AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR VOLTAGE DIP AND
INTERRUPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates in general to an integrated system, which simulates field like conditions in a laboratory and, more particularly to an integrated system for a simulating voltage interruption and voltage dip conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Normally, electrical equipments are tested for endurance by subjecting them to varied inputs. Specifically a simulator is employed for varying the inputs to generate on-field conditions which creates voltage interrupt and voltage dip conditions in a laboratory to understand its effect on electrical equipments like meters. All the commands supported by the simulator are integrated in this software. The simulator is hereinafter referred to as Voltage Dips and Interrupter (VDI).

[0003] VDI is based on a method to simulate voltage interrupt and voltage dip conditions in a laboratory to understand its effect on electrical equipments. The method comprises steps of switching the power supply
ON, selecting to provide a standard input profile or a customized user input profile, entering the inputs based on the selection and applying the voltage interrupt and voltage dip conditions on the electrical equipment.

[0004] VDI based on the above method 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 applying the voltage interrupt and voltage dip conditions on the electrical equipment; and a display means for showing the user input and the status of the apparatus.

[0005] VDI has a set of pre-defmed user inputs which are based on standard conditions as per metering standards. The profile is called standard profile and the tests in the profile are referred to as Sequences. VDI also has a capability to be programmed for customized user input. These profiles are called customized profiles. It also includes several sequences.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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

[0008] 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

[0009] FIG.1 shows a Communication block diagram between an interface unit and a simulator according to an embodiment of the
invention.

[0010] FIG.2 shows the schematic diagram of wired communication between the simulator and an interface unit according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG.3 shows the schematic diagram of wireless communication between the simulator and a PC according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows the schematic diagram of the interface layout according to an embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] One aspect of the invention provides a system for simulating voltage dips and interruptions in an electrical equipment which includes a initialization unit configured for recieving at least one input signal 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 signal 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.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for simulating voltage dips and interruptions in an integrated system, which includes the steps of simulating at least one input signal for initializing simulation in a remotely positioned simulator. Further, the method includes the step of verifying and continuosly updating the status of the simulation. The method also includes the step of displaying the status of the simulator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The integrated system as described in this description enables a user to monitor the status of VDI simulator and program the parameters of the VDI remotely. Further, the integrated system facilitates programming through remote communication to enable restart of the VDI simulator with the preset configuration to avoid any programmed data/parameter conflicts.

[0016] FIG.1 shows a Communication block diagram of an integrated system according to an embodiment of the invention. The integrated system for simulating voltage dips and interruptions in an electrical equipment includes a simulation unit 101 configured for recieving at least one input signal for initializing simulation in the electrical equipment and transmitting the same. A converter unit 103 is operably coupled to the simulation unit 101 for recieving at least one input signal for verification of status of simulation and transmitting at least one output signal. The integrated system also includes an interface
105 operably coupled to the converter unit 103 for displaying the status of the simulator. The interface unit 105 is situated at a first location and the simulation 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 and an interface unit according to one embodiment of the invention. In an example of the invention, the interface unit is a PC with software connected to the VDI simulator. The interface unit can be connected to the simulator by a RS232 card. The RS232 card converts PC's voltage level to TTL level. Also here PC side, COM port DB9 is used as communication port.

[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 interface unit and the simulator unit.

[0020] In FIG.4 a schematic diagram of the WINDOWS based software layout according to an example of the invention, is shown. The
communication between the PC and VDI is achieved through the comport 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 decode by the simulator (VDI) only. Based on the decoded command VDI will be able to understand what to be done and proceeds.

[0021] Table 1 shows the memory mapping, profile and corresponding Encoded Command as presented to an user according to a specific embodiment of the invention.

Table 1
Memory Mapping
Profile
Mem. Memory
Sl.No. Loc. Data type Parameter Commands Map IP's
Standard Profile
1 0x00 OxAA Identification A
2 0x01 OxAl Sequence-1 B Memory
3 0x02 0xA2 Sequence-2 C Mapping
4 0x03 OxA3 Sequence-3 D for
5 0x04 0xA4 Sequence-4 E Standard
6 0x05 0xA5 Sequence-5 F Profile
7 0x06 0xA6 Sequence-6 G
8 0x07 0xA7 Sequence-7 H
9 0x08 OxA8 Sequence-8 I
Customize
10 0x10 OxCC Profile J Mapping
11 0x11 6000ms X(OFF Time) K Customize
10ms to Profile
12 I 0x12 I 6000ms |Y(ON Time) | L |
10ms to
13 0x13 6000ms End Time M
14 0x14 1 to 100 Count N
10ms to
15 0x15 6000ms X - Step Size O
10ms to
16 0x16 6000ms Y-Step Size P
Sequence -1 selection
OxCl Identification Q
Sequence - 2
17 0x17 selection
0xC2 Identification R
Sequence - 3 selection
OxC3 Identification S
10ms to
18 0x20 6000ms Td T
10ms to
19 0x21 6000ms TO U
20 0x22 1 to 100 Dip Count V
Sequence - 4 Selection
21 I 0x23 I OxDO I Identification | W |

[0022] Using the commands from the above table, user can access the respective memory location. The user input to the VDI includes Programming Status, Sequence, Load ON Time 'Y', Load OFF TIME 'X', Overlap time; Chattering Count and Chattering Interval for creating voltage interrupt in a laboratory. The OFF TIME 'X' and ON TIME 'Y' can be changed in steps X-step and Y-step correspondingly. Table 2 shows a representative list of inputs for creating voltage interrupt condition in a laboratory according to an example of the invention.

Table 2
S.No. Parameters Range Step size
(Coarse
Value)
1 X(OFF 10ms to ±10 Time) 6000ms
2 Y(ON 10ms to ±10 Time) 6000ms
3 End Time 10ms to ±10
6000ms
4 Count 1 to 100 ±1
5 X-Step 10ms to ±10 6000ms
6 Y-Step 10ms to ±10
6000 ms 3

where ms= milli-seconds
CYK will be executed for Count Value. For example if count=10 then CYK (with X and Y Value) will be executed for 10 times.

[0023] Similarly, for creating voltage dip condition user needs to input 'Td' voltage dip time period, then it recovers and comes back to
100% for a period of time 'To', which completes one cycle of voltage dip. The cycle is repeated for a number of times indicated by 'Dip Count'.

[0024] User Inputs are as follows for the voltage dip used in customized user input profile according to an example of the invention is presented in Table 3:

Table 3:
S.No. Parameters Range Step size (Coarse
Value)
1 Td 10ms to ±10 6000ms
2 TO 10ms to ±10 6Q00ms
3 Dip Count | 1 to 100 | ±1
where ms = milli-seconds

[0025] 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. In one embodiment of the invention, the input parameters include the p Waveform-1, for creating voltage interrupt or Waveform-2, for creating voltage dip. If Waveform -1 is selected then Waveform—1 input will be enabled and Sequence 1 to sequence-3 will be enabled. If Waveform-2 input is selected then Waveform-2 input and Sequence-4 will be enabled only. User can click START button only if all the relevant input are given to software. Once all inputs are completed then START button will be enabled and ready for user to Click for process.

[0026] The integrated system according to an embodiment of the invention also provides an interface for enabling an user to enter inputs for initializing the simulation and monitoring the results of the simulation. Further, the interface 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 VDI. 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 VDI
initialization process. The guest login has limited accessibility to VDI. A user logging in as a guest can access only the following parameters:

Programming Status, Sequence, Load ON Time, Overlap time, Chattering Count and Chattering Interval. In this login, users have right to Initialize the VDI but only above parameters can be cleared by this user.

[0027] Further, the interface is capable of maintaining log file for capturing the activities and storage data downloaded. A monitoring unit provided within the interface 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 interface is also capable of recording a date stamp for the data collection. The date and time stamping enabled by the interface 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 VDI.

[0028] Various embodiments of this invention provide a integrated system for a simulator which create creates voltage interrupt and voltage dip conditions in a laboratory to understand its effect on electrical equipments like meters. The remote functioning ability of integrated system significantly reduces time required for managing of the task. Further, the manual operation of the VDI simulator for conducting various iterations of simulations is avoided and the user can do multiple tasks including the simulator programming at a location remote to the actual position of the VDI simulator. Further, the integrated system can be either remote wired and wireless communication between simulator and PC. [0029] 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 voltage dips and interruptions in an electrical equipment, comprising:

- a initialization unit configured for recieving at least one input signal 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 signal 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 profile comprises:

- creating a voltage interrupt waveform by specifying a Voltage OFF Time(X), a Voltage ON Time(Y), a X-step size, a Y-step size,a End Time of the voltage interrupt waveform cycle and
counts for which the voltage interrupt waveform cycle is to be used; and

- creating a voltage dip waveform by specifying a time period of voltage dip, a time period of original voltage and counts for which the voltage dip waveform is to be used.

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

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the user inputs comprising Voltage OFF Time(X), the Voltage ON Time(Y), the X-step size, the Y-step size, the End Time of the voltage interrupt waveform cycle and counts for which the voltage interrupt waveform cycle is to be used, are varied independently while keeping other parameters constant to form customized user input profiles.

7. A method for simulating voltage dips and interruptions in an integrated system, comprising the steps of:

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

- verifying and continuosly updating the status of the simulation; and

- displaying the status of the simulator.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the input signal comprising of Voltage OFF Time(X), the Voltage ON Time(Y), the X-step size,the Y-step size, the End Time of the voltage interrupt waveform cycle and counts for which the voltage interrupt waveform cycle is to be used are varied independently while keeping other parameters constant to form customized user input profiles.