Substation Automation Testing via Logical Node Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Substation Automation (SA) testing methods require complete deactivation of substation parts for complex functionality testing, which is not feasible in live systems and can lead to uncontrolled operations.
Innovation Solution
A method to test SA functions by identifying and setting intermediary Logical Nodes (LNs) to 'test' or 'simulation' mode, allowing for functional testing with minimal impact on the system, using the System Configuration Description (SCD) file to determine affected LNs and automatically resetting modes post-test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete deactivation of substation parts is performed for complex functionality testing, then testing reliability is improved, but system availability and operational safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the substation automation system into individual Logical Nodes (LNs) and identifies only the specific intermediary LNs that need to be deactivated for testing. This selective segmentation allows testing to be performed on a minimal subset of components rather than requiring complete deactivation of entire substation parts, thereby maintaining system availability while ensuring testing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by setting the 'test' or 'simulation' mode attribute specifically for identified intermediary LNs rather than globally deactivating all substation components. This localized modification of system state ensures that only the necessary components are affected by testing, preserving the operational status of other critical substation parts.
2Reliability
If complete deactivation of substation parts is performed for complex functionality testing, then testing reliability is improved, but system safety deteriorates due to uncontrolled operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely segments and identifies only the specific intermediary LNs involved in the test scenario using the SCD file. By limiting deactivation to this narrowly defined set of components rather than broad substation parts, the method eliminates unnecessary uncontrolled operations while maintaining adequate testing reliability through proper isolation of test-related LNs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by automatically resetting the operating modes of identified intermediary LNs to their original state after testing is completed. This feedback loop ensures that temporary test-mode deactivations do not lead to persistent uncontrolled operations, thereby maintaining system safety while enabling reliable testing during the test window.
3Measurement precision
If manual identification and configuration of LNs for testing is performed, then testing accuracy is improved, but testing efficiency and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by automatically identifying intermediary LNs and configuring their operating modes based on the test scenario and SCD file, without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously determines which LNs need to be set to 'test' or 'simulation' mode and performs the configuration automatically, thereby maintaining testing accuracy through precise automated identification while dramatically reducing the time consumption associated with manual LN configuration.
4Productivity
If automated identification of intermediary LNs using SCD file is implemented, then testing efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing SCD file, which already contains comprehensive system configuration data, to enable automated identification of intermediary LNs. The system uses this pre-existing documentation to autonomously determine which LNs require mode changes, thereby improving testing efficiency without requiring additional complex external tools or systems. The automation builds upon existing system assets rather than introducing new complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the SCD file as an intermediary mediator that bridges the test management system and the actual substation automation system. By parsing and utilizing the configuration data stored in the SCD file, the system can automatically identify intermediary LNs without directly complex interactions with the live system, thereby improving testing efficiency while managing system complexity through the use of this intermediate configuration layer.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention supports and promotes testing of Substation Automation (SA) functions involving intermediary Logical Nodes (LN) in SA systems of operating substations, specifically with minimized impact on the substation and/or the SA system and without having to completely deactivate or isolate entire parts of the substation. A test is set up by defining at least one input LN where the test scenario input signals will be applied, and by determining output LNs where expected output values shall be observed. Based on the data flow between LNs as defined in the System Configuration Description (SCD) file a test preparing tool automatically determines all intermediary LNs logically arranged between these input and output LNs. The intermediary LNs and the IEDs that are affected by the function test are identified and subsequently marked for "test" or "simulation" mode.