Automated Substation Mapping via Single-Line Diagram Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current manual process of creating communication source reference mappings between substation elements in the system specification description (SSD) file for electrical substations is time-consuming and requires significant manual effort, necessitating an automated solution for efficient and accurate mapping.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using an SSD generator tool that receives a single-line diagram (SLD) image, identifies substation elements with an artificial neural network, fetches textual descriptions using deep learning, and determines connections with a traversal algorithm to generate communication source reference mappings, reducing manual intervention and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual creation of SSD file and communication source reference mappings is performed, then accuracy and understanding of IEC 61850 concepts can be maintained, but time consumption and manual effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of creating SSD files and communication source reference mappings with an automated image processing system. The system uses optical character recognition (OCR) to extract text from single-line diagram images, automatically identifies substation elements, and generates the required mappings without manual intervention, thereby substituting human manual work with automated computational processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically processing single-line diagram images and generating communication source reference mappings without requiring technician intervention. The automated workflow includes extracting elements from images, identifying connections, and producing SSD file mappings independently, allowing the system to serve itself rather than relying on human operators.
2Productivity
If automated solution is implemented, then time and manual effort are reduced, but complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal system that handles multiple functions within a single automated workflow: image processing, text extraction, element identification, connection analysis, and mapping generation. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate tools and manual steps into one integrated system, improving efficiency while managing complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer between the single-line diagram images and the final SSD file mappings. This intermediary processing layer includes OCR technology for text extraction, image analysis for element identification, and algorithms for connection detection. While this adds system complexity, it enables automated processing that would otherwise require sophisticated manual analysis, ultimately improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If top-down approach is used for IEC 61850 engineering, then design iterations are reduced and final outcome is clarified early, but alignment with existing business processes becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically generating communication source reference mappings during the early design phase from single-line diagram images. This allows the top-down approach to proceed with complete mapping information available from the outset, enabling early validation and reducing the need for later design iterations. The mappings are prepared in advance rather than created manually during implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates accurate copies of the single-line diagram information in the form of structured communication source reference mappings. By automatically copying and transforming visual diagram data into structured mapping data, the system preserves the integrity of the original design while making it usable for configuration purposes, facilitating the top-down approach without requiring manual transcription.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method (500) and system specification description (SSD) generator tool (202) for generating communication source reference mappings of a system specification description (SSD) file for a substation (100). The method (500) receives (502) an image of a single-line diagram (SLD) (400A) for the substation (100), by an SSD generator tool (202) and identifies (504) one or more substation elements (400B1-400B15) from the image of the SLD (400A). The method (500) fetches (506) textual description (400C) associated with the identified substation elements (400B1-400B15) using a deep learning algorithm and determines (508) one or more connections (400D) between the identified substation elements (400B1-400B15) using a traversal algorithm. The method (500) generates (510) the communication source reference (400E) mappings between the substation elements (400B1-400B15), of the SSD file based on the determined connections (400D) between the identified substation elements (400B1-400B15) and the fetched textual description (400C).