Programmable Communication Appliance for Low-Voltage Grid Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing energy automation systems at the low-voltage level require cost-effective and flexible automation solutions to manage dynamic changes in electrical power supply networks, as current powerful devices are oversized and economically impractical for this application.
Innovation Solution
A communication device equipped with a computing unit, program interface, and server device, utilizing commercially available IP communication components like routers or switches, to perform both communication and automation functions, allowing for the installation of automation programs and dynamic adaptation to network changes, with support for IEC 61850 protocol and flexible interface configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If powerful protection and control devices are used for low-voltage level automation, then reliability and control capability are improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling standard communication devices (routers, switches) to perform both their original communication functions and new automation functions through programmable interfaces. The automation program interface allows these devices to execute automation programs that enable control and monitoring of terminal devices, making a single device serve multiple purposes without requiring separate specialized automation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by implementing automation functions through software programs rather than hardware-specific logic. The automation program interface allows standard communication devices to copy automation capabilities from specialized devices through programmable instructions, enabling the same automation logic to run on general-purpose communication hardware.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard communication devices are used for automation, then device cost is reduced, but automation capability and control functionality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the automation capabilities of communication devices configurable and adaptable through programmable interfaces. The automation program interface allows devices to dynamically load, unload, and execute different automation programs based on specific application requirements, enabling standard devices to adapt their automation functionality to match various control and monitoring needs in the energy supply network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized automation devices are deployed throughout the network, then automation functionality is sufficient, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling standard communication devices (routers, switches) to perform both their original communication functions and new automation functions through programmable interfaces. The automation program interface allows these devices to execute automation programs that enable control and monitoring of terminal devices, making a single device serve multiple purposes without requiring separate specialized automation equipment.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a communication appliance (10) for operation in a power automation installation having a first communication port (12), at least two further communication ports (13a-13d) and a communication changeover device (11), which is controlled by a computation unit and which is set up to transmit data packets between the first communication port (12) and at least one of the further communication ports (13a-13d). In order to specify an automation appliance for use at the low-voltage level of electrical power supply systems, which automation appliance can firstly be provided inexpensively and secondly allows dynamic adjustment of an automation system to suit changes in the design of the power supply systems, it is proposed that the communication appliance (10) have at least one appliance connection (19a-19d) which is set up to connect the communication appliance (10) to an electrical appliance in the power automation installation, and that the communication appliance (10) have a data memory area in which any automation programs (17a, 17b) can be installed such that they prompt automation functions of the power automation installation when executed by the computation unit.