Segmented Processor Architecture for Power Grid Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical energy supply network automation devices have a long service life with fixed functionality, requiring significant effort and downtime for changes, leading to high maintenance costs and vulnerability to cyber attacks, and complex asset management due to decentralized operation and extensive wiring.
Innovation Solution
A device with separated processor and data storage areas allows independent execution of software applications without interference, enabling seamless updates and management through a cloud computing system, reducing cabling and complexity while enhancing reliability and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If firmware is updated or device functionality is changed during the lifespan of automation equipment, then the adaptability and security of the system improve, but the device complexity and effort required for updates increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate processor areas and memory areas, with each processor area executing exactly one software application from a corresponding memory area. This segmentation allows individual software applications to be updated independently without affecting other applications, reducing the complexity and effort of system-wide updates while improving adaptability.
2Productivity
If multiple software applications are executed in a centralized device, then the device functionality and productivity improve, but the reliability decreases due to potential interference between applications
Solution Approach 1:
The processor device comprises multiple independently operating processor areas, and the data storage device comprises multiple memory areas with each memory area storing exactly one software application. Each processor area executes software from its corresponding memory area independently, preventing mutual interference between applications while maintaining centralized device functionality and high productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional wiring and decentralized device architecture are used, then the system is easier to commission initially, but the asset management complexity and maintenance costs increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple previously decentralized automation devices are merged into a single centralized device that executes multiple software applications in separate processor areas. This consolidation simplifies asset management and reduces maintenance complexity while maintaining the functional capabilities needed for commissioning, as the centralized architecture provides unified control and monitoring.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the entire firmware is replaced to change device functionality, then the adaptability improves, but the downtime and service interruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The software system is segmented into independent applications, each stored in separate memory areas and executed in separate processor areas. This allows individual software applications to be updated, added, or modified without replacing the entire firmware, enabling functionality changes while minimizing service downtime and maintaining continuous operation of other applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (13) for operating a power supply network (10) comprising a processor (21), a data storage device (22), and a communication device (23) interconnected via a data bus (25), wherein the device (13) is configured to receive measured values from measuring devices and to send control signals to actuator devices. To further enhance the reliability of the power supply network operation, it is proposed that the device (13) be configured to execute program instructions from software applications (14) stored in the data storage device (22) using the processor (21). During the execution of these instructions, the measured values are processed, and the control signals for influencing the actuator devices are generated. The data storage device (22) comprises data-technically separated memory areas (22an).which serve to store the software applications (14), wherein exactly one software application (14) can be stored in each memory area (22a-n), and wherein the processor device (21) has separate and independently operating processor areas (21an) configured for executing the program instructions, wherein program instructions of exactly one of the software applications (14) can be executed in each processor area (21a-n). The invention also relates to a system and a method for operating a power supply network.