Configuration-less Process Bus with Asymmetric Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital substation configurations require expensive and time-consuming engineering processes for configuration and maintenance, and existing redundancy protocols are prone to similar failure modes, compromising reliability and cybersecurity.
Innovation Solution
A configuration-less process bus system with architectural redundancy, utilizing pre-configured IED Instantiated Description files and network failover mechanisms to enhance cybersecurity, reliability, and maintenance, by transmitting pre-configured data streams over Ethernet networks and adjusting data quality using redundant frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional configuration methods are used for digital substation process bus, then engineering process can be standardized, but configuration and maintenance become expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions by pre-configuring the process bus architecture and IED connections before actual operation. The configuration data is prepared in advance and automatically loaded, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site configuration work and reducing both configuration time and costs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The process bus system implements self-service configuration capabilities where the system automatically configures itself without requiring extensive manual engineering intervention. The automated configuration processes reduce dependency on external engineers, lowering maintenance costs and time requirements while ensuring consistent and reliable configuration.
2Reliability
If parallel redundancy protocols (PRP or HSR) are used for communication reliability, then communication redundancy is provided, but the system becomes prone to similar failure modes due to identical Ethernet switched networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements asymmetric redundancy architecture where the first and second process buses have different physical paths, transmission media, or protocol characteristics. This asymmetry ensures that a failure mode affecting one bus type cannot simultaneously affect the other, providing true diversity-based redundancy while managing network architecture complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent process buses with distinct architectural characteristics. By dividing the redundancy function across separate bus systems with different failure modes, the patent eliminates single points of failure while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design and standardized communication protocols.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If physical security measures are implemented for switchyard equipment, then infrastructure protection is enhanced, but the engineering process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical/mechanical security measures with electronic and software-based security mechanisms. Cybersecurity protocols, encrypted communications, and digital authentication systems substitute for physical barriers and security personnel, reducing engineering complexity and costs while maintaining or enhancing protection levels against harmful factors.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates to systems and methods for configuration-less process bus. An example system 200 includes at least one process interface unit, PIU 135. The PIU 135 includes at least one pre-configured communication port 225 defined by one of a factory setting or a product code order. The at least one PIU 135 is operable to transmit and receive a data stream. The data stream includes at least one dataset. The dataset includes at least one field for sampled values measured at least at one source. The source includes one of a current transformer 115 or a voltage transformer 120. The dataset can further include a timestamp and a unique identifier associated with the source. The system includes at least one intelligent electronic device, IED 145 communicatively coupled to the PIU 135. The IED 145 is operable to receive the data stream from the PIU (135) and transform the sampled values based on user-defined transformation factors. The IEDs 145 may include a pre-configurable and configurable processing 210 of datasets received from at least one of the PIU/MUs 135. Data stream between PIU/MUs 135 and IEDs 145 is formatted based on the IEC 61850 or IEC 61869 format. The PIU/MU 135 can specify a fixed (factory provided) pre-configuration (including a unique identifier) using an IED Instantiated Description (IID). The PIU/MUs 135 may not need a configured IED description (CID) file for configuration. Therefore, the PIU/MUs 135 may not require any configuration at the installation site. An engineering computer 220 may be needed for an initial configuration of the IEDs 145 and the LAN 230.