Modular Control System for Electrical Switching Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for electrical switching apparatuses in medium or high voltage circuits are highly customized and inflexible, making them difficult to reuse across different devices or applications, requiring complex and costly revalidation and reprogramming for changes in device configuration or functionality.

Innovation Solution

A distributed control system comprising multiple modules with shared communication buses, allowing for the execution of separate control logics and enabling modular, configurable control of electrical switching apparatuses with varying numbers of poles and types of switching devices, facilitating adaptable and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single customized control module is used for a specific switching device, then the control logic is optimized for that specific device, but the module cannot be reused for other switching devices or applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol logic optimizationVSAvoidreusability across different devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into multiple independent control modules, each capable of executing its own control logic. Each module can be independently configured and reused for different switching devices, eliminating the need for a single customized module that cannot be reused.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control modules are designed with universal interfaces and configurable parameters that allow them to function with different types of switching devices. The modules can be adapted to various applications through configuration rather than hardware customization, enabling reuse across multiple devices and applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If the control module is highly customized for specific parameters and logic functions, then the control precision is improved, but the module cannot be used again with new parameters or logic functions without complete revalidation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidflexibility for parameter changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control modules incorporate dynamic configuration capabilities that allow parameters and control logic to be changed during operation or between operations. This dynamic adaptability enables the same module to be reused with different parameters and logic functions without requiring complete revalidation, while maintaining precise control through the module's inherent control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3051549B1Control system for an electrical switching apparatus and related electrical switching apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3051549B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3051549B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3051549B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control system for an electrical switching apparatus adapted to be installed in a medium voltage or high voltage electrical circuit. The control system comprises: - at least a first module comprising first control means which are adapted to execute a first control logic, and a second module comprising second control means which are adapted to execute a second control logic; and - at least one communication bus. The first control means and the second control means are adapted to be operatively connected to the at least one communication bus, and to share values of variables associated to the first control logic and to the second control logic through the at least one communication bus.