

[0180] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous wiring diagrams for a substation project.

[0181] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous graphical drawings and / or circuit diagrams for a substation project.

[0182] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous template files for a substation project.

[0183] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous settings for a substation project.

[0184] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about a previous configuration of a substation project.

[0185] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of a Substation Configuration Description file (SCD).

[0186] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of an instantiated IED description file (IID) (pre-configured IED description file).

[0187] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of an IED Configuration Description file (ICD) (IED template file).

[0188] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of a configured IED description file (CID) (Configured IED Description File).

[0189] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about at least one setting.

[0190] In one example, the processing unit is configured to semantically evaluate the base query.

[0191] A new system is provided for automatically generating system configurations (SCDs) and intelligent electronic device (IED) configurations from a basic query and for their configuration.

[0192] In this way, the lead time from tender to commissioning of new or revamped substation projects is reduced. In addition, requirements can be verified with the customer at an early stage and any necessary adjustments can be made promptly, which reduces the cost of engineering changes at a later stage.

[0193] Thus, starting with a query of a tender document and / or a single-line diagram and / or a graphical layout, the automated framework provided by the system semantically evaluates and understands the query and finds similar relevant documents (SCD, IID, ICD, CID, setup files) by searching a knowledge base of past project bids, single-line diagrams, template files, settings, and configurations. The found documents are then included as context in the base query of the pre-trained AI engine, which generates SCD and CID files for new substations or substation upgrades based on these inputs.

[0194] In one example, determining at least one of the one or more files includes applying one or more of the following: a text similarity algorithm, an image similarity algorithm, a multimodal similarity algorithm, a semantic and structure-based similarity algorithm.

[0195] In one example, determining at least one file of the one or more files includes determining at least one file based on a similarity to at least a portion of the base query.

[0196] In one example, determining at least one file of the one or more files includes determining at least one device or unit based on a similarity to at least a portion of the base query, wherein the at least one file is associated with the at least one device or unit.

[0197] Thus, a basic query is used to interrogate a database storing details of devices and units of, for example, other exemplary substations. The basic query is used to identify one or more devices or units of these exemplary substations and select one or more files associated with these one or more devices or units. The selected files are then identified as being useful for the substation project, and the configuration description information for the substation project then uses the selected files.

[0198] In one example, the processing unit is configured to implement / execute the trained AI engine to determine configuration description information of the substation project.

[0199] In one example, the trained AI engine includes a large language model (LLM).

[0200] In one example, the processing unit is configured to parse the base query and one or more files into a series of sequential requests / serialized requests, and determining the configuration description information for the substation project includes processing the series of sequential requests by the trained AI engine.

[0201] In one example, the input unit is configured to provide information from a user to the processing unit, and the determining of the configuration description information of the substation project includes utilizing the information from the user.

[0202] In one example, a processing unit is configured to determine intermediate information, the determining comprising applying a base query and one or more documents, the processing unit is configured to present the query to a user, the processing unit is configured to determine the query based on the intermediate information, and the information from the user is provided by the user in response to the query presented to the user.

[0203] Thus, the processing unit uses the base query and one or more files to determine that the configuration description information, which may not have a high level of confidence, is completely correct, or to confirm that insufficient information is available to determine the configuration description information—this can be considered intermediate information. The intermediate information is used to determine the query, which may be a request to confirm details or provide more information. The processing unit can then present the query to the user using a VDU or other output unit. The user can then use a keyboard or other input unit to provide information in response to the query. The processing unit uses this information from the user to determine the configuration description information for the substation project.

[0204] In one example, the processing unit is configured to implement a virtual setup of a substation, the implementation comprising applying configuration description information of the substation project.

[0205] In one example, implementation of a virtual setup of a substation includes determining one or more substation test scenarios, the determining including applying configuration description information of the substation project.

[0206] Figure 3 An example of a substation automation engineering deployment and verification system is also shown, including:

[0207] - input unit 10; and

[0208] -Processing unit 50.

[0209] The input unit is configured to receive configuration description information of a substation project from the substation automation engineering system described above. The input unit is configured to provide the configuration description information of the substation project to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to implement a virtual configuration of the substation, wherein the implementation includes applying the configuration description information of the substation project.

[0210] Therefore, reference Figure 3 , the processing unit 20 outputs the configuration description information, which is similar to Figure 3 The input unit 10 shown is provided to a processing unit 50, which uses the configuration description information to implement a virtual configuration of the substation. Therefore, the substation automation engineering assessment system does not have a processing unit 20 or a database 30, or does not require access to such a database. The processing unit 50 can be part of an external server or even provided by cloud computing.

[0211] In one example, implementation of a virtual setup of a substation includes determining one or more substation test scenarios, the determining including applying configuration description information of the substation project.

[0212] Figure 4 Examples of substation automation engineering approaches include:

[0213] - receiving 100 basic inquiries, wherein the basic inquiries include details of the substation project;

[0214] - determining 200, by a processing unit, one or more files in a database, the determining comprising searching 300 the database and selecting 400 one or more files, the selecting comprising applying a base query; and

[0215] - Determining 500 configuration description information of the substation project by the processing unit, the determining comprising applying a basic query and one or more files.

[0216] Figure 4 Step 600 is shown, but the method does not require this separate step. Step 600 may utilize processing unit 20 also used in steps 200-500, but step 600 may utilize processing unit 50 different from processing unit 20, where processing unit 50 may be part of an external server or even provided by cloud computing.

[0217] It should be noted that a base query may constitute more than one piece of information.

[0218] In one example, the base query includes one or more tender documents related to the substation, and / or one or more line diagrams related to the substation, and / or one or more graphic layouts related to the substation.

[0219] In one example, the base query includes information regarding customer demand for a new substation or customer demand for an upgrade to an existing substation.

[0220] In one example, the base query includes information about the substation topology.

[0221] In one example, the base query includes information about one or more protection schemes for the substation.

[0222] In one example, the base query includes information about one or more cyber security requirements of the substation.

[0223] In one example, the base query includes information about the data flow requirements of the substation.

[0224] In one example, the base query includes information about the types of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) in the substation.

[0225] In one example, the base query includes information about the communication requirements of the substation.

[0226] In one example, the base query includes information about substation automation functions.

[0227] The basic query may include one or more of the above contents, or even all of the above contents. The basic queries described in detail above are not an exhaustive list, and there are other possible related basic queries.

[0228] In one example, the configuration description information includes a system configuration (SCD) of the substation.

[0229] In one example, the configuration description information includes one or more IED configurations of the substation.

[0230] In one example, the configuration description information includes an instantiated IED description file (IID) (pre-configured IED description file).

[0231] In one example, the configuration description information includes an IED configuration description file (ICD) (IED template file).

[0232] In one example, the configuration description information includes a configured IED description file (CID) (Configured IED Description File).

[0233] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration of one or more protection schemes of the substation.

[0234] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration of one or more network security solutions for the substation.

[0235] In one example, the configuration description information includes configurations of one or more data flow schemes of the substation.

[0236] In one example, the configuration description information includes details of the type and configuration of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) of the substation.

[0237] In one example, the configuration description information includes configurations of one or more communication schemes of the substation.

[0238] In one example, the configuration description information includes configuration related to a substation automation function.

[0239] The configuration description information may include one or more of the above information, or even all of the above information.

[0240] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous bids for substation projects.

[0241] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous wiring diagrams for a substation project.

[0242] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous drawings and / or circuit diagrams of a substation project.

[0243] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous template files for a substation project.

[0244] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about previous settings for a substation project.

[0245] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about a previous configuration of a substation project.

[0246] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of a Substation Configuration Description file (SCD).

[0247] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of an instantiated IED description file (IID) (pre-configured IED description file).

[0248] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of an IED Configuration Description file (ICD) (IED template file).

[0249] In one example, the one or more files in the database include at least a portion of a configured IED description file (CID) (Configured IED Description File).

[0250] In one example, one or more files in the database include information about at least one setting.

[0251] In one example, the processing unit is configured to semantically evaluate the base query.

[0252] A new method is provided for automatically generating system configurations (SCDs) and intelligent electronic device (IED) configurations, and settings therefor, from a base query.

[0253] Thus, starting with a query of a tender document and / or a single-line diagram and / or a graphical layout, the automated framework provided by the method semantically evaluates and understands the query and finds similar relevant documents (SCD, IID, ICD, CID, setup files) by searching a knowledge base of past project bids, single-line diagrams, template files, settings, and configurations. The found documents are then included as context in the base query of a pre-trained AI engine, which generates SCD and CID files for new substations or substation upgrades based on these inputs.

[0254] In one example, determining at least one of the one or more files includes using one or more of the following: a text similarity algorithm, an image similarity algorithm, a multimodal similarity algorithm, a semantic and structure based similarity algorithm.

[0255] In one example, determining at least one file of the one or more files includes determining at least one file based on a similarity to at least a portion of the base query.

[0256] In one example, determining at least one file of the one or more files includes determining at least one system based on a similarity to at least a portion of the base query, and wherein the at least one file is associated with the at least one system.

[0257] In one example, the method includes implementing, by a processing unit, a trained AI engine to determine configuration description information of a substation project.

[0258] In one example, the trained AI engine includes a large language model (LLM).

[0259] In one example, the method includes parsing, by a processing unit, a base query and one or more files into a series of sequential requests, and determining configuration description information for a substation project includes processing the series of sequential requests by a trained AI engine.

[0260] In one example, the method includes receiving information from a user, and wherein determining configuration description information for the substation project includes utilizing the information from the user.

[0261] In one example, the method includes determining, by a processing unit, intermediate information, the determining including applying a base query and one or more files, wherein the method includes determining, by the processing unit, a query based on the intermediate information and presenting the query to a user, and the information from the user is provided by the user in response to the query presented to the user.

[0262] Thus, the processing unit uses the basic query and one or more files to determine that the configuration description information, which may not have a high level of confidence, is completely correct, or that insufficient information is available to determine the configuration description information—this can be considered intermediate information. The intermediate information is used to determine a query, which may be a request to confirm details or provide more information. The processing unit can then present the query to the user using a VDU or other output unit. The user can then use a keyboard or other input unit to provide information in response to the query. The processing unit uses this information from the user to determine the configuration description information for the substation project.

[0263] In one example, the method comprises implementing 600 a virtual configuration of a substation by a processing unit, the implementation comprising applying configuration description information of the substation project. Thus, step 600 here applies the same processing unit as involved in steps 200-500.

[0264] In one example, performing a virtual setup of a substation includes determining one or more substation test scenarios, the determining including applying configuration description information of the substation project.

[0265] Figure 4 It also shows examples of substation automation project deployment and verification methods, including:

[0266] - receiving, by the processing unit, configuration description information of the substation project from the substation automation engineering method determined in step 500; and

[0267] - Executing 600 a virtual configuration of the substation by the processing unit, the execution comprising using configuration description information of the substation project.

[0268] Therefore, reference Figure 4In step 500, the processing unit 20 outputs configuration description information, which is provided to the processing unit 50. The processing unit 50 uses the configuration description information to implement the virtual configuration of the substation in step 600. Therefore, the substation automation project deployment and verification method does not utilize the processing unit 20 or the database 30, nor does it require access to such a database. The processing unit 50 utilized in step 600 can be part of an external server or even provided by cloud computing.

[0269] In one example, performing a virtual setup of a substation includes determining one or more substation test scenarios, the determining including applying configuration description information of the substation project.

[0270] Now refer to Figure 5-7 , a substation automation engineering system, a substation automation engineering deployment and verification system, a substation automation engineering method, and a substation automation engineering deployment and verification method are discussed in more detail with respect to specific embodiments.

[0271] The new development provides an AI-based method for automatically generating system and IED configurations from tender documents and deploying them in a virtual commissioning setting. This helps shorten the lead time from bidding to commissioning for new or retrofit substation projects. Furthermore, it facilitates early confirmation of requirements with customers and the implementation of any necessary adjustments, reducing the cost of late-stage engineering changes.

[0272] Starting from a query of tender documents and / or one-line diagrams and / or graphical layouts, the automation framework semantically evaluates and understands the query and finds similar relevant documents (SCD, IID, ICD, CID, setup files) by searching a knowledge base with past project tenders, one-line diagrams, template files, setups and configurations.

[0273] The found files are then included as the "context" of the query to the pre-trained AI engine, which generates SCD and CID files based on the input. The SCD, CID, and setup files are then deployed in a virtual setup, either on a server computing cluster or in the cloud, so that customers can get a feel for what such a system would look like and can also leverage the test cases generated by the AI ​​engine to reconfigure certain features.

[0274] This resulted in a tool that was useful not only for sales but also for internal R&D engineers, who could use this virtual setup to easily configure physical equipment.

[0275] Figure 5 and Figure 7 An example of such a substation automation engineering system is shown, which may also operate as a substation automation engineering deployment and verification system.

[0276] The new improvements make use of RAG (Retrieval Enhanced Generation) but are specified and fine-tuned for SCD files and for AI-assisted substation automation engineering.

[0277] A contextual retrieval system can be implemented by creating an embedding of the tender document as a whole or a chunk of data and finding similar systems and their configurations from a vector database that indexes and stores vector embeddings of engineering data and template files from past projects by using text similarity (for tender documents) or image similarity algorithms (for single-line diagrams). An example of such a database is Figure 6 As shown in the figure. For XML documents (e.g., SCD, CID), semantic and structural similarity algorithms can be used to retrieve relevant configurations. The contextual information thus received can be fed into a pre-trained AI engine (large language model) to generate a response. The AI ​​engine can request feedback from engineers on certain missing information or the quality of the generated response. Virtual settings can be implemented using virtualized IEDs running in virtual machines or containers.

[0278] The structure of the SCD format is well-defined and unique. Therefore, a pre-trained instruction-based Large Language Model (LLM) can be fine-tuned on the I / O pattern (which uses this format and structure), so it provides consistently formatted / structured output.

[0279] Furthermore, to address the challenges and limitations of LLMs (Language Models) caused by the complexity of given I / O patterns and generation tasks, several techniques are available: for example, state-of-the-art chunking strategies allow structured and formatted files (such as XML) to be intelligently divided into chunks based on their inherent structure and hierarchy. This process produces more semantically consistent data chunks, which in turn facilitates faster and more accurate retrieval of content relevant to a specific query.

[0280] For example, if the length of the files to be processed is too large for the current LLM capabilities (they have limitations such as the basic unit / token unit of text processing), then these need to be subdivided, for example using hierarchical chunking (parent-child combinations, etc.). This can be done by training (i.e., fine-tuning) a directive tuning model M_0 to create the basic blocks of the SCD. And training (i.e., fine-tuning) another (or several) directive tuning models M_1 (...M_n) to generate the corresponding contents of these basic blocks of the SCD.

[0281] So, to summarize, the basic idea is: to improve the output generation of AI models using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and fine-tuning - both well-known techniques. We explain here specifically how (e.g., using pre-trained instructions to tune the model and using a chunking strategy) and which documents to use:

[0282] -Developed AI-assisted substation automation engineering systems and methods;

[0283] - A detailed embodiment of the system may be based on RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation), but specified and fine-tuned for SCD documents and for AI-assisted substation automation engineering (e.g., starting from a pre-trained instruction adjustment model), and using the aforementioned document set and historical project data;

[0284] -The system also includes a hierarchical contextual chunking approach based on domain knowledge to handle large files / long texts.

[0285] -The entire task is broken down into different queries, i.e. a series of sequential requests to the LLM.

[0286] In another embodiment, a computer program or a computer program element is provided, characterized in that it is configured to execute the method steps of the method according to one of the preceding embodiments on a suitable processor or system.

[0287] Therefore, a computer program element can be stored on a computer unit, which can also be part of an embodiment. The computer unit can be configured to perform or cause the steps of the above-described method to be performed. Furthermore, it can be configured to operate components of the above-described system. The computer unit can be configured to operate automatically and / or execute user commands. The computer program can be loaded into the working memory of a data processor. The data processor can thus be equipped to perform the method according to one of the above-described embodiments.

[0288] This embodiment of the invention covers both a computer program that right from the start uses the invention and a computer program that by means of an up-date turns an existing program into a program that uses the invention.

[0289] Furthermore, the computer program element may be able to provide all necessary steps to complete the process of an embodiment of the method as described above.

[0290] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, a USB stick / flash drive, etc., is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium has a computer program element stored thereon, the computer program element being described in the preceding section.

[0291] The computer program may be stored and / or distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0292] However, the computer program may also be presented on a network like the World Wide Web and can be downloaded from such a network into a working memory of a data processor. According to a further embodiment of the invention, a medium is provided from which a computer program element can be downloaded, which is arranged to perform a method according to one of the aforementioned embodiments of the invention.

[0293] Reference numerals

[0294] 10 Input Units

[0295] 20 processing units

[0296] 30 Database

[0297] 40 output units

[0298] 50 processing units

[0299] 60 output units

[0300] 100-500 Method Steps

[0301] 100-600 Method Steps

Claims

1. A substation automation engineering system, comprising: - an input unit (10); and - a processing unit (20); wherein the input unit is configured to receive a basic query, wherein the basic query includes details of a substation project; wherein the input unit is configured to provide the base query to the processing unit; wherein the processing unit is configured to determine one or more files in a database (30), said determining comprising searching the database (30) to select one or more files, said files comprising using the base query; and The processing unit is configured to determine configuration description information for the substation project, the determining comprising applying a basic query and one or more files.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The determination of at least one of the one or more files includes using one or more of the following: a text similarity algorithm, an image similarity algorithm, a multimodal similarity algorithm, a semantic and structure-based similarity algorithm.

3. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The determining of at least one of the one or more files includes determining the at least one file based on a similarity to at least a portion of the base query.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The determining of at least one of the one or more files includes determining at least one device or unit based on a similarity to at least a portion of the base query, the at least one file being associated with the at least one device or unit.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The processing unit is configured to implement a trained artificial intelligence engine to determine configuration description information for a substation project.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The input unit is configured to provide the processing unit with information from a user, and the determination of the configuration description information for the substation project includes utilizing the information from the user.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The processing unit is configured to determine intermediate information, the determination comprising applying the base query and the one or more files, wherein the processing unit is configured to present a query to a user, the processing unit is configured to determine the query based on the intermediate information, and the information from the user is provided by the user in response to the query presented to the user.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The processing unit is configured to implement a virtual setup of a substation, the implementation comprising applying configuration description information for a substation project.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The implementation of the virtual configuration of the substation includes the determination of one or more substation test scenarios, the determination including the use of configuration description information for the substation project.

10. A substation automation project deployment and verification system, comprising: - an input unit (10); and - a processing unit (50); in, The input unit is configured to receive configuration description information for a substation project from the substation automation engineering system according to any one of claims 1 to 7; wherein the input unit is configured to provide configuration description information for the substation project to the processing unit; and The processing unit is configured to implement a virtual configuration of the substation, wherein the implementation includes using configuration description information for the substation project.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The implementation of the virtual configuration of the substation includes the determination of one or more substation test scenarios, the determination including the use of configuration description information for the substation project.

12. A substation automation engineering method, comprising: - receiving (100) a base query, wherein, The basic query includes details of the substation project; - determining (200) by a processing unit one or more files in a database, said determining comprising searching (300) the database and selecting (400) one or more files, said files comprising applying a base query; and - Determining (500) by a processing unit configuration description information for a substation project, said determining comprising applying a basic query and one or more files.

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising implementing (600) by a processing unit a virtual setup of a substation, said implementing comprising applying configuration description information for the substation project.

14. A method for deploying and verifying a substation automation project, comprising: - receiving, by a processing unit, configuration description information for a substation project, the configuration description information coming from the substation automation engineering method according to claim 12; and - implementing, by the processing unit, a virtual configuration of the substation, said implementation comprising applying configuration description information for the substation project.

15. A computer program element for controlling a processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, or for controlling a processor to execute the method according to claim 14.

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