Modular Mobile Power System Apps for Real-Time Device Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power industry developers face challenges in creating reusable frameworks for monitoring and managing power systems, as existing solutions lack modular, combinable modules for mobile applications that can communicate effectively with power distribution networks, making it difficult to pinpoint faults and manage equipment remotely.

Innovation Solution

A framework for developing mobile applications using an open software framework with combinable modules for security management, system configuration, device views, data access, mapping, and API functionality, allowing bi-directional communication with gateway servers to monitor and configure sensors and devices on power distribution systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If developers create custom computer applications for each new power monitoring program, then the applications can be tailored to specific needs, but the development time and effort increase significantly due to repeatedly creating basic frameworks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication customizationVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The application framework is divided into modular components including a reusable basic framework, device-specific modules, and configuration files. This segmentation allows developers to only create or modify specific modules rather than rebuilding entire applications, resolving the contradiction between customization and development time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses configurable parameters and settings within the modular framework to adapt the application to different power monitoring needs. By changing parameters rather than rewriting code, the framework achieves versatility while maintaining efficient development cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If utility personnel travel to or communicate with the network control center to determine device status, then accurate information is obtained, but time is lost and communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice status information accuracyVSAvoidtime to obtain information
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile application enables utility personnel to independently query and obtain real-time device status information directly at the location without needing to contact the network control center. The system serves itself by providing all necessary information locally through the mobile device, eliminating communication overhead and time delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If equipment with un-modifiable parameters is replaced to meet changing load profile values and environmental conditions, then the desired parameters are achieved, but equipment replacement frequency and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment parameter adaptabilityVSAvoidequipment replacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows modification of equipment parameters through software configuration and calibration rather than physical replacement. The modular framework includes parameter adjustment capabilities that enable equipment to adapt to changing load profiles and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for frequent hardware replacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The equipment parameters are made dynamic and adjustable through the control system rather than fixed. This allows the system to adapt to varying operational conditions by changing parameters in real-time, preventing the need for equipment replacement when conditions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2941708B1System and method for developing, deploying and implementing power system computer applications
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 ABB INC
  • EP2941708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2941708B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2941708B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method for developing, deploying and implementing computer applications for a power system has an open software framework for developing mobile applications. The mobile applications are developed by combining predefined modules having functionality to monitor a power system, change configuration settings within devices installed on the power system and allow utility personnel to quickly respond to events occurring on the power system.