Intelligent Electronic Device Merging Protection and Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power transmission and distribution systems require multiple intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) to monitor, protect, and control individual power system primary objects, which is inefficient and costly, especially in high voltage applications where redundancy and independence are crucial.

Innovation Solution

A single intelligent electronic device (IED) with advanced input/output modules, processing capabilities, and modular components can monitor, protect, and control multiple power system primary objects, reducing the number of devices needed and enabling cost savings by integrating protection, control, and monitoring functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple IEDs are used to monitor, protect, and control individual power system primary objects, then system reliability and independence are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple previously separate IEDs into a single integrated device that can monitor, protect, and control multiple power system primary objects simultaneously. The integrated IED includes multiple input channels connected to different power system objects, a unified processing module, and coordinated output connections, thereby reducing the total number of devices while maintaining system reliability through centralized intelligent control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal IED capable of performing multiple functions across different power system objects. The device incorporates multiple analog and digital input channels that can connect to various primary objects (transformers, circuit breakers, transmission lines), enabling a single device to provide monitoring, protection, and control services that previously required separate dedicated IEDs for each object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple IEDs are deployed for each power system primary object, then protection and control coverage is improved, but hardware requirements and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection and control coverageVSAvoidhardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual IED units into one consolidated device that serves multiple power system primary objects. The integrated architecture combines multiple input channels, shared processing resources, and coordinated output mechanisms, thereby reducing hardware quantity while ensuring comprehensive protection and control coverage across all connected objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a multi-functional IED that can simultaneously monitor, protect, and control different types of power system primary objects through its multiple input channels and configurable processing module. This universal device replaces several specialized IEDs, reducing hardware requirements while maintaining adequate coverage for all connected equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate IEDs are used for protection and control functions, then functional independence is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates protection and control functions into a single IED while maintaining functional independence through modular architecture. The device includes separate input channels for different primary objects, a unified processing module that can independently execute protection and control algorithms, and coordinated output connections, thereby simplifying installation while preserving functional autonomy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the IED into functional modules (input channels, processing module, output connections) that can operate independently yet coordinate together. This modular segmentation allows the device to maintain functional independence for protection and control operations while reducing overall installation complexity through a unified device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8305223B2Multi-object protection, control, and monitoring in the same intelligent electronic device
Publication Date: 2012.11.06 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • US8305223B2 patent drawing
  • US8305223B2 patent drawing
  • US8305223B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An Intelligent Electronic Device with integrated protection, and/or control, and/or monitoring for two power system primary objects or more power system primary objects, responsive to a plurality of inputs from the power system primary objects, and providing a plurality of outputs to the power system primary objects.