Graphical IED Configuration Tool for Power Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of power system network topologies and the variety of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) required for different configurations make it difficult and time-consuming for users to design and coordinate IED-to-IED relationships, often necessitating extensive expertise.
Innovation Solution
A graphical tool that uses a computer-readable medium with software program instructions to display a graphical interface for designing device-to-device configurations in power systems, allowing users to associate IEDs with switching devices and configure logical inputs and outputs, simplifying the process through a graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional configuration methods are used for IED-to-IED relationships, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but the design process becomes extremely difficult and time-consuming requiring extensive engineering expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration server as an intermediary between users and the complex IED configuration process. The server automatically generates configuration data, determines IED-to-IED relationships, and manages the configuration database, thereby shielding users from the complexity while maintaining accuracy and reducing time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service configuration by allowing users to input basic network topology information through a graphical interface, after which the configuration server automatically performs the complex tasks of generating configuration data, determining relationships between IEDs, and configuring logical inputs and outputs without requiring extensive engineering expertise.
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed configuration of logical inputs and outputs is performed manually, then configuration precision can be maintained, but the complexity of the design process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of configuring logical inputs and outputs with an automated information processing system. The configuration server automatically determines IED-to-IED relationships, generates configuration data, and configures logical connections based on network topology information, thereby maintaining precision while eliminating the complexity of manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex configuration logic from the user interface and places it in the configuration server. Users only need to provide basic network topology information, while the server extracts and processes the detailed configuration requirements, determining relationships and generating precise configuration data without exposing users to the underlying complexity.
3Reliability
If extensive engineering expertise is required for IED configuration, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but productivity and ease of use are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the configuration server pre-establish a database of IED configurations and relationship templates. When configuring a new system, the server retrieves and adapts pre-configured data, automatically determines relationships based on established patterns, and generates configuration data rapidly while maintaining reliability through proven configuration templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the configuration server continuously validates generated configuration data against the configuration database and network topology information. This automated feedback loop ensures configuration reliability by detecting and correcting errors while maintaining high productivity through rapid iterative configuration and validation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Graphical tool and method for designing device-to-device configurations used in power systems. The tool comprises software program instructions configured to allow a user to graphically associate on a monitor an intelligent electronic device (IED) selected from an available list to a corresponding switching device of the power system. For a first IED associated to corresponding switching device, the user graphically configures on the monitor a related logic by selecting one or more logical inputs/outputs and one or more target IEDs from/to which said logical inputs/outputs are to be received/sent, respectively.