Apparatus and method for controlling an interface of an electrical installation

Abstract

An apparatus (20) processes and optionally updates a hierarchical substation model (30) of a power system substation using linking rules (40). The linking rules (40) determine to which substation object at a first hierarchical level (31) a substation object at a further hierarchical level (32, 33) of the hierarchical substation model (30) is to be connected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for generating or modifying a hierarchical model of an asset, in particular an electrical power facility such as an electrical power system substation. The present invention particularly relates to a method and a device for generating or modifying a hierarchical model of an asset and / or to a corresponding graphical user interface for configuring, commissioning, monitoring or controlling an operation of the asset. BACKGROUND

[0002] Modern electrical power facilities, such as power generation systems, power grids or substations, comprise a large number of components, sensors and intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). Configuring, commissioning, monitoring or controlling an operation of an electrical power facility is a complex task.

[0003] Operators can receive computer assistance in the complex task of configuring, commissioning, monitoring or controlling an operation of an electrical power facility. Exemplary techniques to assist a commissioning engineer in commissioning are described, for example, in EP 1 850 447 A1 or EP 2 109 204 A1.

[0004] EP 3 457 286 A1 discloses a computing device that generates commands to automatically set or verify a safety configuration of an industrial automation control system.

[0005] EP 1 850 109 A1 discloses a method of verifying a configuration of an intelligent electronic device being part of a substation automation system.

[0006] Kalkitech SCL Manager 4.0.0, User Manual, Version 1.0.0 describes a computer program that allows to draw a new substation specification.

[0007] Devices adapted to assist operators in the task of configuring, commissioning, monitoring or controlling an operation of an electrical power facility typically employ a hierarchical model of the electrical power facility and its components. For example, the substation part defined in IEC 61850-6 provides a tree structure for a substation and its components.

[0008] A model in the field of substation automation (SA) or power generation comprises structures at lower hierarchical levels that are interconnected by objects at higher hierarchical levels of the hierarchical model. For example, a hierarchical SA model can comprise a plurality of bays or diameters. The bays or diameters are interconnected with some dedicated equipment that is not part of the bays or diameters. For example, for substation automation, the bays or diameters are interconnected by busbars. In classical tree modeling, such interconnection structures are typically modeled on a higher hierarchical level than the parts they interconnect.

[0009] The fact that the interconnection structure is implemented on a higher hierarchical level when the branched view of the hierarchical model is displayed on the graphical user interface of the device causes increased complexity in generating or updating the hierarchical model. For example, for each bay or diameter, the interconnection structure (e.g. busbar) can be modeled separately in a piece-wise fashion. Then, the busbar pieces in the model have to be joined, which is error-prone and makes modeling more complex. As an alternative, displaying an iconic representation of the interconnection structure (e.g. busbar) in the bay view without associating it with data at the voltage level of the hierarchical model can also be error-prone, because it cannot be guaranteed that the iconic representation, which is generated as a false graph for the purpose of displaying the bay view only, is displayed in a way that correctly takes into account the connections of the elements in the bay to the interconnection structure. Both the piece-wise modeling of the interconnection structure and the display of the false graph representation not corresponding to the model can be error-prone and are not intuitive for an operator or engineer who intuitively knows where the busbar belongs but needs to learn a specific configuration way to get the correct result. SUMMARY

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device and method for generating or updating a hierarchical model of an asset or for configuring, commissioning, monitoring and / or controlling a user interface of an asset. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide such a device and method which allow correct modeling of interconnection structures on a higher hierarchical level of a hierarchical model on a higher hierarchical level (such as a voltage level) while allowing parts of the interconnection structure to be displayed even when displaying a lower hierarchical level view of the asset (such as a bay view of a substation).

[0011] According to an embodiment, a device and method are provided which use linking rules defining which object on a lower hierarchical level of a hierarchical model of an asset is to be connected to which object at a higher hierarchical level. The linking rules are used when displaying a view of components on the lower hierarchical level of the hierarchical model on a graphical user interface (GUI) and / or when an operator or engineer edits the view of the lower hierarchical level.

[0012] Thereby, a topologically correct modeling with reduced risk of errors is obtained.

[0013] The device according to embodiments comprises a memory or storage device storing a hierarchical substation model of a substation of an electrical power system. The hierarchical substation model comprises substation objects associated with at least two different hierarchical levels. The at least two different hierarchical levels comprise a first hierarchical level and a further hierarchical level below the first hierarchical level. The device comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) adapted to display graphical representations of the substation objects and to allow a user to create and edit the substation objects. The memory or storage device stores linking rules determining to which substation object at the first hierarchical level a substation object at the further hierarchical level is to be connected. The device is adapted to automatically control the GUI when a new substation object at the further hierarchical level is created by the user through the GUI based on the stored linking rules.

[0014] The further hierarchical level can correspond to a bay.

[0015] The further hierarchical level can correspond to a diameter.

[0016] The further hierarchical level can be a second hierarchical level.

[0017] The hierarchical substation model can further comprise a third hierarchical level. The third hierarchical level can correspond to a diameter section.

[0018] The first hierarchical level can correspond to a voltage level.

[0019] The hierarchical substation model can comprise a tree structure.

[0020] The tree structure can comply with the substation part defined in IEC 61850-6, in particular with IEC 61850-6:2009.

[0021] The tree structure can comprise diameters or sections which can be modeled as "bays" or "functions" according to IEC 61850-6.

[0022] The device can be adapted such that, if a substation object at the first hierarchical level does not yet exist when a new substation object at the further hierarchical level is created, the device automatically creates the substation object at the first hierarchical level when the new substation object at the further hierarchical level is created, and the GUI displays a graphical representation of the new substation object at the further hierarchical level automatically connected to the substation object at the first hierarchical level.

[0023] The device can be adapted such that, if a substation object modeled at the first hierarchical level is created while the GUI displays a view associated with the further hierarchical level (e.g. a bay or a diameter), the device automatically creates a substation object at the first hierarchical level of the hierarchical substation model.

[0024] The device can be adapted such that, if a substation object at the first hierarchical level already exists when a new substation object at the further hierarchical level is created, the GUI displays a graphical representation of the new substation object automatically connected to the substation object at the first hierarchical level.

[0025] The substation object at the first hierarchical level can be a busbar.

[0026] The device can be adapted to automatically display a graphical representation of a part of the busbar when displaying a section level view of the power system substation.

[0027] The substation object at the further hierarchical level can be a switch object.

[0028] The switch object can be a circuit breaker, a switch, a trunk, an isolator and / or any other object for connecting / disconnecting a power flow and / or a voltage between e.g. two points of the same potential.

[0029] The device can comprise output control circuitry for outputting data for configuring, commissioning, monitoring or controlling an operation of the power system substation.

[0030] The data can comprise control data generated based on the hierarchical model.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the application relates to a use of the device for configuring, commissioning, monitoring or controlling an operation of the power system substation.

[0032] The method according to an embodiment comprises displaying, via a GUI, graphical representations of substation objects based on a hierarchical substation model of a power system substation. The hierarchical substation model comprises substation objects associated with at least two different hierarchical levels. The at least two different hierarchical levels comprise a first hierarchical level and a further hierarchical level below the first hierarchical level. The GUI allows a user to create and edit the substation objects. The method comprises automatically controlling the GUI based on a linking rule when a new substation object at the further hierarchical level is created by the user through the GUI. The linking rule determines which substation object at the first hierarchical level the substation object at the further hierarchical level is to be connected to.

[0033] In the method, the further hierarchical level can correspond to a section.

[0034] In the method, the further hierarchical level can correspond to a diameter.

[0035] In the method, the further hierarchical level can be a second hierarchical level.

[0036] In the method, the hierarchical substation model can further comprise a third hierarchical level. The third hierarchical level can correspond to a diameter section.

[0037] In the method, the first hierarchical level can correspond to a voltage level.

[0038] In the method, the hierarchical substation model can comprise a tree structure.

[0039] In the method, the tree structure can comply with the substation part defined in IEC 61850-6, in particular with IEC 61850-6:2009.

[0040] The tree structure can comprise diameters or parts which can be modeled as "bays" or "functions" according to IEC 61850-6.

[0041] The method can comprise automatically creating a substation object at the first hierarchical level when a new substation object at a further hierarchical level is created and when a substation object at the first hierarchical level does not already exist when a new substation object at a further hierarchical level is created. The method can comprise automatically displaying by the GUI a graphical representation of the new substation object at the further hierarchical level which is automatically connected to the substation object at the first hierarchical level.

[0042] The method can comprise automatically creating a substation object at the first hierarchical level of the hierarchical substation model if a substation object modeled at the first hierarchical level is created while the GUI displays a view associated with a further hierarchical level (e.g. a bay or a diameter).

[0043] The method can comprise automatically displaying by the GUI a graphical representation of the new substation object which is automatically connected to the substation object at the first hierarchical level if the substation object at the first hierarchical level already exists when a new substation object at a further hierarchical level is created.

[0044] In the method, the substation object at the first hierarchical level can be a busbar.

[0045] The method can comprise automatically displaying a graphical representation of a part of the busbar when displaying a bay level view of the electrical power system substation.

[0046] In the method, the substation object at the further hierarchical level can be a switch object.

[0047] In the method, the switch object can be a circuit breaker, a switch, a trunk, an isolator and / or any other object for connecting / disconnecting an electrical power flow and / or a voltage between two points of e.g. the same electrical potential.

[0048] The method can comprise outputting by the output control circuitry data for configuring, commissioning, monitoring or controlling an operation of the electrical power system substation.

[0049] In the method, the data can comprise control data generated based on the hierarchical model.

[0050] The method can further comprise configuring, commissioning, monitoring, or controlling operation of the power system substation based on the hierarchical model.

[0051] The method can further comprise configuring, commissioning, monitoring, or controlling operation of the power system substation using the GUI.

[0052] The method can be performed by a device according to an embodiment.

[0053] A device according to an embodiment comprises a memory or storage device storing a hierarchical model of an asset, which can be an industrial asset or a power plant asset. The hierarchical model comprises objects associated with at least two different hierarchical levels. The at least two different hierarchical levels comprise a first hierarchical level and a further hierarchical level lower than the first hierarchical level. The device comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) adapted to display graphical representations of the objects and to allow a user to create and edit the objects. The memory or storage device stores a linking rule determining to which object at the first hierarchical level an object at the further hierarchical level is to be connected. The device is adapted to automatically control the GUI based on the stored linking rule when a new object at the further hierarchical level is created by the user via the GUI.

[0054] A method according to an embodiment comprises displaying graphical representations of objects via a GUI based on a hierarchical model of an asset, which can be an industrial asset or a power plant asset. The hierarchical model comprises objects associated with at least two different hierarchical levels. The at least two different hierarchical levels comprise a first hierarchical level and a further hierarchical level lower than the first hierarchical level. The GUI allows a user to create and edit the objects. The method comprises automatically controlling the GUI based on a linking rule when a new object at the further hierarchical level is created by the user through the GUI. The linking rule determines to which object at the first hierarchical level an object at the further hierarchical level is to be connected.

[0055] In the device and method according to any one of the embodiments, the linking rule can be a predefined linking rule based on expert knowledge.

[0056] In the device and method according to any one of the embodiments, the linking rule can be generated using machine learning techniques based on, for example, previous configuration, commissioning, monitoring, and operation processes.

[0057] The device and method according to embodiments provide various advantages. The linking rules allow automatic modeling of the interconnection structure at higher hierarchical levels in the correct topology. This can be helpful, for example, when outputting views of lower hierarchical levels through the GUI and / or when adding new substation objects through the GUI. Busbars or other interconnection structures can be modeled in an intuitive way while preventing or mitigating the risk of errors that could potentially lead to serious problems, such as endangering human life or incorrect topology-based protection configuration.

[0058] Embodiments of the invention provide for allowing a user to visualize and / or edit the effects of another object (e.g. a busbar) that does not belong to this branch itself but to another object of a higher level (e.g. voltage level) of the hierarchical model from within a branch (e.g. bay or diameter) of the hierarchical model. This is done automatically without requiring additional effort and configuration by the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0059] The subject matter of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to embodiments.

[0061] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a hierarchical substation model.

[0062] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a bay view of a substation.

[0063] Figure 4 and Figure 5 are exemplary bay views of a substation output in a method according to embodiments.

[0064] Figure 6 and Figure 7 represent parts of a hierarchical substation model in a method according to embodiments.

[0065] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method according to embodiments.

[0066] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method according to embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Example embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar elements are referred to by the same or similar reference numerals. While some embodiments will be described in the context of a substation or substation automation (SA) system, the methods and devices described in detail below can be used in a wide variety of systems.

[0068] Features of embodiments can be combined with each other unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0069] According to embodiments of the application, the device uses linking rules to generate or update a hierarchical model of an asset, such as a substation.

[0070] The linking rules define which object at a higher hierarchical level (e.g. voltage level of a substation section defined in IEC 61850-6) a component (e.g. a circuit breaker, isolator, switch or other switching component) at a lower hierarchical level (e.g. interval level of a substation section defined in IEC 61850-6, or a diameter or section modelled as an “interval” or “function” according to IEC 61850-6) will be connected to. The linking rules can be used to display parts of the ancestor object (e.g. parts of a busbar) at the higher hierarchical level in an interval view or diameter view. The linking rules can be used additionally or alternatively to automatically modify the hierarchical model when a user edits an interval view or diameter view. This can include generating appropriate ancestor objects in the hierarchical model when a new object is inserted via a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0071] This allows a user to edit or visualise ancestor objects (such as busbars) of branches of the hierarchical model (such as switches in an interval or diameter) while outputting a view of the interval or diameter via a graphical user interface.

[0072] The linking rules can be provided and stored in association with objects at a lower hierarchical level (e.g. at an interval level of a substation section defined in IEC 61850-6). The lower hierarchical level can be a diameter or section level. The diameters and sections can be modelled as “intervals” or “functions” according to IEC 61850-6.

[0073] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a device 20 according to embodiments. The device 20 comprises one or more integrated circuits (ICs) 22, a memory or storage device 21 and a GUI 23. The IC(s) 22 can comprise a processor, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a combination thereof.

[0074] The memory or storage device 21 stores a hierarchical substation model 30 of a power system substation or another hierarchical model of an asset. While reference will be made to a power system substation, it will be appreciated that other assets can be modelled.

[0075] The hierarchical substation model 30 comprises substation objects associated with at least two different hierarchical levels 31, 32, 33. The at least two different hierarchical levels comprise a first hierarchical level 31 and a further hierarchical level 32, 33 lower than the first hierarchical level 31.

[0076] The first hierarchical level 31 can, but need not be, the highest hierarchical level of the hierarchical model.

[0077] In example implementations, the first hierarchical level 31 can be a voltage level. The second hierarchical level 32 can be a bay level or a diameter level. The third hierarchical level 33 can be a diameter section.

[0078] The memory or storage device 21 stores the linking rules 40. The linking rules 40 can, but need not be, permanently stored on the device 20. The linking rules 40 can be retrieved via a wide area network.

[0079] The linking rules 40 determine to which substation object at the first hierarchical level 31 a substation object at a further hierarchical level 32, 33 is to be connected. The linking rules 40 can define information about ancestor objects in the hierarchical model 30 in association with substation objects at the further hierarchical level 32, 33. For example, the linking rules 40 can define to which interconnection structure (e.g., busbar) a switch, a circuit breaker, an isolator, and / or any other object for connecting / disconnecting power flow and / or voltage at a bay or diameter level is to be connected.

[0080] The linking rules 40 can be rules based on expert knowledge.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, the linking rules 40 can be rules determined using machine learning techniques (e.g., based on previous configuration, commissioning, monitoring, or control use cases).

[0082] The linking rules 40 can be fixed rules that do not change during operation of the device 20, or can be updated, e.g., when machine learning is implemented to update or improve the linking rules 40.

[0083] The device 20 can include an output control circuit 24. The output control circuit 24 can control output of data for configuring, commissioning, monitoring, or controlling a substation or other asset based on the hierarchical model 30.

[0084] During operation of the device 20, the IC(s) 20 can use the linking rules 40 in various ways. For example, when the IC(s) 22 control the GUI 23 to display a bay view or a diameter view of a substation, the IC(s) 22 can control the GUI 23 so that even when a busbar or other interconnection structure is a parent object modeled at a higher hierarchical level than a switch object modeled at a bay, diameter, or section level, the GUI 23 automatically shows a portion of the busbar or other interconnection structure on the bay view or diameter view. This can be done based on the linking rules 40.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, when user input is received via the GUI 23 to edit or add objects at the bay or diameter view, the IC(s) 20 can use the linking rules 40 to automatically create an ancestor object at the higher hierarchical level 31 (if it does not already exist). This ensures that the ancestor object (e.g. a busbar or other interconnection structure) is correctly modelled at the higher hierarchical level to which it belongs in an intuitive manner.

[0086] Figure 2 An exemplary tree structure of a hierarchical substation model is shown. A top node 51 can define a substation. Nodes 52, 53 can represent busbars connecting several bays. Nodes 52, 53 can be at a voltage level 61 and are ancestor nodes of objects at a bay or diameter level 62. Nodes 54 to 59 can represent switch objects, such as circuit breakers, isolators or switches, under the bay or diameter level 62.

[0087] The device 20 can allow a user to open various views of the substation and can control the GUI 23 depending on the view to be output. In a voltage level view, objects modelled under the voltage level, such as busbars, will be displayed.

[0088] It is important that even if a busbar is modelled under a higher voltage level and not under a bay or diameter level, the (multiple) ICs 20 ensure that parts of the busbar are included in the output graphical representation when a bay or diameter level view is displayed via the GUI 23. Thus, even when a view of a lower hierarchical level object, such as a bay level view, is output, the interconnection objects modelled at the first hierarchical level 31, 61 of the hierarchical model are visible on the GUI 23.

[0089] The device 20 automatically displays parts of the busbar in a bay or diameter level view. This can be done automatically and without requiring any additional configuration effort from the user.

[0090] When a busbar is added to a bay in a bay view, the (multiple) ICs 20 will automatically model the busbar under the higher hierarchical level (voltage level) to which it belongs, without duplicating the busbar in the bay level.

[0091] Intuitive but topologically correct modelling is provided by the device 20.

[0092] Figure 3 An exemplary bay view output via the GUI 23 of the substation under control of the (multiple) ICs 22 is shown. The bay view shows representations of various switch objects (QB1, QB2, QA1, QB9, QC) and transformers BC1, BC2. Parts of the main line 1 and main line 2 of the busbar are included in the bay view in an intuitive manner, facilitating engineering or other users working with the device.

[0093] The use of the linking rules 40 by the IC(s) 22 is not limited to generating views output via the GUI 23. The linking rules 40 can also be used during editing, in which case an ancestor object in the hierarchical model 30 can be created or modified even when the GUI 23 outputs a lower hierarchical level view (e.g. a bay or diameter level).

[0094] Figure 4 and Figure 5 are exemplary views of the GUI 23 in different stages during operation of the device 20 according to embodiments. Figure 6 and Figure 7 are schematic views of the hierarchical substation model 30 in these stages of operation.

[0095] Figure 4 shows a bay level view output via the GUI 23. While the main line 1 of the busbar and the switch object QB1 already exist and are contained in the bay level view, the switch object QB2 and the main line 2 of the busbar (ancestor object of the switch object QB2 at the voltage level) have not yet been contained in the view on the GUI 23 shown in Figure 4 .

[0096] When the view shown in Figure 4 is edited to include the main line 2 of the busbar, the IC(s) 22 will automatically generate the respective data for the object main line 2 of the busbar in the first hierarchical level 31 of the hierarchical substation model 30 in response to user input via the GUI 23. Alternatively or additionally, when the user adds the switch object QB2 in the bay view, the IC(s) 22 will automatically generate the respective data for the object main line 2 of the busbar in the first hierarchical level 31 of the hierarchical substation model 30.

[0097] The generation of the object main line 2 of the busbar is schematically indicated in the representation of the hierarchical substation model 30 in Figure 6 and Figure 7 .

[0098] The generation of the object main line 2 of the busbar is automatically done at the correct hierarchical level of the hierarchical substation model 30. The risk of incorrect modeling or incorrect configuration, commissioning, monitoring or control of the substation is mitigated.

[0099] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method 70 according to embodiments. The method 70 can be performed by the device 20.

[0100] In step 71, input from the GUI 23 is received by the IC(s) 22. The input can edit a bay view or a diameter view of the substation.

[0101] At step 72, objects of the hierarchical substation model 30 at higher hierarchical levels 31 (e.g. voltage levels) can be generated even when the editing occurs while the interval view or diameter view is output via the GUI 23. It will be appreciated that objects belonging to the interval level will continue to be modelled at the interval level. The IC(s) 22 can use the linking rules 40 to determine at which hierarchical level the new object must be included in the hierarchical substation model 30.

[0102] At step 73, the IC(s) can control the GUI 23 to display at least part of an ancestor object modelled at a hierarchical level above the interval or diameter level. The ancestor object can be a busbar or another interconnecting structure interconnecting multiple intervals of the substation.

[0103] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method 80 according to an embodiment. The method 80 can be performed by the device 20.

[0104] At step 81, input from the GUI 23 is received by the IC(s) 22. The input can edit the interval view or diameter view of the substation, for example by adding a new object.

[0105] At step 82, it is determined whether an ancestor object at a higher hierarchical level already exists in the hierarchical substation model 30. A busbar connected to a switch object in the interval view is an example of such an ancestor object. The busbar is defined at a voltage level, while the switch object can be defined at an interval or diameter level.

[0106] At step 85, if the ancestor object already exists in the appropriate hierarchical level 31 of the hierarchical substation model 30, the GUI 23 is controlled to display at least part of the ancestor object modelled at a hierarchical level above the interval or diameter level.

[0107] At step 82, if the ancestor object does not already exist in the appropriate hierarchical level 31 of the hierarchical substation model 30, the linking rules 82 are retrieved by the IC(s) 22.

[0108] At step 83, the linking rules are used by the IC(s) 22 to determine the type of the ancestor object, and optionally its connection to the switch object generated by the user input action in step 81.

[0109] At step 84, the ancestor object is automatically generated in the appropriate hierarchical level 31 of the hierarchical substation model 30.

[0110] At step 85, the GUI 23 can be controlled to display at least part of the ancestor object modelled at a hierarchical level above the interval or diameter level.

[0111] The hierarchical substation model 30 can then be used to generate data for configuring, commissioning, monitoring, or controlling a power facility, such as a substation.

[0112] For example, the hierarchical substation model 30 generated by the device 20 can be used to display operational status or other configuration information related to a power facility, such as a substation in a control center used to control or monitor the power facility during ongoing operations.

Claims

1. A device (20) for controlling an interface of a power utility, comprising: a memory or storage device (21) storing a hierarchical substation model (30) of a power system substation, the hierarchical substation model (30) comprising substation objects associated with at least two different hierarchical levels (31, 32, 33; 61, 62), the at least two different hierarchical levels comprising a first hierarchical level (31; 61) and a further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) lower than the first hierarchical level (31; 61); a graphical user interface, GUI, (23) adapted to display graphical representations of substation objects and to allow a user to create and edit substation objects; wherein the memory or storage device (21) stores a linking rule (40) determining to which substation object at the first hierarchical level (31; 61) a substation object at the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) is to be connected; and wherein the device (20) is adapted to automatically control the GUI (23) based on the stored linking rule (40) when a new substation object at the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) is created by the user via the GUI (23), wherein the device (20) is adapted such that, if a substation object at the first hierarchical level (31; 61) does not yet exist when a new substation object at the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) is created, the device (20) automatically creates the substation object at the first hierarchical level (31; 61) when the new substation object at the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) is created.

2. The device (20) of claim 1, wherein the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) corresponds to a bay.

3. The device (20) of claim 1, wherein the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) corresponds to a diameter.

4. The device (20) of claim 3, wherein the further hierarchical level is a second hierarchical level (32) and the hierarchical substation model (30) further comprises a third hierarchical level (33), wherein the third hierarchical level (33) corresponds to a diameter section.

5. The device (20) of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first hierarchical level (31; 61) corresponds to a voltage level.

6. The device (20) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hierarchical substation model (30) comprises a tree structure.

7. The device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device (20) is adapted such that, if a substation object at the first hierarchical level (31 ; 61 ) does not yet exist when a new substation object at the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) is created, the GUI (23) displays a graphical representation of the new substation object at the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) automatically connected to a substation object at the first hierarchical level (31 ; 61 ).

8. The device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device (20) is adapted such that, if a substation object at the first hierarchical level (31 ; 61 ) already exists when a new substation object at the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) is created, the GUI (23) displays a graphical representation of the new substation object automatically connected to the substation object at the first hierarchical level (31 ; 61 ).

9. The device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the substation object at the first hierarchical level is a busbar.

10. The device (20) according to claim 9, wherein the device (20) is adapted to automatically display a graphical representation of a section of the busbar when displaying a bay view of the electrical power system substation.

11. The device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 10, wherein the substation object at the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) is a switch object (QB1, QB2, QC1, QA1, QB9, QC9).

12. The device (20) according to claim 6, wherein the tree structure complies with the substation part defined in IEC 61850-6.

13. Use of a device (20) for controlling an interface of an electrical power installation according to any one of the preceding claims for configuring, commissioning, monitoring or controlling the operation of an electrical power system substation.

14. A method for controlling an interface of an electrical power installation, comprising: displaying, via a graphical user interface, GUI (23), graphical representations of substation objects based on a hierarchical substation model (30) of an electrical power system substation, wherein the hierarchical substation model (30) comprises substation objects associated with at least two different hierarchical levels (31, 32, 33; 61, 62), the at least two different hierarchical levels (31, 32, 33; 61, 62) comprising a first hierarchical level (31 ; 61 ) and a further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) lower than the first hierarchical level (31 ; 61 ); and the GUI (23) allows a user to create and edit substation objects; automatically creating a substation object at the first hierarchical level when a new substation object at the further hierarchical level is created and when a substation object at the first hierarchical level does not yet exist when the new substation object at the further hierarchical level is created; and when a new substation object at the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) is created by a user via the GUI (23), automatically controlling the GUI (23) based on a linking rule (40); wherein the linking rule (40) determines to which substation object at the first hierarchical level (31; 61) the created substation object at the further hierarchical level (32, 33; 62) is to be connected.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the hierarchical substation model (30) comprises a tree structure conforming to the substation part defined in IEC 61850-6.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, performed by the device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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