Distribution Section Identification for Power Failure Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for identifying and isolating power failures in distribution systems are inefficient, requiring manual operation and limited to controlling large areas, necessitating the use of both automatic and manual switches to minimize power outages, and lack a systematic way to simulate switch operations for restoring power.

Innovation Solution

A management system that includes a section identification system for distribution diagrams, using node and span information management, ID assignment, and search logic to visually identify and display the affected section, allowing for remote operation and simulation of switch actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual operation is used to identify and isolate power failures, then control precision can be achieved, but operation efficiency deteriorates and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower failure isolation precisionVSAvoidpower restoration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated information processing system that uses computer algorithms to identify span networks and determine switch operations. The system automatically calculates affected areas and generates restoration plans, eliminating manual chart analysis while maintaining precision through systematic computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automated self-service by automatically identifying power failure sections, determining required switch operations, and generating restoration plans without human intervention. The computer system processes distribution system data, identifies affected span networks, and produces operational instructions autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automatic switches are used for remote operation, then operation efficiency is improved, but control flexibility deteriorates due to limited coverage areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch operation efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal system that can handle both automatic and manual switch operations through a unified information processing approach. The system generates comprehensive restoration plans that coordinate multiple switch types, enabling flexible control across the entire distribution system regardless of switch automation status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the distribution system into identifiable span networks between nodes, allowing precise control of specific sections. By dividing the system into manageable segments defined by nodes and spans, the system can target specific power failure areas and coordinate switch operations at granular levels, enhancing overall control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If manual chart checking is used to identify span networks, then system complexity is low, but time consumption increases and productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidpower failure identification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection of distribution system charts with automated computer-based information processing. The system uses algorithms to analyze distribution system data, identify affected span networks, and determine switch operations automatically, dramatically reducing identification time while maintaining system conceptual simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and processes digital copies of distribution system information in structured formats. By working with computerized representations of the distribution system rather than physical charts, the system enables rapid automated analysis while preserving the underlying system structure for reference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7454432B2Section identification and distribution system monitoring system, method and program product

Publication Date: 2008.11.18 SAP SE

AI summary

A system and a method are provided for specifying arbitrary nodes and identifying a section between them on a system diagram of a distribution system. It comprises a system diagram information management portion for managing information on each of nodes and spans constituting the system diagram and ID information given to each of the nodes, an input portion for receiving an input specifying the nodes, a search portion for creating a search condition using the ID information based on the node specification and searching the span between the specified nodes so as to identify the section constituted by the searched span, and an output portion for display-outputting the system diagram visually indicating the section identified by the search portion.