Handheld Device for Real-Time Power System Switching Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex electric power systems, human errors during switching operations can lead to disastrous outcomes due to inadequate interlocking designs and reliance on manual logic expression generation for simulation systems, which are prone to omissions and typographical errors, especially in large-scale systems with complex circuit configurations.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device performs real-time, in-the-field switching-sequence simulation by identifying switching devices, obtaining instant status information, and running simulations based on user-defined rules and topology, ensuring safe operation sequences and preventing errors through a smart-interlock system combining mechanical and electrical interlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional switching-sequence simulation systems rely on human programmers to generate logic expressions, then the system can operate, but it requires a huge amount of work and is prone to omissions and typographical errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of programming logic expressions with an automated image recognition system. The system captures images of circuit diagrams and automatically generates logic expressions through optical character recognition and pattern matching, eliminating human programming work while ensuring accuracy through automated validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating and validating logic expressions without human intervention. The image recognition system autonomously processes circuit diagrams, extracts logical relationships, and generates executable simulation logic, making the system self-sufficient in tasks that previously required human programmers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual logic expression generation is used for complex circuit configurations, then the system can handle basic cases, but it becomes difficult to summarize all possible operating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual analysis of complex circuit configurations with automated image recognition and pattern matching systems. The system can process any circuit diagram by capturing its visual structure and automatically deriving the corresponding logic expressions, adapting to any complexity level without increasing manual workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The image recognition system provides universal functionality by handling all types of circuit configurations through a single automated process. Rather than requiring different manual analysis methods for different circuit types, the system uniformly processes any circuit diagram through image capture, recognition, and automatic logic generation.
3Reliability
If switching operations are performed without real-time simulation, then operations can be executed quickly, but switching errors can lead to disastrous outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary simulation by capturing the circuit diagram and generating logic expressions before the actual switching operation. This advance preparation allows the simulation to be completed in advance, validating the switching sequence before execution without adding time to the actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the circuit diagram through image capture and uses this copy for simulation purposes. The visual copy preserves all circuit relationships and can be processed electronically for rapid simulation, eliminating the need for physical circuit manipulation during the simulation phase.
4Ease of manufacture
If human programmers manually input logic expressions, then the system can function, but unintended omissions or typographical errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual typing and programming with automated optical character recognition and pattern recognition systems. The system captures the circuit diagram visually and automatically translates it into accurate logic expressions, eliminating typographical errors and omissions inherent in manual input methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-validation by automatically checking the generated logic expressions against the captured circuit diagram. This self-service mechanism ensures consistency and accuracy without requiring human review, preventing omissions and errors that would occur with manual programming.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for performing a real-time, in-the-field switching-sequence simulation for a power system that includes a plurality of switching devices. During operation, the system receives a request, from a user at a handheld device, to perform an operation on a switching device in the power system. In response to the request, the system identifies the switching device from the plurality of switching devices, obtains instant status information associated with the plurality of switching devices, and runs a simulation, at the hand-held device, based on the instant status information and the identified switch device. The system then determines whether the operation is allowed based on an outcome of the simulation.