JP5996855B2 - System and method for configuring a substation remote terminal with a central controller - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to control systems, and more specifically to systems and methods for configuring a substation remote terminal with a central controller.

  Control systems are used in a wide variety of different applications. For example, the control system is utilized to monitor one or more power plants and substations associated with a power plant and / or distribution network. In a power control system, a central controller generally communicates with one or more remote controllers associated with various substations. In this regard, data can be collected from the substation for processing by the central controller. Furthermore, the commands can be transmitted to the remote control device by the central control device.

  In general, the remote control device of the substation is manually configured on the remote substation side. To place the remote controller into the control network and facilitate communication between the remote controller and the central controller, the remote controller configuration data is provided to the central controller. In conventional systems, the remote controller configuration data is manually entered at the central controller. However, manually entering configuration data on both the substation side and the central side often results in data entry errors, and therefore a relatively expensive troubleshooting procedure to properly configure the remote control. Occurs. Therefore, an improved system and method for facilitating the configuration of a substation remote terminal with a central controller is desirable.

  Some or all of the above needs and / or problems may be addressed by some embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for configuring a substation remote terminal with a central controller. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for configuring a substation remote terminal with a central controller is disclosed. A message identifying the current state of the remote terminal unit (“RTU”) associated with the remote substation may be received at a central controller associated with the power system. Based on the analysis of the received message, a request for configuration data associated with the RTU can be communicated to the RTU by the central controller. In response to the request, the central controller can receive configuration data from the RTU. Based on the received configuration data, the central controller can update a configuration database that includes information related to the configuration of the RTU. In this regard, operations of management control and data acquisition using the RTU by the central controller can be facilitated.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system for configuring a substation remote terminal with a central controller is disclosed. The system can include a central controller associated with the power system and a remote terminal unit (“RTU”) located at a substation associated with the power system. The RTU communicates (i) a message identifying the current state of the RTU to the central controller, (ii) receives a request from the central controller for configuration data associated with the RTU, and (iii) requested configuration data Can be transmitted to the central controller. The central controller (i) receives a message communicated by the RTU, (ii) communicates a request for configuration data based on analysis of the received message, (iii) receives configuration data, and (iv) central control To facilitate management control and data acquisition operations using the RTU by the device, it can be configured to update a configuration database that includes information related to the configuration of the RTU based on the received configuration data.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for configuring a substation remote terminal with a central controller is disclosed. A remote terminal unit (“RTU”) associated with the remote substation can be configured. A remote substation can be associated with a power system. Network connectivity with the central controller associated with the power system can be detected by the RTU. Based at least in part on the detected network connectivity, a message identifying the current state of the RTU can be communicated by the RTU to the central controller. Based on the analysis of the message by the central controller, a request for configuration data associated with the RTU can be received from the central controller at the RTU. Upon request, configuration data associated with the RTU can be communicated by the RTU to the central controller. The central controller can use the configuration data to update a configuration database that includes information related to the configuration of the RTU. In this regard, operations of management control and data acquisition using the RTU by the central controller can be facilitated.

  Additional systems, methods, apparatuses, features, and aspects are realized through the techniques of various embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. Other embodiments and aspects can be understood with reference to the description and drawings.

  Having thus described the invention generally, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

1 is a schematic diagram of an example control system that can be utilized in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method that facilitates configuration of a substation remote terminal by a central controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

  The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are disclosed in this disclosure. Is provided to meet applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

  Disclosed are systems and methods that facilitate configuration of a substation remote terminal by a central controller. According to various embodiments of the present invention, a central controller associated with the power system can be provided. Further, a remote terminal unit (“RTU”) can be provided that is included in or associated with a remote substation associated with the power system. The RTU can be configured at the substation to set RTU operating parameters and / or to set up communication between the RTU and any number of other substation devices. After the RTU is configured and connected to a suitable network, network connectivity between the RTU and the central controller can be detected. Based on the detection of network connectivity, the RTU can communicate a message identifying the current RTU status to the central controller. For example, the message may be based on RTU initialization or RTU such as an identified change in the configuration of one or more substation devices and / or the connection of one or more substation devices to a substation network. Based on the detected change in the configuration of In some embodiments, the message may include a configuration identifier associated with the RTU, such as a configuration version number.

  After the message is received at the central controller, the central controller can parse the message and determine whether configuration data for the RTU is desired. For example, the central controller may determine whether an RTU configuration exists and / or whether the RTU configuration is current. In one exemplary embodiment, the configuration identifier included in the message can be compared to a stored configuration identifier associated with the RTU, and if the received identifier does not match the stored identifier, the determination that configuration data is desired. It can be performed. Based on the determination that configuration data is desired, the central controller can communicate a request for configuration data to the RTU. In some embodiments, the request may be a common information model (“CIM”) format, a specified format utilizing an extended markup language (“XML”), or any arrangement negotiated between the RTU and the central controller. A desired format for receiving configuration data, such as other formats, can be specified. Based on receipt of the request, the RTU can communicate configuration data to the central controller. The configuration data can include a wide variety of information related to operating parameters associated with the RTU and / or substation device, including power system model data associated with the substation device. The central control unit can receive the configuration data and use the received configuration data to set the configuration of the RTU. For example, the configuration database maintained at the central controller can be updated to include at least a portion of the received configuration data. After the RTU is configured, the central controller may be able to communicate with the RTU and perform a wide variety of management control procedures and data acquisition procedures.

  Various embodiments of the present invention may include one or more dedicated computers, systems, and / or specific machines that facilitate configuration of a remote terminal unit or remote control device with a central controller. A dedicated computer or particular machine may include a wide variety of different software modules and / or computer-implemented or computer-executable instructions, as desired in various embodiments. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, these various software components can be utilized to facilitate configuration of the RTU by the central controller.

  Some embodiments of the invention described herein may have the technical effect of facilitating the configuration of a remote terminal unit by a central controller. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention may have the technical effect of facilitating the configuration of the RTU by the central controller without having to manually enter configuration data at the central controller. In this regard, data entry errors are reduced, thereby reducing the relatively expensive troubleshooting procedures associated with configuring an RTU with a central controller.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example control system 100 that can be utilized in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the control system may be an administrative control and data acquisition (“SCADA”) system. In one exemplary embodiment, the control system 100 can be associated with a power generation and / or distribution network. The power generation and / or distribution network may include one or more power plants and / or power generation devices configured to supply power to the power grid. The power generation and / or distribution network may further include any number of substations distributed throughout the distribution network. In another exemplary embodiment, the control system 100 can be associated with a power plant including a central controller, and any number of remote control stations and / or remote terminals.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the control system 100 includes a main controller 105 (also referred to as a central controller or a control center) and at least one remote terminal unit associated with a substation 115 located far from the main controller 105. (“RTU”) 110. The main controller 105 can communicate with the RTU 110 via any number of suitable networks 120 and / or communication buses. In some embodiments, main controller 105 may be a central controller or main controller for a SCADA system associated with a power generation and / or distribution network. Any number of remote terminal units 110 can be configured in the main controller 105. For example, configuration data for the RTU 110 can be stored by the main controller 105 in one or more suitable configuration databases 125. Without limitation, operational data associated with one or more RTUs 110, identifiers and / or operational data associated with any number of devices (eg, substation devices) communicating with RTUs 110, facilitate communication with RTUs 110 A wide variety of different types of configuration data including one or more parameters to be stored can be stored in the configuration database 125 by the main controller 105.

  The main controller 105 can include any number of control computers 107 and / or other processor driven devices that control the operation of the control system 100. The control computer 107 includes, for example, any number of dedicated computers or specific machines, application specific circuits, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), microcontrollers, personal computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, supercomputers, etc. Can do. In some embodiments, the operation of the control computer 107 can be controlled by computer-executed or computer-implemented instructions that are executed by one or more processors associated with the control computer 107. The instructions can be incorporated into one or more software components as desired in various embodiments of the invention. The execution of instructions may facilitate the configuration of one or more RTUs 110 and form a dedicated computer or other specific machine that is operable to control the operation of control system 100. One or more processors that control the operation of the control computer 107 may be incorporated into the control computer 107 and / or communicate with the control computer 107 via one or more suitable networks. In some embodiments of the present invention, the operation and / or control of the main controller 105 can be distributed among several processing components.

  The control computer 107 may include one or more processors 130, one or more memory devices 131, one or more network interfaces 132, and / or one or more input / output (“I / O”) interfaces. 133 can be included. The one or more memory devices 131 may be any suitable memory device, such as a cache, a read-only memory device, a random access memory device, a magnetic storage device, and the like. One or more memory devices 131 may contain data, executable instructions, and / or various program modules utilized by main controller 105, such as data file 134, operating system ("OS") 135, control module 136. , And / or configuration module 137 and the like. The data file 134 may be any suitable data related to the operation of the control system 100 and / or the operation of the system and / or power plant monitored by the control system 100, eg, measurement data, operational data, one or Data related to the operation of multiple RTUs 110 may include data related to the operation of one or more substation devices 140 or the like. Further, the one or more memory devices 131 can store any number of databases and / or logical memory constructs, such as one or more configuration databases 125. One or more configuration databases 125 may be operable to store configuration data associated with RTU 110 and / or various substation devices 140 managed by RTU 110. The OS 135 may include executable instructions and / or program modules that facilitate and / or control the general operation of the central controller 105. For example, the OS 135 can facilitate execution of other software programs and / or program modules by the processor 130.

  The control module 136 may be operable to monitor and / or control the overall operation of the control system 100 and / or the system or power plant monitored and / or controlled by the control system 100. In doing so, the control module 136 may utilize various measurements and / or other data related to the operation of the control system 100 and / or monitored system (eg, power distribution system, etc.) or power plant. Can do. At least some of the utilized data can be received from the RTU 110 and / or the associated substation device 140. The control module 136 may be further operable to generate command signals related to the operation of the control system 100 and direct the generated signals to be communicated to other components of the control system 100, such as the RTU 110. it can. For example, the control module 136 may process data received from one or more substation devices 140 and direct the generated control signals or other messages to be communicated to the substation devices 140 via the RTU 110. It can be enabled or configured.

  Configuration module 137 may be any suitable module operable to facilitate configuration of one or more RTUs 110 and / or substation devices 140 that are in communication with main controller 105. During operation, configuration module 137 may generate and / or receive configuration data for RTU 110 and / or substation device 140. For example, the configuration module 137 can receive configuration data from one or more RTUs 110. The received configuration data may include identification data and / or operational data associated with RTU 110 and / or substation device 140 in communication with RTU 110. For example, the configuration data can include power system model data associated with the substation device 140. Using the received configuration data, the configuration module 137 configures, initializes, updates, and / or otherwise configures the RTU 110 to facilitate communication between the main controller 105 and the RTU 110. Can do. For example, the configuration module 137 can instruct to store at least a portion of the configuration data in the configuration database 125.

  In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the configuration module 137 receives a message from the RTU 110 that includes the RTU 110 configuration identifier (eg, configuration number, configuration version number, etc.) and / or current status of the RTU 110 such as an identifier. Can do. The configuration module 137 can evaluate the received message to determine whether the RTU 110 has been previously configured by the main controller 105 and / or whether the previous configuration of the RTU 110 has changed. For example, the configuration database 125 can be searched for configuration information related to the RTU 110. If configuration information is available to the RTU 110, the configuration information identifier (eg, configuration version identifier) can be compared to the received configuration identifier to determine whether the configuration of the RTU 110 has changed.

  If the configuration module 137 determines that the RTU 110 has not been previously configured or that the configuration of the RTU 110 has changed, the configuration module 137 may send to the RTU 110 and / or any number of substation devices 140 associated with the RTU 110. A request for relevant configuration data can be generated. The configuration module 137 can then instruct the generated request to be communicated to the RTU 110. Upon request, the request may be a common information model (“CIM”) format, a specified format utilizing an extended markup language (“XML”), any other negotiated between the RTU and the central controller. Information related to the desired format for the configuration data, such as a format or another format suitable for receiving configuration data, may be included. Upon request, configuration data can be received at the configuration module 137. The received configuration data can be analyzed and / or processed by the configuration module 137 utilizing a wide variety of suitable methods and techniques. For example, a determination can be made regarding whether the received data is properly formatted and / or whether the RTU 110 is allowed to be configured by the main controller 105. Any number of exceptions can be triggered and any number of error messages can be returned to the RTU 110 as desired. However, if it is determined that the RTU 110 can be configured by the main controller 105, the configuration module 137 can enter and / or update configuration data for the RTU 110 in the configuration database 125. In this regard, the RTU 110 can be configured in the main controller 105 without manually entering configuration information in the main controller 105. An example of operations that may be performed by the control module 137 is described in further detail below with reference to FIG.

  With continued reference to FIG. 1, the network interface 132 may facilitate connection of the control computer 107 to the network 120. In this regard, communication with other components of the system 100, such as the RTU 110, can be facilitated. Any number of input / output cards (eg, Ethernet cards) and / or other devices that facilitate network communication may be provided as desired. The I / O interface 133 is one or more input / output devices that facilitate user interaction with the control computer 107, such as a display, keypad, mouse, pointing device, control panel, touch screen display, remote Communication between the control computer 107 and one or more user interface devices such as a controller, microphone, speaker, etc. can be facilitated. In this regard, user commands can be received at the control computer 107.

  Any number of RTUs 110 may be utilized in connection with the control system 100 as desired. RTU can also mean a substation automation system or a substation gateway. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more RTUs 110, such as redundant primary and secondary RTUs, can be located at a substation 115 associated with the control system 100. Each RTU 110 operates to manage one or more substation devices 140 and / or communicate various measurement data and / or operational data to the master controller 105 via one or more networks. Can be possible. Further, each RTU 110 receives instructions from the main controller 105 and operates to supply instructions to the substation device 140 via one or more suitable substation buses 145 and / or substation networks when desired. Can be possible.

  Similar to the control computer 107 associated with the main controller 105, the RTU 110 may include any number of processor driven devices and / or processing components that facilitate the operation of the RTU 110. For example, the RTU 110 may include any number of dedicated processing components, computing devices, specific machines, application specific circuits, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), microcontrollers, minicomputers, and so on. In some embodiments, the operation of RTU 110 may be controlled by computer-executed or computer-implemented instructions that are executed by one or more processors or processing components associated with RTU 110. The instructions can be incorporated into one or more software components as desired in various embodiments of the invention. The execution of instructions may form a dedicated computer or other specific machine that is operable to control the operation of RTU 110 and / or to facilitate configuration of RTU 110 by main controller 105. One or more processing components that control the operation of the RTU 110 may be incorporated into the RTU 110 and / or communicate with the RTU via one or more suitable networks. In some embodiments of the present invention, the operation and / or control of the RTU 110 can be distributed among several processing components.

  The RTU 110 includes one or more processors 150, one or more memory devices 151, one or more network interfaces 152, and / or one or more input / output (“I / O”) interfaces 153. Can be included. The one or more memory devices 151 can be any suitable memory device, such as a cache, a read-only memory device, a random access memory device, a magnetic storage device, and the like. The one or more memory devices 151 may include data, executable instructions, and / or various program modules utilized by the RTU 110, such as a data file 154, an operating system (“OS”) 155, a control module 156, and / or The configuration module 157 and the like can be stored. Data file 154 may include any suitable data related to the operation of RTU 100, substation device 140, and / or master controller 105, such as measurement data, operational data, communication protocol information, and the like. The OS 155 may include executable instructions and / or program modules that facilitate and / or control the general operation of the RTU 110. For example, the OS 155 can facilitate execution of other software programs and / or program modules by the processor 150.

  The control module 156 may be operable to monitor and / or control the overall operation of the RTU 110, the substation 115, and / or the substation device 140. In doing so, the control module 156 can utilize various measurements and / or other data related to the operation of the substation 115 and / or substation device 140. At least some of the utilized data can be received from the substation device 140 via the substation bus 145. The control module 156 may be further operable to generate command signals and / or receive command signals from the main controller 105 and to supply the command signals to any number of substation devices 140. it can.

  Configuration module 157 may be any suitable module that is operable to facilitate configuration of RTU 110 and / or substation device 140 by main controller 105. In operation, the configuration module 157 can identify situations where configuration by the main controller 105 is desired. For example, the configuration module 157 can identify a situation where the RTU 110 was originally configured, eg, manually configured at the substation 115. As another example, the configuration module 157 may identify situations where the configuration of the RTU 110 and / or the substation device 140 has been changed or modified. For example, the configuration module 157 may connect one or more new substation devices 140 to the substation bus 145, disconnect one or more substation devices 140 from the substation bus 145, Faults, software upgrades or other configuration changes for the substation device 140, software upgrades or other configuration changes for the RTU 110, central controller activation or initialization, etc. may be identified.

  After configuration module 157 determines that configuration by main controller 105 is desirable, configuration module 157 detects network connectivity by main controller 105, such as network connectivity or network connectivity through one or more networks 120. be able to. Configuration module 157 may generate a notification message or other message to main controller 105 indicating that configuration information for RTU 110 and / or substation device 140 is available. A wide variety of information, such as RTU 110 identifiers (eg, network addresses, IP addresses, device identifiers, etc.) and / or RTU 110 status indicators (eg, configuration identifiers, configuration version numbers, etc.), etc. It can be included in the notification message as desired in the form. The configuration module 157 can direct the notification message to be communicated to the main controller 105 via one or more networks 120.

  If main controller 105 determines that configuration information for RTU 110 and / or substation device 140 is desired, main controller 105 can communicate a request for configuration information to RTU 110. In some embodiments, the request may be received and processed by configuration module 157. For example, the configuration module 157 can instruct the RTU 110 and / or the substation device 140 to assemble configuration information and communicate the configuration information to the main controller 105. In this regard, the configuration of the RTU 110 can be set and / or updated in the main controller 105. Without limitation, communication protocols and / or communication parameters associated with RTU 110 (eg, distributed network protocols associated with RTU 110, International Electrotechnical Conference protocol associated with RTU 110) and / or communications associated with substation device 140. Protocol and / or communication parameters, device identifier, list of one or more parameters related to the operation of RTU 110 and / or substation device 140, number and / or type of data points supported by RTU 110, related to data points A wide variety of configuration information, including details of scaling factors to be performed and / or other suitable configuration data, can be obtained as desired by the main controller 10 as desired in various embodiments of the present invention. It can be transmitted to. An example of operations that may be performed by the control module 157 is described in further detail below with reference to FIG.

  With continued reference to FIG. 1, any number of substation devices 140, for example, any suitable device utilized to monitor and / or control operation within substation 115 may be utilized in connection with control system 100. can do. Any number of H1 fieldbus devices, any number of High Speed Ethernet ™ (“HSE”) fieldbus devices, any number of International Electrotechnical Commission (“IEC”) 60870 devices, any number of distributed networks A wide variety of different types of substation devices 140, including protocol (“DNP”) devices, any number of modbus devices, etc., can be utilized as desired in various embodiments of the invention. In embodiments of the invention that utilize fieldbus devices, communication between device 140, which may be an HSE fieldbus device, and RTU 110 may be facilitated using a fieldbus protocol. Fieldbus protocol is an all-digital serial bidirectional communication protocol that provides a standard physical interface to a bus or network interconnecting field devices or fieldbus devices. The Fieldbus protocol is an open architecture protocol developed and managed by the Fieldbus Association. The fieldbus protocol effectively provides a local area network to field instruments or field devices in substation 115, so that these field devices perform control functions at distributed locations throughout the substation, providing overall control. It is possible to communicate with each other before and after execution of these control functions to implement the strategy.

  With continued reference to FIG. 1, the one or more illustrated networks 120 may include any suitable network or combination of networks that facilitates communication between the main controller 105 and the RTU 110. Similarly, the substation bus 145 or substation network may include any number of suitable data buses and / or local area networks that facilitate communication between the RTU 110 and the substation device 140. Examples of suitable networks and / or data buses include, but are not limited to, a local area network, a wide area network, the Internet, a radio frequency (RF) network, a Bluetooth ™ enabled network, any suitable wired network, any Any suitable wireless network or any suitable combination of wired and wireless networks is included. In some embodiments of the invention, such as embodiments utilizing an Ethernet network, one or more Ethernet switches may be provided. The Ethernet ™ switch can route data within the network 120. Each of the Ethernet ™ switches can include hardware components and / or software components that are operable to facilitate the routing of data within the network 120. Examples of suitable Ethernet ™ switches include but are not limited to network bridges, multilayer switches, and the like. In addition, any number of firewalls can be configured in connection with the network 120.

  As desired, embodiments of the present invention can include a control system 100 having more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. The control system 100 of FIG. 1 is provided as an example only.

  FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method 200 that facilitates configuration of a substation remote terminal by a central controller in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Operation of method 200 may be performed by a suitable remote terminal unit (“RTU”) and main controller, such as RTU 110 and main controller 105 shown in FIG. The method can begin at block 205.

  At block 205, the RTU 110 may be configured at or in a substation, such as the substation 115 shown in FIG. In one exemplary embodiment, the RTU 110 may initially be configured or set up by one or more technicians working within the substation 115. In another exemplary embodiment, the RTU 110 can be reconfigured by one or more technicians. In another exemplary embodiment, a change in substation device, such as substation device 140 shown in FIG. 1, communicating with RTU 110 and / or connected to a substation network may be identified by RTU 110. In other words, the initial configuration or configuration changes of the RTU 110 can be made and / or identified.

  In block 210, the RTU 110 may detect network connectivity between the RTU 110 and the main controller 105. For example, the RTU 110 can detect one or more available network connections that facilitate communication between the RTU 110 and the main controller 105. In one exemplary embodiment, RTU 110 may be connected to a network that facilitates communication within the control system, such as network 120 shown in FIG. After being connected, the RTU 110 can identify the main controller 105.

  In block 215, the RTU 110 may generate a notification message and instruct the generated control message to be communicated to the main controller 105. The notification message can include an indication that the configuration data of the RTU 110 is available for transmission to the main controller 105. A wide variety of information, such as RTU 110 identifiers (eg, network address, device identifier, etc.) and RTU 110 status indicators, may be included in the notification message as desired in various embodiments of the invention. The status indicator of the RTU 110 may include the current configuration status of the RTU 110 such as the configuration number and / or configuration version number of the RTU.

  At block 220, the main controller 105 can receive a notification message from the RTU 110. Next, at block 225, a determination can be made regarding whether the RTU 110 has been previously configured by the main controller 105. For example, a determination can be made regarding whether configuration information for the RTU 110 is stored in a configuration database such as the database 125 shown in FIG. In one exemplary embodiment, the RTU 110 identifier can be utilized to search the configuration database 125 to determine whether the RTU 110 has been previously configured by the main controller 105. If it is determined at block 225 that the RTU 110 has not been previously configured by the main controller 105, operation can continue at block 235, described below. However, if it is determined at block 225 that the RTU 110 has been previously configured by the main controller 105, operation can continue at block 230.

  At block 230, a determination may be made by the main controller 105 as to whether the configuration of the RTU 110 has changed or modified after the previous configuration of the RTU 110 by the main controller 105. For example, a status indicator received by RTU 110 (eg, a configuration version number, etc.) can be compared to a stored status indicator associated with a previous configuration of RTU 110. If the received status indicator does not match the stored indicator, a determination can be made that the configuration of the RTU 110 has been modified or changed. If it is determined at block 230 that the configuration of the RTU 110 has not changed, the operation can end. However, if it is determined at block 230 that the configuration of the RTU 110 has been changed or modified, operation can continue at block 235.

  At block 235, the main controller 105 can generate a request for configuration data and communicate it to the RTU 110. Depending on the desire in some embodiments, the request for configuration data may include a desired format for receiving the configuration data. Configuration data, such as a common information model (“CIM”) format, a specified format utilizing an extended markup language (“XML”), or any other format negotiated between the RTU and the central controller A wide variety of formats for receiving can be utilized as desired in various embodiments of the invention.

  A request for configuration data may be received at the RTU 110 at block 240. Based on the received request, RTU 110 generates various configuration data related to RTU 110 and / or related to any number of substation devices such as substation device 140 shown in FIG. And / or can be assembled. Without limitation, operational data associated with one or more RTUs 110, identifiers and / or operational data associated with any number of devices (eg, substation devices) communicating with RTUs 110, facilitate communication with RTUs 110 A wide variety of configuration information, including one or more parameters, can be assembled as desired in various embodiments of the invention. Further, in some embodiments, the configuration data can be formatted according to a desired format. Once assembled, the configuration data can be communicated to the main controller 105 at block 245.

  Main controller 105 may receive configuration data from RTU 110 at block 250. Once received, the main controller 105 can place configuration data in the configuration queue for analysis. At block 255, the main controller 105 can analyze and / or evaluate the received configuration data. Based on this analysis, main controller 105 may determine at block 260 whether the configuration of RTU 110 should be rejected. For example, the main controller 105 can perform any number of suitable tests on the configuration data to verify the configuration data and / or the RTU 110. As an example, main controller 105 can perform a security check to determine whether RTU 110 is allowed to communicate with main controller 105. If it is determined at block 260 that the configuration of the RTU 110 is rejected, operation can continue at block 265 and the received configuration data of the RTU 110 can be cleared from the configuration queue or otherwise removed. Can do. Any number of suitable error and / or exclusion messages associated with unsuccessful configuration of the RTU 110 may be communicated to the RTU 110 by the main controller 105 as desired.

  However, if the configuration of RTU 110 is not rejected or it is determined at block 260 that the configuration is accepted, operation can continue at block 270. At block 270, at least some of the received configuration data can be stored in one or more suitable configuration databases 125. In this regard, the RTU 110 can be configured by the main controller 105 to facilitate subsequent communication between the main controller 105 and the RTU 110. Further, the RTU 110 is configured by the main controller 105 without the configuration data being manually input by the main controller 105, thereby reducing configuration errors due to manual data input.

  Method 200 may end after block 230, 265, or 270.

  The operations described in the method 200 of FIG. 2 do not necessarily have to be performed in the order described in FIG. 2, but can instead be performed in any suitable order. Further, in some embodiments of the invention, more or less than all of the elements or operations described in FIG. 2 can be performed.

  The present invention is described above with reference to blocks and flowcharts of systems, methods, apparatuses, and / or computer program products according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that one or more blocks of the block diagrams and flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, can each be implemented by computer-executable program instructions. Similarly, some blocks of the block diagrams and flowcharts need not necessarily be performed or necessarily performed in the order presented, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

  These computer-executable program instructions are loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, processor, or other programmable data processing device to generate a particular machine, and as a result, the computer, processor, or other programmable data processing. The instructions executing on the device can generate a means for performing one or more functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart. These computer program instructions can further be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, and as a result, stored in the computer readable memory. The instructions can generate an article of manufacture that includes instruction means for performing one or more functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart. By way of example, embodiments of the present invention enable a computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program code or program instructions embodied therein, wherein the computer readable program code is one or more of the flowcharts. Can be configured to be performed to perform one or more functions specified in the block. The computer program instructions are further loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, causing a series of computing elements or steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to generate a computer-executed process, and as a result, the computer Or instructions executing on other programmable devices may provide elements or steps for performing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart.

  Thus, block diagrams and flowchart blocks support combinations of means for performing specified functions, combinations of elements or steps for performing specified functions, and program instruction means for performing specified functions. To do. Each block in the block diagram and flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and flowchart, are implemented by a dedicated hardware-based computer system that performs a specified function, element, or step, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions It will also be understood that it can.

  Although the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most realistic and various embodiments, the present invention should not be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather the appended claims. It should be understood that various modifications and equivalent arrangements included therein are intended to be included.

  This document uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to implement the invention, including the fabrication and use of any device or system, and the implementation of any incorporated methods. I have to. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Other such examples are claimed if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal meaning of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not substantially differ from the literal meaning of the claims. It shall be in the range of the range.

100 System 105 Main Control Unit 107 Control Computer 110 Remote Terminal Unit 115 Substation 120 Network 125 Configuration Database 130 Processor 131 Memory 132 Network Interface 133 I / O Interface 134 Data File 135 Operating System 136 Control Module 137 Configuration Module 140 Substation Device 145 Substation bus 150 Processor 151 Memory 152 Network interface 153 I / O interface 154 Data file 155 Operating system 156 Control module 157 Configuration module 200 Method 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 240, 245, 250, 255, 260 265, 270 Bro Click

Claims (7)

A method (200) of configuring a substation remote terminal (110) by a central controller (105), comprising:
A message identifying the current state of the RTU (110) is received by the central controller (105) associated with a power system from a remote terminal unit (RTU) (110) associated with a remote substation (115). (220) step;
Communicating (235) a request for configuration data associated with the RTU (110) to the RTU (110) based on the analysis of the received message by the central controller (105);
Including
The analysis includes determining (230) that a configuration associated with the RTU (110) has changed based at least in part on a comparison of a stored configuration identifier with a configuration identifier included in the received message;
The method (200) further comprises:
Receiving (250) the configuration data from the RTU (110) in response to the request by the central controller (105);
The configuration data including data received by the central controller (105) from at least one or more substation devices (140) in communication with the RTU (110) is stored in a configuration queue for verification. Steps,
Determining whether the configuration associated with the RTU (110) is valid based on at least a portion of the configuration data by the central controller (105) , wherein the RTU (110) Determining whether it is allowed to communicate with the control device (105), and
If the configuration associated with the RTU (110) is not valid, the central controller (105) causes the central controller (105) to wait for the configuration data including data received from the one or more substation devices (140). Remove from the matrix (265);
If the configuration related to the RTU (110) is valid, the received configuration is used to facilitate management control and data acquisition operations using the RTU (110) by the central controller (105). Updating (270) a configuration database (125) including information related to the configuration of the RTU (110) by the central controller (105) based on at least a portion of the data;
Method (200).   Receiving the configuration data (220) comprises receiving the configuration data in either (i) a common information model (CIM) format or (ii) a specified format in an extensible markup language (XML). Item 200 (200). Further comprising identifying, by the central controller (105), a desired format for receiving the configuration data;
Communicating (235) a request for configuration data includes communicating a request for configuration data formatted according to the identified desired format;
The method (200) of claim 1 or 2. Communicating (235) a request for configuration data;
Determining, based on the analysis of the received message, that the RTU (110) has not previously been configured by the central controller (105) (225);
Communicating the request based on the determination that the RTU (110) has not been previously configured by the central controller (105);
The method (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: Receiving (220) a message identifying the current state of the RTU (110) includes receiving a message including an identifier of a configuration version number associated with the RTU (110);
Determining (230) that the configuration of the RTU (110) has changed;
Comparing the configuration version number with a stored configuration version number associated with the RTU (110);
Determining that the configuration version number does not match the stored configuration version number;
including,
The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims. A system (100) for configuring a substation remote terminal by a central controller (105),
A central controller (105) associated with the power system;
A remote terminal unit (RTU) (110) located at a substation (115) associated with the power system;
With
The remote terminal unit (110) communicates (i) a message identifying the current state of the RTU (110) to the central controller (105), and (ii) configuration data associated with the RTU (110). (Iii) configured to communicate the requested configuration data to the central controller (105);
In order for the central control unit (105) to facilitate management control and data acquisition operations using the RTU (110) by the central control unit (105),
(I) receive the message communicated by the RTU (110);
(Ii) determining the configuration associated with the RTU (110) to be changed (230) based at least in part on a comparison of a stored configuration identifier with a configuration identifier included in the received message; Communicates a request for the configuration data based on the analysis of the received message;
(Iii) receiving the configuration data;
(Iv) storing the configuration data including data received from at least one or more substation devices (140) in communication with the RTU (110) in a configuration queue for verification;
(V) determining whether a configuration related to the RTU (110) is valid based on at least a portion of the configuration data , wherein the RTU (110) communicates with the central controller (105). Including determining whether you are allowed to communicate,
(Vi) If the configuration associated with the RTU (110) is not valid, the configuration data including the data received from the one or more substation devices (140 is removed from the configuration queue (265) If the configuration associated with the RTU (110) is valid, the central controller (105) is associated with the configuration of the RTU (110) based on at least a portion of the received configuration data. Configured to update the configuration database (125) containing information,
System (100). The system (100) of claim 6, wherein the configuration data is formatted according to one of a common information model (CIM) format or (ii) a specified format in an extensible markup language (XML).

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