USB-Based Substation Automation System for Grid Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional substation automation systems face challenges with high equipment costs, bulkiness, and electromagnetic interference due to the need for high electromagnetic compatibility, especially when implementing communication protocols like IEC 61850 for real-time communication between sensors and actuators in close proximity to electrical grids.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing Universal Serial Bus (USB) architecture for communication between grid modules, central processing modules, and interface modules, which converts analog signals to digital outside the central processing module, reducing bulkiness and electromagnetic interference, and providing cost-efficient, isochronous data transfer with secure latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hard-wired interfaces with dedicated copper wires are used for communication between bay level equipment and secondary devices, then reliable real-time communication is achieved, but electromagnetic interference affects signals and equipment becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system that transforms analog electrical signals from secondary devices into digital optical signals. This mediator converts the signal type to avoid electromagnetic interference while maintaining communication reliability, as optical signals are immune to electromagnetic fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional electrical signal transmission system with an optical signal transmission system. By substituting electrical signals with optical signals, the system eliminates electromagnetic interference while maintaining the communication function, achieving both reliability and immunity to electromagnetic effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If IEC 61850 protocols are implemented for real-time communication in modern substations, then communication between equipment is achieved, but equipment costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time communication capabilityVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs cost-effective USB communication interfaces instead of expensive IEC 61850 protocol equipment. By using widely available, inexpensive USB technology with simple plug-and-play functionality, the system achieves real-time communication capabilities at a fraction of the cost of specialized industrial protocol equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes USB technology, which is a universal communication standard already widely implemented in various devices. This multi-functional interface can handle data transmission, power supply, and device communication through a single standardized protocol, eliminating the need for specialized expensive communication hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If analog signals from primary devices are guided into equipment for digitalization, then signal processing is achieved, but equipment requires high electromagnetic capabilities and becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal digitalization accuracyVSAvoidequipment size

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs signal conversion at the source by placing the analog-to-digital converter at the secondary device location rather than bringing analog signals to central equipment. This preliminary conversion action eliminates the need for bulky electromagnetic shielding and processing equipment at the central location, as digital signals require minimal protection and processing space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3092700B1A universal serial bus based system for protection, control and monitoring of an electrical grid

Publication Date: 2018.02.28 SIEMENS AG

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AI summary

A system for protection, control and monitoring of an electrical grid is presented. The system includes at least one grid module to sense at least one electrical measurement from the electrical grid and/or to implement an electrical condition in the electrical grid; a central processing module to communicate with the grid module i.e. to receive information corresponding to the electrical measurement sensed by the grid module and/or to convey a command to the grid module corresponding to the electrical condition to be implemented in the electrical grid; and an interface module connected between the grid module and the central processing module. The interface module converts the information from analog form to digital form or converts the command from digital form to analog form. The communication between the interface module and the central processing module is based on Universal Serial Bus architecture.