Merging Unit Phasor Measurement IEC 61850 Substation Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Substation automation systems face complexity and limited operational flexibility, hindering electrical grid stability and wide area monitoring, protection, and control schemes (WAMPAC), as existing merging units lack efficient data processing and communication protocols for phasor measurement information.
Innovation Solution
A merging unit with input interfaces for voltage and current measurements, a control unit for determining phasor measurement information, and configuration to transform and output data in standardized formats, including timestamping, using IEC 61850 standards for logical nodes and communication protocols, enabling precise data processing and communication with IEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If merging units collect and forward sensor data using traditional architectures, then data can be transmitted to higher level devices, but the system complexity increases and operational flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (data collection, phasor calculation, timestamping, and standardized output) into a single merging unit device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed in the substation automation system, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational flexibility through the device's ability to perform multiple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The merging unit is designed as a multi-functional device that can collect sensor data, calculate phasor measurement information, assign timestamps, and output data in standardized formats (IEC 61850-9-2, IEC 61850-90-5). This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing system complexity while enhancing adaptability to different operational requirements.
2Measurement precision
If merging units process and transform input data locally, then data accuracy and time reference precision improve, but processing requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The merging unit performs preliminary processing of sensor data by calculating phasor measurement information and assigning timestamps locally before data leaves the device. This preliminary action ensures that data is pre-processed with accurate time references and proper formatting, reducing the need for complex post-processing at higher level devices while maintaining measurement precision.
3Productivity
If merging units implement IEC 61850 standards with logical nodes and communication protocols, then data communication efficiency improves, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The merging unit is configured to output data in standardized formats (IEC 61850-9-2, IEC 61850-90-5) by changing the parameter structure of the output data. This standardization improves communication efficiency across the substation automation system by ensuring consistent data formats, while the complexity is managed through adherence to established industry standards rather than custom implementations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a merging unit (100), particularly for substation automation, comprising at least one input interface (110a, 110b) for receiving input data (ID) characterizing at least one voltage and/or current related to a component of a power system (200), wherein said merging unit (100) further comprises a control unit (120) that is configured to determine phasor measurement information (PHM) depending on said input data (ID).