IED Pinout Identification for Amplifier-Free RTS Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional real-time simulators (RTS) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test systems for intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) face challenges due to the lack of pinout information, requiring costly amplifiers and being limited by operating frequency ranges, which restricts their ability to simulate power systems with higher frequency components like photovoltaic inverter-based distributed generators in microgrids.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the low-voltage interface of IEDs by identifying pinout locations, voltage levels, functions, and current/voltage scaling factors using an interface module with connectors, switches, and a controller, allowing direct connection of IEDs to a RTS without amplifiers, enabling simulation and validation of IEDs in power systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RTS systems use costly amplifiers to simulate power systems, then the system can interface with IEDs, but the cost of the test bed increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the amplifier component from the RTS system by directly connecting IEDs to the simulator's voltage and current outputs. This eliminates the need for separate amplification stages while maintaining the ability to interface with IEDs, thereby reducing test bed cost without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the RTS system universally compatible with IEDs by implementing direct output connections that can interface with multiple IED types without requiring additional amplifiers. This multi-functionality approach allows the same RTS system to work with various IED configurations, reducing overall system cost while maintaining interface capability
2Power
If relay test systems are used as amplifiers in RTS, then voltage and current scaling is achieved, but the operating frequency is limited to 3 kHz or lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes relay test systems from the amplification function and directly connects the RTS voltage and current outputs to the IED inputs. This extraction eliminates the frequency limitation imposed by relay test systems while preserving the voltage and current scaling capability through direct simulator outputs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter range by eliminating the intermediary relay test system that capped frequency at 3 kHz. The direct connection allows the RTS to operate at higher frequencies suitable for photovoltaic inverter-based distributed generators while maintaining appropriate voltage and current scaling through the simulator's native output capabilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If pinout information is not available for IEDs, then testing can be performed without manufacturer specifics, but costly amplifiers and circuitry are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for amplifier circuitry by implementing direct connections from RTS outputs to IED inputs. This elimination of intermediary amplification stages reduces cost while maintaining the ability to test IEDs without requiring specific pinout information from manufacturers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the RTS system to directly provide the necessary voltage and current signals to IEDs without requiring external amplifiers or additional circuitry. The simulator's native outputs self-service the IED interface requirements, reducing system cost while maintaining adaptability to test various IEDs regardless of manufacturer specifications
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for identifying pinout information for an IED and operable to test the IED in accordance with a power system. The pinout information for many IEDs is conventionally lacking, leading to conventional testing systems that utilize amplifiers in order to generate the actual current and voltage levels of a power system for simulating the power system in conjunction with one or more IEDs. A system and method are provided to identify pinouts of an IED that can be utilized for simulating the power system with an IED without the need to generate actual current and voltage levels of the power system.