Automated design of substation switching systems

The authors describe how it is possible to develop an automated design system for substation switching systems. Object-oriented design approaches, automated derivation of higher-level data from component specifications and layout, derivation of interlocking scheme, construction of generalized tasks and “divide and conquer” methods of accomplishing complex tasks are some of the important features that are required for use by the design system. Such a design system should prove to be a valuable tool in substation automation, operator training and the enhancement of substation operation in general. It can drastically reduce the time required for, and cost of, designing a switching scheme compared to the time and cost for designing a switching system by using a traditional approach