Wireless Commissioning for Intelligent Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for configuring intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) in high voltage equipment require physical interaction, which is impractical for devices in hard-to-reach locations or spread over large areas, and lacks secure remote configuration options.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless commissioning mode that allows IEDs to automatically connect to a pre-configured wireless network, using IEEE 802.11x standards, enabling secure remote configuration through an IED configuring device with wireless access point functionality and automatic discovery capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical interaction is used for IED configuration, then configuration can be performed, but it becomes impractical for devices in hard-to-reach locations or spread over large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction system with a wireless communication system. The IED configuration is performed remotely via wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols) instead of requiring physical contact with the device. This allows operators to configure IEDs from a distance, eliminating the need to physically access hard-to-reach locations while maintaining configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (wireless network, access point, or communication module) that mediates between the operator and the IED. This intermediary enables indirect configuration of the IED without physical contact, allowing remote commissioning while maintaining secure and reliable configuration transfer.
2Ease of operation
If remote configuration is enabled, then accessibility to hard-to-reach devices is improved, but secure communication becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements authentication and authorization mechanisms that provide feedback verification before allowing configuration. The system verifies the identity and credentials of the operator attempting to configure the IED, and only allows configuration from authorized sources. This feedback mechanism ensures secure communication while enabling remote access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary security measures (authentication, encryption, credential verification) before the actual configuration takes place. By establishing secure communication channels and verifying credentials in advance, the system prevents unauthorized access and ensures reliable secure communication for remote configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), and, more specifically, to systems and methods for initial configuration or commissioning of IEDs after installation. In an embodiment, a system includes an intelligent electronic device (IED) configuring system having an IED that is configured with a wireless network configuration prior to deployment that enables the IED to automatically connect to a particular wireless network when it is detected. The IED configuring system also includes an IED configuring device configured to host the particular wireless network according to the wireless network configuration of the IED. Furthermore, the IED configuring device is configured to communicate a plurality of configuration settings to the IED via the wireless network to commission the IED once the IED has connected to the wireless network.