Secure Wireless IED Communication for Remote Power Equipment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protection and control systems in industrial plants and power distribution systems face challenges in securely communicating with intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) due to the presence of high voltage equipment, requiring secure and distant communication methods to manage and control these devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a computing device, an authentication server, and an intelligent electronic device (IED) that uses secure communication protocols, such as IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks, to encrypt data and authenticate devices, enabling secure communication of control commands, measurements, and configuration information between the IED and the management device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired communication is used to connect IEDs to management devices, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and wiring clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired communication system with a wireless communication system using IEEE 802.11 protocols. This substitution eliminates physical wiring while maintaining communication reliability through protocol-level security mechanisms including authentication, encryption, and secure key management implemented in the wireless communication layer
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to enable distant operation, then ease of operation is improved, but security risks increase due to exposure to harmful factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security measures before wireless communication occurs, including device authentication, encryption key establishment, and security policy configuration. These preemptive actions prevent unauthorized access and protect against cyber threats while enabling remote operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces security intermediaries including authentication servers, encryption modules, and secure communication protocols that mediate between the wireless communication interface and the IED control functions. These intermediaries protect the system from external threats while maintaining operational capability
3Reliability
If encryption and authentication protocols are implemented, then security is improved, but communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal security framework that integrates authentication, encryption, and key management into a single standardized protocol stack based on IEEE 802.11 security mechanisms. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive security while reducing overall system complexity through protocol standardization and unified security management
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described herein provide a system including an intelligent electronic device (IED) comprising a first processor configured to communicate control commands to power equipment, receive measurements from the power equipment, use a secure wireless system to send data to an access point, wherein the data includes the measurements, and use the secure system to communicate with a management device, via the access point, to receive configuration information, command information, or any combination thereof.