Electronic Relay Configuration via Wireless Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for configuring electronic relays in electric power distribution grids are time-consuming, require specialized personnel, and involve costly cabling and programming activities, making them inefficient and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a graphical user interface on a computerized device to configure electronic relays, allowing non-specialized operators to set up operating parameters quickly and efficiently through remote communication, reducing the need for extensive processing resources and cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cabling and programming methods are used to configure electronic relays, then configuration accuracy and reliability are improved, but configuration time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cabling activities with wireless communication technology. The configuration device communicates with the electronic relay through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining configuration accuracy. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing time-consuming manual cabling operations while preserving reliable parameter transmission through automated wireless communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic relay performs self-configuration by receiving configuration parameters automatically from the configuration device without requiring manual intervention. The relay's processor automatically processes received parameters and configures its operating states, eliminating the need for specialized personnel to perform manual programming. This self-service mechanism reduces configuration time while maintaining reliability through automated error checking and validation protocols.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional programming activities are used to set up relay functionalities, then configuration precision is improved, but the complexity of the configuration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration device as an intermediary between the user and the electronic relay. This intermediary device provides a simplified graphical user interface that abstracts complex programming activities into intuitive parameter selection. The configuration device handles the complexity of parameter validation, formatting, and transmission protocols, while presenting a simple interface to users. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining precise parameter configuration through automated processing while reducing perceived complexity for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration device uses pre-defined parameter templates and configuration profiles that can be copied and adapted for different relay applications. Instead of requiring users to program each parameter from scratch, the system provides standardized configuration patterns that can be selectively applied and modified. This copying mechanism maintains configuration precision through proven templates while significantly reducing the complexity of the configuration process for users facing diverse relay application requirements.
3Reliability
If specialized personnel are deployed for relay configuration, then configuration quality is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic relay is designed to perform self-configuration by automatically processing configuration parameters received from the configuration device. The relay's embedded processor validates, interprets, and applies configuration data without requiring manual intervention from specialized personnel. This self-service capability maintains configuration quality through automated error checking and validation while eliminating the need for expensive specialized technicians, thereby reducing operational costs significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for specialized human operators with automated wireless communication and processing systems. The configuration device automatically transmits parameters wirelessly, and the relay's processor automatically configures the device, substituting human expertise with automated intelligent systems. This substitution maintains configuration quality through programmed validation rules and error handling while eliminating labor costs associated with specialized personnel deployment.
4Reliability
If extensive cabling is performed for relay configuration, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical cabling with wireless communication technology for configuring electronic relays. The configuration device establishes a wireless communication link with the relay, transmitting configuration parameters through radio frequency signals without requiring physical cable connections. This substitution maintains connection reliability through error-checking protocols and signal validation while dramatically improving installation efficiency by eliminating time-consuming cabling activities entirely.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (100) for configuring an electronic relay (2) for an electric power distribution grid (250). The method comprises the following steps: - providing a graphic user interface (500) on a computer display (52), said graphic user interface including graphic resources (11, 12, 13) activatable by a user; - providing first graphic resources (11) on said graphic user interface to assist a user in selecting a set of protection functionalities to be provided by said electronic relay; - providing second graphic resources (12) on said graphic user interface to assist a user in providing configuration values (CF) to configure operating parameters processed by said electronic relay to provide the selected set of protection functionalities, said operating parameters comprising first protection parameters related to voltage protection functionalities and second protection parameters related to frequency protection functionalities; - checking whether said electronic relay meets minimum operating requirements to operate; - if said electronic relay meets said minimum operating requirements, transmitting configuration information including said configuration values (CF) to said electronic relay.