Simulated Power Values for Remote IED Firmware Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for validating firmware updates in intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) of electric power delivery systems are cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when dealing with numerous or remote devices, as they often require on-site intervention and manual input of test measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of simulated power delivery system values to validate firmware updates in IEDs, where the IEDs are decoupled from authentic digitized analog samples and instead receive simulated digitized analog samples for testing, with the results compared to expected values to determine validation, allowing remote and automated validation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If on-site manual validation of firmware updates is performed, then validation reliability is ensured, but validation time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simulated power delivery system values as copies of actual power system measurements. These simulated values are generated by a simulation device and fed to the IED under test, allowing firmware validation without requiring actual power system data or on-site physical testing. This copying approach maintains validation reliability while dramatically reducing validation time and enabling remote automated testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation device acts as an intermediary between the actual power system and the IED under test. Instead of directly connecting the IED to the real power system for validation, the simulation device generates simulated power delivery system values that replicate actual system behavior. This intermediary enables automated remote validation while preserving the reliability of testing against real power system conditions.
2Measurement precision
If on-site technician intervention is required for firmware validation, then validation accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The validation system performs self-service through automated execution. The simulation device automatically generates simulated power delivery system values, the IED automatically processes these values and executes firmware logic, and the system automatically compares results against expected values. This eliminates the need for manual technician intervention while maintaining validation accuracy through automated precision testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical validation processes with automated electronic simulation and comparison systems. Instead of technicians physically measuring and comparing values on-site, the system uses electronic simulation devices to generate test inputs and automatically compares IED outputs against expected values, substituting human expertise with automated computational validation that maintains or improves precision.
3Productivity
If simulated power delivery system values are used for validation, then validation speed and automation increase, but validation complexity of the testing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation device is designed as a universal tool that can generate various types of simulated power delivery system values (voltage, current, power factor, frequency) and work with multiple IED types. This multi-functional simulation device consolidates what would otherwise be multiple separate testing systems into a single versatile platform, increasing validation speed while managing system complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to validating a firmware update of an intelligent electronic device (IED) of an electric power delivery system are provided. A system may include a computing device that communicatively couples to an intelligent electronic device (IED) of an electric power delivery system. The computing device may transmit a signal indicative of instructions to pause normal intelligent electronic device (IED) operation and apply a firmware update and transmit a signal including simulated power delivery system measurements to the intelligent electronic device (IED). The computing device may receive a signal indicative of test results from the intelligent electronic device (IED) and determine validation of the firmware update based on the test results.