Self-Supplied Relay HMI With Periodic Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protection relays, particularly self-supplied ones, face limitations in flexibility and power management, with DIP switches offering limited functionality and binary combinations, and require enhanced user interaction for parameter setting and configuration, especially in urban Ring Main Unit installations.
Innovation Solution
A protection relay design incorporating a base relay for current measurement and trip signal generation, along with an optional detachable Human Machine Interface (HMI) unit featuring a processing unit for controlled power consumption, a touch screen interface, and memory for data storage, enabling advanced user interaction and configuration while minimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DIP switches are used for parameter setting, then the relay can be configured, but the functionality is limited to binary combinations and requires decoding through tables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical DIP switch system with an electronic HMI interface. The HMI uses electronic components such as microprocessors, display screens, and electronic input devices to provide parameter setting, eliminating the need for mechanical switches and binary decoding tables. This substitution enables continuous parameter adjustment and intuitive user interaction while maintaining configuration capability.
2Ease of operation
If an HMI with push buttons or touch screen is added, then user interaction and parameter tuning are enhanced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI interface is designed to operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The display and processing units are activated only when needed for user interaction, then enter low-power or sleep modes. This periodic operation allows the relay to maintain full HMI functionality during configuration events while minimizing average power consumption during normal protective operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMI interface automatically manages its own power consumption by detecting user presence and interaction states. When no user interaction is detected for a predetermined period, the system automatically transitions to a low-power state, reducing the burden on the self-supplied relay's power resources without requiring external power management circuitry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable HMI is used, then flexibility for adaptation and configuration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI is designed as a detachable, modular unit that can be separated from the main relay body. This segmentation allows the HMI to be independently configured, maintained, and replaced without affecting the core relay functionality. The modular design provides mechanical and electrical interfaces for connection and disconnection, enabling flexible adaptation to different application requirements while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A design of a protection relay, and interface with an operator of a protection relay, are disclosed. The protection relay can include a base relay for measurement of line current and for generation of a trip signal, a base Human Machine Interface (HMI) for user specifying of a base setting of an operating parameter of the protection relay, and an optionally active Human Machine Interface (HMI) unit having a processing unit to manage plural activities with controlled power consumption.