Substation Merging Unit Dynamic Configuration via Process Bus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional substation instrument control systems require numerous types of merging units to accommodate varying substation characteristics, making it impractical to achieve standardization and difficult to change settings onsite, as the disposition and configuration of substation instruments vary significantly.
Innovation Solution
A substation instrument control system that uses a merging unit with a signal processing unit and control unit, capable of converting waveform signals to digital signals and adjusting filter characteristics via setting data transmitted through a process bus, allowing for dynamic setting changes and standardization across different substation configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If merging unit hardware is prepared for numerous combinations of substation characteristics, then standardization can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The merging unit uses software-configurable parameters (sampling rate, full scale, filter characteristics) to adapt to different substation characteristics instead of requiring different hardware types. The control unit changes operational parameters based on received setting data, allowing a single hardware platform to serve multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
A single merging unit design serves multiple functions by being configurable through setting data received via process bus. The same hardware can be adapted to different transformer types, IED types, and substation configurations through software configuration rather than requiring dedicated hardware variants.
2Measurement precision
If fixed merging unit hardware is used for each substation configuration, then measurement precision can be maintained, but ease of operation and onsite reconfiguration capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The merging unit transitions from fixed hardware configuration to dynamic software-based configuration. Setting data can be changed onsite and transmitted through the process bus, allowing the merging unit to adapt its parameters (sampling rate, filter characteristics, full scale) dynamically without physical reconfiguration or replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical hardware configuration is replaced with digital/software-based configuration. Instead of selecting different hardware models or physically reconfiguring circuits, the merging unit receives setting data through the process bus that programmatically adjusts its operational parameters, maintaining precision while enabling easy reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A substation instrument control system is disclosed. The substation instrument control system includes a plurality of transformers that generate a plurality of waveform signals representing electric properties of a substation instrument main body. A merging unit is communicatively coupled to the plurality of transformers and includes a signal processing unit and a control unit. The signal processing unit receives the plurality of waveform signals from the plurality of transformers and converts the plurality of waveform signals to a digital signal. The control unit controls operation of the signal processing unit using a setting data. An intelligent electronic device is communicatively coupled to the merging unit and receives the digital signal from the merging unit.