Inter-bay Substation Automation Interface Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Substation Automation (SA) systems require manual and labor-intensive engineering for inter-bay functions, which are complex and involve multiple primary equipment and bay-level operations, lacking an efficient method for automated data exchange and configuration.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for implementing inter-bay SA applications by generating function instances and configuration data, using a standardized configuration description to create coordination and interface function blocks, and integrating them into the SA system's Logical Nodes, enabling automated data flow and communication within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual engineering is used for inter-bay functions, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but engineering time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining standardized function blocks with predetermined communication parameters and data models. These pre-configured building blocks eliminate the need for manual configuration during implementation, automatically generating communication settings and parameter assignments while maintaining configuration accuracy through standardized templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating reusable standardized function blocks that can be instantiated multiple times across different inter-bay applications. These function blocks contain pre-configured communication parameters, data models, and logic that are copied and adapted rather than manually created each time, significantly reducing engineering time while maintaining consistency and accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized configuration representation is used, then system interoperability improves, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex configuration task into modular standardized function blocks, each handling a specific communication function or data exchange scenario. This segmentation allows complex configurations to be built from simpler, pre-defined components, reducing overall configuration complexity while maintaining interoperability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing function blocks that can serve multiple purposes and be applied across different inter-bay communication scenarios. These universal function blocks handle various communication protocols, data models, and device types through a unified configuration framework, improving interoperability without proportionally increasing configuration complexity.
3Productivity
If automated function instance generation is implemented, then productivity increases, but system reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing validation mechanisms that automatically check generated function instances against predefined standards, consistency rules, and operational requirements. The system provides feedback loops that verify configuration correctness, detect errors, and ensure reliability constraints are met, allowing automated generation to maintain system reliability while improving productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with an interface description or structure of an inter-bay Substation Automation (SA) application. The interface of said application to other elements of the SA system, e.g. to a bay controller, IED, OPC server, HMI, and/or gateway, represents an important aspect in order to fully automate inter-bay SA application configuration and implementation. According to this invention, a formal description or structure of the base SA system as c.g. comprised in an IEC 61850 SCD file is used to generate a formal description of the interfaces of the intcr-bay SA application to be engineered, i.e. to structure the interface data into Logical Nodes according to IEC 61850. The latter are further connected to the process single line diagram and integrated into the SCD file of the base SA system, thereby generating an enhanced SCD file. The link to the switch yard objects may be documented by appropriate naming of the LNs as well as in the substation section of the enhanced SCD file.