AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR SINGLE PHASE LOAD
SWITCHING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates in general to integrated system for a single phase load switching which simulates field like conditions in a laboratory and, more particularly to an integrated system for simulating a single phase load switching,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In general, a simulator such as Single Phase Load Switching Simulator, hereafter mentioned as SPLSS is employed to simulate on-field conditions in laboratory and electrical equipments are tested. SPLSS is an apparatus to create on-field conditions in a laboratory for testing electrical equipments. It comprises a power supply means, a means to receive user input, a micro-controller to process the user input, memory to store the user input and status of the apparatus, a firmware for receiving the user input from the micro-controller and creating the on-field conditions, and a display means for displaying the user input and the status of the apparatus. The apparatus allows programming the user input.

[0003] SPLSS is based on a method for simulating single phase load switching in a laboratory for testing electrical equipment. The method comprises the steps of receiving user input, validating the user input data in a micro-controller and applying the field conditions on the electrical equipment used for testing.

[0004] SPLSS simulation is normally conducted through a system. The system comprises of a power supply means, a means to receive input, a microcontroller to process the user input, memory to store the input and status of the apparatus, a firmware for receiving the user input from the microcontroller and applying the SPLSS conditions.

[0005] However, when a simulator is used to simulate field like conditions in laboratory and electrical equipments are tested, it is often dangerous to go near to the equipment during the progress of simulation. Further, when multiple simulation studies are required for performance comparison, the operator is required to manually set the parameters at the end of each simulation. Also, during power failure conditions, the simulator has to be manually reset and the simulation has to be restarted. Such procedures result in increased duration of conducting simulations.

[0006] Hence, there is a need for a integrated system for controlling and monitoring of a simulator, from a remote location, which creates field conditions like voltage failure, voltage fluctuation/switching at fast rate, load changeover, load switching at fast rate in a laboratory to understand its effect on electrical equipments like meters

[0007] Further, the integrated system should enable a user to monitor and do parameters programming remotely. The integrated system is also designed such that if its programming done through remote communication then the simulator will restart for setting configuration to avoid any programmed data/parameter conflicts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a Communication block diagram between an display and a simulator according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows the schematic diagram of wired communication between the simulator and an display unit according to an embodiment of
the invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows the schematic diagram of wireless communication between the simulator and a PC according to an alternate embodiment of
the invention.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows the schematic diagram of display layout according to an embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] One aspect of the invention provides a system for simulating single phase load switching in an electrical equipment which includes an initialization unit configured for recieving at least one input from a user for initializing simulation in a simulator positioned remote to the initialization unit. A verification unit is operably coupled to the simulation unit for recieving at least one input for verification of status of simulation from the initialization unit. The invention also includes a display configured for displaying the status of the remote simulator.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for simulating single phase load switching in an electrical equipment which includes simulating an input signal for initializing simulation in an electrical
equipment and transmitting the same. The method further includes the step of converting an input signal received subsequent to simulation for verification of status of simulation and transmitting at least one output signal; The method also includes displaying the status of the simulator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The integrated system as described in this description enables a user to monitor the status of SPLSS simulator and program the parameters of the SPLSS remotely. Further, the integrated system facilitates programming through remote communication to enable restart of the SPLSS simulator with the preset configuration to avoid any programmed data/parameter conflicts.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a Communication block diagram of an integrated system according to an embodiment of the invention. The integrated system for simulating SPLSS in an electrical equipment includes an initialization unit 101 configured for recieving an input signal and transmitting the same. A verification unit 103 is coupled to the initialization unit 101. The verification unit 103 is configured for recieving an input signal for verification of status of simulation and transmitting an output signal. The integrated system also includes an display 105 coupled to the verification unit for displaying the status of the simulator.

[0016] The display unit 105 is situated at a first location and the SPLSS unit is situated at a second location. The first location and the second location are physically distinct from each other

[0017] Communication can be established between the first location and the second location in two known ways. According to an embodiment of the invention a wired mode of communication can be established between the first location and the second location. Alternatively, the communication between the first location and the second location can also be established through a wireless communication mode.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows the schematic diagram of wired communication between the simulator unit and the display unit according to an embodiment of the invention. In a specific example of the invention, the display unit is a PC with a software connected to the SPLSS simulator unit. The display unit can be connected to the simulator by a RS232 card. The RS232 card converts PC's voltage level to TTL level.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows the schematic diagram of wireless communication between the simulator and a PC according to an alternate embodiment of the invention. In an example of the alternate embodiment of the invention, a modem is employed as a means for wireless communication between the display unit and the simulator unit.

[0020] In FIG. 4 a schematic diagram of the programmable display. The programmable display is capable of configuring user input profile. The communication between the PC and SPLSS simulator is achieved through the COM Port of the PC. Based on the profile selection, user inputs and Test Condition Selection the PC Based software will send the encoded command, which can be, decoded by the SPLSS simulator only. Based on the decoded command SPLSS will be able to understand what to be done and proceeds. The profile and corresponding encoded command is shown in the following table.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the integrated system is capable of allowing an user to select at least one profile such as a standard profile. The user also has the option of customizing a preloaded profile. In one example, if the user selects the standard profile, then customize profile section will be disabled till standard profile execution is completed. If the user selects customize profile, then the user is presented with a plurality of input parameters to choose from. The table 1 below shows a representative set of various profiles available to an user for selection.
Table 1
Items Encoded Command
Profile Selection Profile-1 : A
Profile-2 : B
Under Profile-1 , Test l to Test-9 1 to 9 respectively
Under Profile-2 , Test l to Test-4 | M,N,0 and P respectively

[0022] In an example of the invention, the user selects the Profile 1 as an input profile. On selection of the preloaded profile -1 the user is presented with configurable input parameters such as Load ON time, Load Overlap time, Chattering Count and Chattering interval. In a specific example of the invention, the user chooses Load ON Time of 1 min, Load Overlap Time of 1 min, Chattering Count of 5 and a Chattering Interval of 30ms. Further, the user is also capable of selecting various test conditions under which the simulation can be conducted

[0023] Table 2 shows the various parameters and the associated commands that as presented to the user according to a specific embodiment of the invention.

Table 2
Mem .
Sl.No. Loc. Data type Parameter Commands
1 0x00 OxBB Programming status P
2 0x01 OxCC Sequence Selection S
0x02 OxDD
1 min to
3 0x02 60min Load ON Time L
1 min to
4 0x03 60min Overlap Time O
5 0x04 1 to 20 Chattering count C
20ms to Chattering Time
6 0x05 50ms Interval T
7 0x06 1 to 99 Programming Count X
SPLSS Initialization - H
8 0x07 1 to 99 Hardware Based
SPLSS Initialization -
9 0x08 1 to 99 Software Based
10 0x09 I 1 to 99 Power Failure Count | F

[0024] The integrated system according to an embodiment of the invention also provides an display for enabling an user to enter inputs for initializing the simulation and monitoring the results of the simulation. Further, the display is configured to have a secured access for initializing and monitoring the simulation. In one example of the invention, at least two login ID, namely, an administrator login and a guest login are provided. The administrator login has full access right to the SPLSS. A user logging in as administrator can change any of the parameters as mentioned above in Memory Map. Administrator can clear all the memory location as mentioned in Memory Map using SPLSS initialization process. The guest login has limited accessibility to SPLSS. A user logging in as a guest can access only the following parameters: Following are the features of Software used for remote communication: This Login have limited accessibility to SPLSS. It can access only following parameters: Programming Status, Sequence, Load ON Time, Overlap time, Chattering Count and Chattering Interval. In this login, users have right to Initialize the SPLSS but only above parameters can be cleared by this user.

[0025] Further, the display is capable of maintaining log file for capturing the activities and storage data downloaded. A monitoring unit provided within the display allows the user to monitor the simulation
online. The interval of time during which data needs to be collected in online mode can be defined. In an example of the invention, the time
duration for collection of data can be set in the range of 10 minutes to 60minutes. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the time duration for collection of the data is set at 20 minute interval. Further, the display is also capable of recording a date stamp for the data collection. The date and time stamping enabled by the display is further stored in a database
for comparison. The date and time stamping can also be chosen as a reference for initiating data collection from SPLSS.

[0026] Various embodiments of this invention provide a integrated system for a simulator which create field conditions like voltage failure, voltage fluctuation/switching at fast rate, load changeover, load switching at fast rate in a laboratory to understand its effect on electrical equipments. The operation of the system as described herein in detail facilitates remote initialization and management of simulation. For example if a person has to do some work urgently and spend the time to go near to the simulator for programming, then using this communication user can do the multiple tasks including the simulator programming.

[0027] The foregoing description of the invention has been set for merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

We Claim:

1. A system for simulating single phase load switching in an electrical
equipment, comprising:

- a initialization unit configured for recieving at least one input from a user for initializing simulation in a simulator positioned remote to the initialization unit;

- a verification unit operably coupled to the simulation unit for recieving at least one input for verification of status of simulation from the initialization unit; and

- a display configured for displaying the status of the remote simulator.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the initialization unit comprises of a programable display capable of

- recieving a plurality of user input,

- editing the input present from an earlier instance; and

- initialising the simulation subsequent to receiving the input.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the user input comprises of voltage failure, voltage fluctuation, voltage switching at fast rate, load changeover and load switching at fast rate.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the verification unit comprises of a memory unit capable of storing the user input for monitoring the simulation status of the system.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the initialization unit is adapted to restart the apparatus from the last recorded instance of the user input in case of interruption of the simulation at the remote location due to accidental power failure.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the user input comprising of voltage failure, voltage fluctuation, voltage switching at fast rate, load changeover and load switching at fast rate are varied independently while keeping other parameters constant to form customized user input profiles.

7. A method for simulating single phase load switching in an electrical equipment comprising the steps of:

- simulating at least one input signal for initializing simulation in a remotely positioned simulator;

- verifying and continuously updating the status of simulation; and

- displaying the status of the remote simulator.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the user input comprising of voltage failure, voltage fluctuation, voltage switching at fast rate, load changeover and load switching at fast rate are varied independently while keeping other parameters constant to form customized user input profiles.