IED Embedded Communication Exchanger for Power System Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power system monitoring and control systems face reliability and cost issues due to the use of external communication switches, which increase complexity and reduce reliability unless duplicated, and are vulnerable to electrical and magnetic noise.

Innovation Solution

Embedding a communication exchanger within Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) to facilitate digital communication between compatible devices, reducing the number of external devices and modules, and enhancing immunity to electrical and magnetic fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an external communication switch is used to enable communication between IEDs, then communication functionality is provided, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication exchanger is merged with the IED by embedding it directly into the IED housing, combining what were previously separate devices into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for external communication switches while maintaining full communication functionality between IEDs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The IED is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both monitor power system parameters and provide communication services to other IEDs through its embedded exchanger. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated external communication devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an external communication switch is used, then communication between devices is enabled, but reliability decreases due to single points of failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the communication exchanger with the IED, the system eliminates external single points of failure. Each IED becomes self-sufficient with its own embedded exchanger, so the failure of one IED does not affect communication between other IEDs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an external communication switch is used, then data packet switching is provided, but physical space and wiring complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata packet switchingVSAvoidphysical space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication exchanger is physically integrated into the IED housing, eliminating the need for separate external switches and reducing the physical space required for communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication exchanger function is extracted from external devices and embedded directly within the IED, removing the need for separate external communication hardware and associated wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If external communication devices are used, then communication functionality is provided, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the communication exchanger with the IED into a single integrated device, the system reduces the total number of components that need to be purchased, installed, and configured, thereby lowering installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication exchanger function is extracted from external devices and integrated into the IED, eliminating the need to purchase and install separate external communication hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8730834B2Intelligent electronic device with embedded multi-port data packet controller

Publication Date: 2014.05.20 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

An intelligent electronic device (IED) configured to supervise a process having a state has at least one of a current, voltage or resistive input configured to monitor the state of the process, a binary status input configured to monitor the state of the process, a binary status input configured to receive a digitally encoded serial communication package for monitoring the state of the process, a control output configured to output a signal to control process protection, control, or automation, or a combination thereof, or a control output configured to output a digitally encoded serial communication package to control protection, control, or automation, or a combination thereof. The IED is also configured to facilitate digital communication between at least two compatible devices by directing communication packets from ports connected to an originating compatible device to ports connected to a destination compatible device.