IED Pre-configuration via Logical Node Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration and engineering of substation automation systems (SAS) are heavily dependent on proprietary configuration tools from IED vendors, limiting flexibility and increasing manual effort, as well as re-commissioning efforts due to the need for specific IED capability description (ICD) files, which are not standardized, and varying IED types do not cover all required functionalities cost-optimally.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that configures and simulates Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) within a SAS using a built-in IED data repository with logical node classes and a LN Type Generator, allowing selection and pre-configuration of IED strategies without actual IED capability description files, enabling interoperability and flexibility across different IED types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If proprietary configuration tools from IED vendors are used, then IED-specific functionality is accurately configured, but system integration flexibility is reduced and manual effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts proprietary IED configuration data into standardized IEC 61850 format. This mediator enables interoperability between vendor-specific tools and the standardized substation automation system, allowing configuration accuracy from proprietary tools while achieving integration flexibility through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal configuration framework based on IEC 61850 standards that can handle multiple IED vendor formats through a common interface. This universal approach allows the same configuration system to work with different IED types and vendors, enhancing adaptability while maintaining configuration precision through standardized data models.
2Reliability
If ICD files are required for each IED type, then device-specific capabilities are captured, but engineering time increases due to manual configuration efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by automatically generating IEC 61850-compliant configuration files from ICD data before the actual engineering process. This advance preparation captures device capabilities upfront and eliminates repetitive manual configuration tasks during implementation, reducing engineering time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates standardized copies of IED capability descriptions in IEC 61850 format from vendor-specific ICD files. This copying process transforms proprietary data into a universal format that can be reused across multiple projects and IED instances, eliminating the need for repeated manual configuration while preserving device capability accuracy.
3Reliability
If physical IEDs are awaited before engineering, then hardware compatibility is ensured, but project timeline is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses digital copies of IED capability descriptions (ICD files) to perform complete engineering and configuration activities before physical hardware arrives. These digital representations contain all necessary information about device functionality, allowing virtual commissioning and configuration validation without requiring physical IEDs, thus maintaining compatibility assurance while eliminating hardware waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary engineering activities including configuration file generation, system integration testing, and commissioning preparation to be completed in advance using ICD-based virtual models. This preliminary work ensures hardware compatibility through virtual validation while allowing the project to proceed parallel to hardware procurement, significantly reducing the overall project timeline.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring actual Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) into a substation automation system (SAS) of a power system that runs a substation process. An IED data repository stores IED information including a plurality of logical node classes (LNs), where each LN includes a plurality of data objects as LN type definitions that represent at least bay level functions including control and monitoring outputs from the primary devices or protecting the primary devices. Using an LN type generator, selection of LNs is performed from the plurality of LNs based on functions for implementing at least one single line diagram (selected LNs) that represents the SAS. From the selected LNs a pre-configured IED strategy is generated to represent at a first actual IED to control and automate the substation process in a format understood by the SAS. The pre-configured IED strategy is saved into the IED data repository.