Universal Controller for Electrical Switchgear Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical systems for medium-voltage and high-voltage switchgear applications face inefficiencies due to manual selection of software for controlling circuit breakers, leading to user errors, increased costs, and safety concerns, particularly in the identification and inventory of different controllers for various types of switchgear.

Innovation Solution

An automatic identification system utilizing a single controller with multiple software programs that can identify and select the appropriate software for controlling the racking movement of electrical switching apparatus, including a control mechanism with inputs from the apparatus and outputs to the racking mechanism, allowing for automatic selection and operation across various types of electrical switching apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual software selection is used for controlling circuit breakers, then user control and flexibility are maintained, but user errors increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware selection processVSAvoiduser error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic identification of circuit breaker type and self-selects the appropriate software program without user intervention. The controller reads identification data from the circuit breaker and autonomously determines which software to execute, eliminating manual selection and its associated errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of selecting software (through user action and reference materials) is replaced with an automated electronic identification and selection system. The controller uses electronic reading of identification data and automatic software selection, substituting human cognitive and manual operations with automated electronic processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple different controllers with keyed plugs or connectors are used for different switchgear types, then proper identification is achieved, but inventory complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitchgear identification accuracyVSAvoidcontroller inventory management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal controller is designed to work with multiple types of circuit breakers and switchgear. The controller incorporates automatic identification capabilities that allow it to recognize different switchgear types and select appropriate software, eliminating the need for multiple specialized controllers with keyed connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters (software selection) based on the identified switchgear type rather than requiring physical hardware changes (different controllers). The controller adapts its behavior through software selection based on identification data, allowing one hardware platform to serve multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If bar coding is used for switchgear identification, then automatic identification is enabled, but time consumption and user error potential remain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification processVSAvoididentification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Identification data is pre-positioned on the circuit breaker in a machine-readable format during manufacturing. This preliminary placement of identification information allows for rapid automatic reading and processing without requiring manual scanning or data entry operations during field operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8446709B2Electrical system and automatic identification system therefor

Publication Date: 2013.05.21 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

An identification system is provided for an electrical system. The electrical system includes a switchgear enclosure, a number of electrical switching apparatus, and a racking mechanism movably coupling the electrical switching apparatus to the enclosure. The identification system includes a control mechanism having a controller and a plurality of software programs. The controller includes a number of inputs from a corresponding one of the electrical switching apparatus, and a number of outputs to the racking mechanism. Each software program provides functionality to the outputs to control racking movement of a predetermined type of electrical switching apparatus. Responsive to the inputs from the electrical switching apparatus, the controller identifies the predetermined type of electrical switching apparatus, and then automatically selects a corresponding one of the software programs to control movement of the electrical switching apparatus. Thus, the same controller is operational with different predetermined types of electrical switching apparatus.