Loop Topology Resilient Communication for Power Delivery Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric power delivery systems face challenges in maintaining resilient communication networks due to failures in wireless coupling between client automation controllers and Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), leading to incomplete data collection and potential data loss when radio connections are obstructed or fail.
Innovation Solution
A system with a client control system and server IEDs communicatively coupled through paired radios in a loop topology, where each server radio repeats communications and coordinates transmission to ensure all IEDs remain reachable, even if one radio fails, using multiplexing and SCADA protocols to maintain data channels and prevent duplicate messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless coupling is used between client automation controllers and IEDs, then ease of operation and installation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to radio failures and obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements redundant communication paths (wired and wireless) beforehand to cushion against potential radio failures. The client automation controller can switch to alternative paths when wireless coupling fails, preventing complete communication loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary communication infrastructure that includes both wireless radios and wired communication paths. When the wireless path fails, the intermediary wired paths serve as backup mediators to maintain communication between controllers and IEDs.
2Reliability
If redundant communication paths are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system dynamically selects active paths based on real-time conditions. The client automation controller monitors wireless coupling quality and automatically switches between wireless and wired paths, making the system adaptable without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and automatic path selection without external intervention. When radio failure is detected, the controller automatically activates alternative communication paths, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If radio failures occur in wireless coupling, then communication reliability deteriorates, but implementing complex routing changes increases device complexity and response time
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication paths are pre-configured and ready for immediate use. When radio failure occurs, the system activates pre-established alternative paths without requiring complex real-time routing calculations, reducing both complexity and response time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for resiliently monitoring an electric power delivery system may include a plurality of server intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) configured to monitor and/or control the electric power delivery system. Each server IED may be communicatively coupled to a client control system by a plurality of communication paths. If a communication path fails, communication may continue along another path. In an embodiment, the client control system may include dual primary client controllers that continually request information from the server IEDs using multiple of the communication paths. The client controllers may request information from each other if the information is not received from the server IEDs, for example, due to a communication failure. In an embodiment, the client control system and server IEDs may be communicatively coupled in a loop topology, and each direction around the loop may be a distinct communication path.