Cloud Grid Firmware Validation Using Asset Models and Emulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation systems for electrical grid components are limited by their specificity to individual components, become outdated with firmware updates, and are physically large, making them impractical for real-world deployments and comprehensive testing.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based validation system, 'firmware-in-the-loop in the Cloud' (FILIC), which uses hardware emulators and asset models to simulate the electrical grid, allowing for the testing of firmware updates without physical hardware and enabling simultaneous updates across multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation systems are used for electrical grid components, then component validation can be performed, but the systems become physically large and impractical for real-world deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical grid components through asset models that replicate the behavior and characteristics of actual hardware. These digital twins allow validation testing without requiring physical hardware, reducing system size while maintaining validation capability. The virtual asset models can be distributed and stored digitally rather than requiring large physical HIL systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical HIL simulation system with a software-based validation platform. Instead of using physical hardware loops and complex mechanical testing setups, the system uses computational models, firmware simulations, and software-based validation engines to achieve the same validation objectives with minimal physical infrastructure.
2Reliability
If hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation systems are used for electrical grid components, then component validation can be performed, but the systems are limited to individual components and require updates when firmware changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic asset models that can be updated and reconfigured to match firmware changes in real-time. The validation system adapts to new firmware versions by loading updated asset models and simulation parameters, allowing continuous validation without requiring physical hardware reconfiguration. This dynamic updating capability ensures the system remains current with evolving firmware while maintaining broad component validation coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal validation platform that can test multiple component types and firmware versions through a single system. The asset model framework supports diverse grid components (inverters, relays, controllers, etc.) and can validate firmware updates across the entire electrical system rather than requiring separate HIL systems for each component type.
3Reliability
If physical hardware components are distributed for testing, then validation can be performed, but costs increase and reverse engineering risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual asset models as copies of physical components for validation testing. These digital representations contain the necessary behavioral and electrical characteristics for accurate validation without exposing the actual physical hardware to reverse engineering risks. The virtual models can be freely distributed and modified for testing purposes while the original physical assets remain secure.
4Reliability
If traditional validation methods are used, then individual components can be tested, but comprehensive testing of firmware combinations across multiple components is not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual component asset models into a unified electrical system model that represents the entire grid infrastructure. This consolidated model allows validation of firmware interactions across multiple components simultaneously, enabling system-wide validation scenarios that test how firmware changes in one component affect the overall system performance and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for cloud-based electrical grid component validation can include obtaining a computer model of an electric power grid. The computer model can include asset models for individual assets connected to the electric power grid. Each asset model can be configured to replicate operation of a corresponding type of physical electric grid asset. A first asset model can include a hardware emulator configured to execute firmware specific to the corresponding type of physical electric grid asset. Altered firmware for the first asset model can be received. The computer model can be processed using a simulation engine to obtain simulation results, and the simulation engine can be configured to simulate operation of the individual assets of the computer model including operation of the first asset model according to the altered firmware associated with the first asset model. Simulation results can be provided.