Relay configuration systems and methods

RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001None

TECHNICAL FIELD

0002This disclosure relates to techniques that may be utilized to facilitate the configuration of intelligent electronic devices using a feature-selecting filter and/or a configuration filter. The feature-selecting filter and/or a configuration filter may be used in various embodiments to configure a device to perform a specific task and/or to enable or disable functionality of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0003Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosure are described, including various embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the figures, in which:

0004<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an example of an embodiment of a simplified one-line diagram of an electric power delivery system with various substations consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

0005<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a conceptual representation of a configuration tool configured to generate a plurality of device configuration files and a plurality of feature-selecting files that may be used to configure a device consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

0006<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a conceptual representation of a plurality of filters ranging from generic to specific that may be used for configuration of devices consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

0007<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a conceptual representation of a plurality of configurations of a device in which a specific subset of features of the device are enabled and configured consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

0008<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a flow chart of a method for configuring a device using a feature-selecting filter and a configuration filter consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

0009<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a functional block diagram of a system capable of being configured, at least in part, using a device configuration filter and a feature-selecting filter consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates an example of a native settings interface and a filtered settings interface displaying a configuration filter schema consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

0011In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of the various embodiments disclosed herein. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems and methods disclosed herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In addition, in some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more alternative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0012Modern automation, electric power transmission, and distribution systems typically include intelligent electronic devices (“IEDs”) for protection, control, automation, and/or monitoring of equipment in the system. IEDs may be used to monitor equipment of many types, including electric transmission lines, electric distribution lines, current transformers, buses, switches, circuit breakers, reclosers, transformers, autotransformers, tap changers, voltage regulators, capacitor banks, generators, motors, pumps, compressors, valves, and a variety of other types of monitored equipment. In view of the wide variety of configurations in which an IED may be used and the wide variety of tasks that an IED may be configured to perform, many IEDs may include a large number of user-configurable settings. While the wide array of user-configurable settings may allow for considerable flexibility in the use of an IED, the large number of user-configurable settings may also complicate the task of configuring an IED. For example, a user who is unfamiliar with a particular function of each of the user-configurable settings may incorrectly configure an IED for its intended purpose. This incorrect configuration may result in undesired operation and/or unnecessary expense associated with identifying a problem and correcting the configuration.

0013Disclosed herein are a variety of systems and methods that may be utilized to facilitate the configuration of IEDs using feature-selecting filters and configuration filters. Feature-selecting filters and configuration filters may facilitate the task of configuring a device to perform a particular task in a variety of ways, including: specifying device settings, selectively making available to the user only particular settings that might need to be modified for a specific application of the IED; enabling or disabling features of the device, etc. Use of feature-selecting filters and device configuration filters, as disclosed herein, may simplify the task of configuring complex devices in a variety of contexts, including IEDs, network equipment, computer terminals, etc.

0014In various embodiments, feature-selecting filters and configuration filters may be created at a variety of levels ranging from generic to specific. The filters may be generated using a configuration tool that may facilitate the configuration of one device or a plurality of devices. In some embodiments the configuration tool may permit various levels of abstraction to allow a plurality of users to operate within their respective spheres of responsibility and to use feature-selecting filters and configuration filters that are created and applied consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure. For example, at a system level, certain settings may be specified by a system designer (e.g., settings, ranges, and rules associated with various components in the system). At a lower level of abstraction other settings may be specified with a greater level of granularity, but the design choices made at the higher level may impose constraints on choices made at a lower level.

0015For example, a system designer may create a system architecture that is implemented using a plurality of devices. A configuration tool may translate the design choices into a plurality of device configuration files that may facilitate the implementation of the system based on the settings, ranges, and rules created by the designer. Another user, at a lower level of abstraction may specify specific values of a particular installation consistent with the parameters set by the system designer. At still a lower level of abstraction, the parameters from the system level and the particular installation level may be translated into actual settings implemented within specific devices configured to perform a specific task.

0016In certain embodiments, the techniques disclosed in the present application may be applied to a product line. Individual products may be defined as a subset of available features and/or functions that can be performed by the product. In this way, product variation may be limited and controlled by selectively enabling and disabling function blocks, rather than the development of product-specific features. Functional blocks may be designed and modified independently, which may allow for more efficient development and support of the product line.

0017Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” indicates that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In particular, an “embodiment” may be a system, an article of manufacture (such as a computer readable storage medium), a method, and/or a product of a process.

0018The phrases “connected to,” “networked,” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and electromagnetic interaction. Two components may be connected to each other, even though they are not in direct physical contact with each other and even though there may be intermediary devices between the two components.

0019Some of the infrastructure that can be used with embodiments disclosed herein are already available, such as: general-purpose computers, computer programming tools and techniques, digital storage media, and optical networks. A computer may include a processor such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, logic circuitry, or the like. The processor may include a special purpose processing device such as an ASIC, PAL, PLA, PLD, Field Programmable Gate Array, or other customized or programmable device. The computer may also include a computer readable storage device such as: non-volatile memory, static RAM, dynamic RAM, ROM, CD-ROM, disk, tape, magnetic, optical, flash memory, or other computer readable storage medium.

0020The described features, operations, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It will also be readily understood that the order of the steps or actions of the methods described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be changed, as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, any order in the drawings or detailed description is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to imply a required order, unless specified to require an order.

0021In the following description, numerous details are provided to give a thorough understanding of various embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of this disclosure.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an example of an embodiment of a simplified one-line diagram of an electric power delivery system <b>100</b> with various substations consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. Electric power delivery system <b>100</b> may be configured to generate, transmit, and distribute electric energy to loads. Electric power delivery systems may include equipment, such as electric generators (e.g., generators <b>110</b>, <b>112</b>, <b>114</b>, and <b>116</b>), power transformers (e.g., transformers <b>117</b>, <b>120</b>, <b>122</b>, <b>130</b>, <b>144</b> and <b>150</b>), power transmission and delivery lines (e.g., lines <b>124</b>, <b>134</b>, and <b>158</b>), circuit breakers (e.g., breakers <b>152</b> and <b>160</b>), busses (e.g., busses <b>118</b>, <b>126</b>, <b>132</b>, and <b>148</b>), loads (e.g., loads <b>140</b>, and <b>138</b>) and the like. A variety of other types of equipment may also be included in electric power delivery system <b>100</b>, such as voltage regulators, capacitor banks, and a variety of other types of equipment.

0023Substation <b>119</b> may include a generator <b>114</b>, which may be a distributed generator, and which may be connected to bus <b>126</b> through step-up transformer <b>117</b>. Bus <b>126</b> may be connected to a distribution bus <b>132</b> via a step-down transformer <b>130</b>. Various distribution lines <b>136</b> and <b>134</b> may be connected to distribution bus <b>132</b>. Distribution line <b>136</b> may lead to substation <b>141</b> where the line is monitored and/or controlled using IED <b>106</b>, which may selectively open and close breaker <b>152</b>. Load <b>140</b> may be fed from distribution line <b>136</b>. Further step-down transformer <b>144</b> may be used to step down a voltage for consumption by load <b>140</b>.

0024Distribution line <b>134</b> may also lead to substation <b>151</b>, and deliver electric power to bus <b>148</b>. Bus <b>148</b> may also receive electric power from distributed generator <b>116</b> via transformer <b>150</b>. Distribution line <b>158</b> may deliver electric power from bus <b>148</b> to load <b>138</b>, and may include further step-down transformer <b>142</b>. Circuit breaker <b>160</b> may be used to selectively connect bus <b>148</b> to distribution line <b>134</b>. IED <b>108</b> may be used to monitor and/or control circuit breaker <b>160</b> as well as distribution line <b>158</b>.

0025Electric power delivery system <b>100</b> may be monitored, controlled, automated, and/or protected using intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), such as IEDs <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, <b>108</b>, <b>115</b>, and <b>170</b>, and a central monitoring system <b>172</b>. According to various embodiments, central monitoring system <b>172</b> may comprise one or more of a variety of types of systems. For example, central monitoring system <b>172</b> may include a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system and/or a wide area control and situational awareness (WACSA) system.

0026As used herein, an IED (such as IEDs <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, <b>108</b>, <b>115</b>, and <b>170</b>) may refer to any microprocessor-based device that monitors, controls, automates, and/or protects monitored equipment within system <b>100</b>. Such devices may include, for example, remote terminal units, differential relays, distance relays, directional relays, feeder relays, overcurrent relays, voltage regulator controls, voltage relays, breaker failure relays, generator relays, motor relays, automation controllers, bay controllers, meters, recloser controls, communications processors, computing platforms, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), programmable automation controllers, input and output modules, and the like. The term IED may be used to describe an individual IED or a system comprising multiple IEDs.

0027A central IED <b>170</b> may be in communication with IEDs <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, <b>108</b>, and <b>115</b>. IEDs <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, <b>108</b> and <b>115</b> may be remote from the central IED <b>170</b>, and may communicate over various media such as a direct communication from IED <b>106</b> or over a wide-area communications network <b>162</b>. According to various embodiments, certain IEDs may be in direct communication with other IEDs (e.g., IED <b>104</b> is in direct communication with central IED <b>170</b>) or may be in communication via a communication network <b>162</b> (e.g., IED <b>108</b> is in communication with central IED <b>170</b> via communication network <b>162</b>).

0028Communication via network <b>162</b> may be facilitated by networking devices including, but not limited to, multiplexers, routers, hubs, gateways, firewalls, and switches. In some embodiments, IEDs and network devices may comprise physically distinct devices. In other embodiments, IEDs and network devices may be composite devices, or may be configured in a variety of ways to perform overlapping functions. IEDs and network devices may comprise multi-function hardware (e.g., processors, computer-readable storage media, communications interfaces, etc.) that can be utilized in order to perform a variety of tasks that pertain to network communications and/or to operation of equipment within system <b>100</b>.

0029The electric power delivery system <b>100</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> may include a generation substation <b>111</b>. Substation <b>111</b> may include various generators <b>110</b> and <b>112</b> connected to a bus <b>118</b> through step-up transformers <b>120</b> and <b>122</b>. Bus <b>118</b> may be connected to bus <b>126</b> in substation <b>119</b> via transmission line <b>124</b>. Although the equipment in substation <b>111</b> may be monitored and/or controlled by various IEDs, only a single IED <b>104</b> is shown. IED <b>104</b> may be a transformer protection IED for transformer <b>120</b>.

0030A common time signal may be distributed throughout system <b>100</b>. Utilizing a common or universal time source may ensure that IEDs have a synchronized time signal that can be used to generate time synchronized data, such as synchrophasors. In various embodiments, IEDs <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, <b>108</b>, <b>115</b>, <b>170</b> may receive a common time signal <b>168</b>. The time signal may be distributed in system <b>100</b> using a communications network <b>162</b> or using a universal time source, such as a GNSS, or the like.

0031In various embodiments, feature-selecting filters and configuration filters may be created and used to configure one or more of IEDs <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, <b>108</b>, <b>115</b>, and <b>170</b>. The filters may, for example, specify a plurality of settings, ranges, and rules created by a designer of system <b>100</b>. The filters may further be configured to implement actual settings within specific devices configured to perform a specific task. For example, a specific combination of feature-selecting filters and device configuration filters may configure IED <b>104</b> to monitor the operation generator <b>110</b>, while another specific combination of feature-selecting filters and device configuration filters may configure IED <b>106</b> to monitor distribution line <b>136</b> and control breaker <b>152</b>. In various embodiments, specific filters may be created using a configuration tool (not shown).

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a conceptual representation of a configuration tool <b>204</b> configured to generate feature-selecting filters and configuration filters <b>202</b> that may be used to configure a device <b>206</b> consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the configuration tool <b>204</b> may be embodied as a computer system and a configuration program. The configuration tool may be a stand -alone program or may be integrated into any of a variety of computer-aided engineering (CAE) programs. The configuration tool <b>204</b> may be configured to produce feature-selecting filters and device configuration filters <b>202</b> in a variety of formats, including but not limited to: an XML file, a plain text file, an encrypted file, or a file in any number of other suitable formats. Certain embodiments may utilize XML because the file format may allow for the file to be human-readable and machine-readable.

0033The device <b>206</b> may be configured to receive the device configuration filters and feature-selecting filter <b>202</b> and map the settings or parameters from the feature-selecting filters and configuration filters <b>202</b> to the settings of the device <b>206</b>. In various embodiments, the device <b>206</b> may comprise a wide range of configurable devices. In certain embodiments, such devices may be used in connection with an electric power distribution system, and may include relays configured to monitor and protect equipment in the power system, including a differential relay, a distance relay, a directional relay, a feeder relay, an overcurrent relay, a voltage regulator control, voltage relays, a breaker failure relay, a generator relay, a motor relay, and the like.

0034In some embodiments, firmware associated with device <b>206</b> may accept the feature-selecting filters and configuration filters <b>202</b> and may implement the names, ranges, prompts, and rules for settings associated with device <b>206</b>. In some embodiments, the feature-selecting filters and/or configuration filters may comprise a simplified set of configuration settings that are directed toward identifying a particular function to be performed and that map to device settings (“EZ settings”). In embodiments including EZ settings, the settings interfaces may exist as a layer on top of the device settings and simplify the user's interaction with the configuration settings. In some embodiments, a user may be able to utilize EZ settings or the full complement of device settings. Further, in some embodiments, the feature-selecting filters and device configuration filters <b>202</b> may further be configured to selectively enable or disable the visibility of a particular setting.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a conceptual representation <b>300</b> of a plurality of filters <b>302</b>-<b>307</b> ranging from generic to specific that may be used in connection with use of feature-selecting filters and device configuration filters used for configuration of devices consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. Arrow <b>310</b> may indicate the level of specificity associated with a particular filter. In various embodiments a schema may be implemented for creating a device configuration file based on the plurality of filters <b>302</b>-<b>307</b>. Each of the plurality of filters <b>302</b>-<b>307</b> may be utilized to simplify the task of configuring a device (not shown) to perform a specific task. The plurality of filters <b>302</b>-<b>307</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> are provided as only one possible embodiment consistent with the present disclosure. Other embodiments are not constrained to any particular arrangement, hierarchy, or structure. Further, the features described herein as pertaining to one specific filter in connection with the specific embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, may be associated with another filter, or a different number of filters may be used in other embodiments.

0036The market position filter <b>302</b> may define the basic function of a configurable device. As the triangular shape of the conceptual representation <b>300</b> may suggest, the maximum capability of a device may be defined at the highest level (i.e., the broadest section of the triangle). For example, where the device is a relay used in an electric power distribution system, the market position filter <b>302</b> may differentiate a transformer differential relay from a motor relay. Although both types of relays may provide automation and/or protection element functions, the settings associated with the different tasks may differ. Accordingly, the plurality of filters <b>302</b>-<b>307</b> may selectively make available applicable settings and/or hide inapplicable settings. Further, in the case of transformer differential relay, a number of differential zones may be specified. In other specific examples, additional high-level features may also be specified by the market position filter <b>302</b>.

0037In some embodiments, the hardware requirements of a product may be specified based on the one or more of the plurality of filters <b>302</b>-<b>307</b>. For example, a specific hardware configuration may be associated with a plurality of types of devices for a plurality of market position filters. As the level of configuration increases along arrow <b>310</b>, the filters may become less tied to hardware constraints (e.g., processor burden, etc.), and directed more toward configuration.

0038A custom product filter <b>303</b> may permit variation within a product line (e.g., a variation of an existing product to satisfy a customer request). A manufacturer may desire to vary its product line to meet its customer's requests, but may not want to manage an unwieldy product line or provide training to its employees on a large number of related products. Use of a custom product filter <b>303</b> may permit specific requests to be implemented without other drawbacks that may otherwise make a particular product line more difficult to manage. In one specific example, the product may be a distribution relay for use in an electric power distribution system. The relay may typically include two phase <b>51</b> elements and a power element, but a third element may be desired by some customers. To accommodate the request, a custom product filter <b>303</b> may be used to configure the relay with three phase <b>51</b> elements.

0039A localization filter <b>304</b> may provide configuration of a device relating to visible attributes of settings, such as prompts, warning messages, and the like. The localization filter <b>304</b> may, in addition to other benefits, facilitate uniformity in a system by configuring devices to provide consistent visual displays.

0040A naming convention filter <b>305</b> may use the naming conventions provided in IEC 61850 7-4 for protection logical node settings in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the settings defined by the IEC 61850 7-4 may not have a one-to-one correlation with device settings. Accordingly, certain settings may be hidden or exposed, as appropriate, to implement desired functionality. Where a feature set extends beyond the naming conventions provided in IEC 61850 7-4, additional settings may be available through logical node extensions or in other ways (e.g., through rules defined in the Device Configuration Language file).

0041A preconfigured template filter <b>306</b> may permit a reduction in complexity of the configuration settings number or configuration options that are presented to a user. In one embodiment, the preconfigured template filter <b>306</b> may comprise a plurality of quickset options that may be used to configure a device to perform a specific function.

0042A user-defined template filter <b>307</b> may permit users to develop and modify custom templates. In some embodiments, the user defined filters may exist at the same level as the preconfigured template filter <b>306</b>, while in other embodiments, the user defined template may be constrained by the preconfigured template filter <b>306</b> or other filters.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a conceptual representation of a plurality of configurations of a device <b>402</b><i>a</i>-<b>402</b><i>d </i>in which a specific subset of features of the device are enabled based on feature-selecting filters and device configuration filters consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, each device <b>402</b><i>a</i>-<b>402</b><i>d </i>includes a set of features A-I; however, the specific features enabled for each device vary. In some embodiments, different feature sets may be selected based on which version of a product is purchased.

0044In some embodiments, a user may later be permitted to upgrade to an enhanced set of features without the need to actually replace a device. Rather, certain embodiments may allow for the configuration of a device in the field using, for example, a license server, a USB dongle, or other form of data transfer in which appropriate configuration settings may be transferred to the device. Such embodiments may advantageously allow for devices to be upgraded and reconfigured in place and may thus reduce downtime and expense associated with the upgrade. In such embodiments, a user may be prevented from enabling upgradable features, even though additional features may be present in the system, unless the user upgrades. For example, a user may have originally purchased the configuration of device <b>402</b><i>a, </i>but later may want to upgrade to the configuration of device <b>402</b><i>b </i>(i.e., by adding feature H). A vendor of device <b>402</b><i>b </i>may be able to enable feature H through the use of the configuration techniques consistent with the present disclosure, thus resulting in device <b>402</b><i>a </i>having the configuration of device <b>402</b><i>b. </i>The ability to perform such upgrades without the need to remove existing hardware and replace the hardware with the upgraded equipment may be of particular value where such a change could disrupt operation of a system (e.g., an electrical power distribution system, a communications network, etc.).

0045In contrast to the example described above, in which a user may need to upgrade to access additional features, in other embodiments users may be permitted to enable different features. For example, in one embodiment, a user may be permitted to select a certain number of features of a product that are active at a given time. In such an embodiment, a user may elect the feature set illustrated in device <b>402</b><i>c </i>(e.g., a feature set including 5 features), but later may desire to utilize the set of features illustrated in device <b>402</b><i>d </i>(e.g., a feature set also including 5 features, but replacing Feature I with Feature C).

0046In still another example, various feature sets may be enabled or disabled depending upon a specific scenario in which a device is to be used. Features that may be present in the device but not needed for the specific application may be disabled to facilitate configuration of the device or for other reasons (e.g., improving the functioning of the device by utilizing device resources only for active features). In one specific embodiment, a user may be prompted to answer a series of questions relating to how the device will be used. Based on the user's response to the questions, features may be enabled or disabled as appropriate to implement operation of the device consistent with the user's responses to the questions. As may be appreciated, a variety of other possibilities are also contemplated for selectively enabling and disabling various features.

0047In still other embodiments, one or more of the features A-I may include a plurality of sub-features, each of which may be independently enabled or disabled. Such embodiments may further increase the number of configurations permitted for a particular device or group of devices.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a flow chart of a method <b>500</b> for configuring a device using one or more feature-selecting filters and one or more configuration filters consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, a configurable device <b>510</b> may be provided. The configurable device may include a plurality of features that are configured to be selectively enabled based on one or more feature-selecting filters <b>528</b> and one or more configuration filters <b>532</b>.

0049At <b>512</b>, a feature-selecting filter <b>528</b> may be received. The transfer of the feature-selecting filter <b>528</b> may be performed securely, as indicated by lock <b>530</b>. A variety of mechanisms and techniques for secure transmission of the feature-selecting filter(s) are contemplated, including use of encryption and other mechanisms for secure data transmission. In some embodiments, a remote server may be used to verify the feature-selecting filter(s) recited at <b>512</b>. In some embodiments, the feature-selecting filter <b>528</b> may comprise one or more of a market position filter, a custom product filter, or a localization filter, as have been described in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

0050Returning to a discussion of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, at <b>514</b>, the feature-selecting filter <b>528</b> may be applied to the device. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to receive the feature-selecting filter(s) <b>528</b> and to selectively enable a subset of the total feature set associated with the device. Of course, depending on the specific feature-selecting filter(s), an entire feature set of a particular device may be enabled. In addition to enabling certain features based on the feature-selecting filter(s) <b>528</b>, other features may be disabled or obscured. For example, a device may include hardware that is to be selectively enabled only if a user purchases an upgrade. As discussed above, the ability to upgrade a device, rather than removing the device and inserting another device in its place, may reduce or eliminate downtime associated with such an upgrade.

0051Implementing the feature-selecting filter(s) at the firmware-level of the device may implement the appropriate selection of features in a relatively permanent manner and may help to prevent users from altering the feature set enabled by the feature-selecting filter(s) <b>528</b>. In some embodiments, the firmware-level implementation may utilize techniques, such as flashing a non-volatile memory device, to implement the selection of the features identified by feature-selecting filter(s) <b>528</b>. In other embodiments, implementation of the feature-selecting filter <b>514</b> at the application level of a device is also contemplated.

0052At <b>516</b>, method <b>500</b> may determine whether any additional feature-selecting filters remain to be applied. In various embodiments, multiple feature-selecting filters <b>528</b> may be applied. As discussed in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a plurality of filters may be applied that range from generic to specific. For example, a system designer may create a system architecture that is implemented using a plurality of devices. A configuration tool may translate the design choices into a plurality of device configuration files that may facilitate the implementation of the system based on the settings, ranges, and rules created by the designer. Another user, at a lower level of abstraction may specify specific values of a particular installation consistent with the parameters set by the system designer. At still a lower level of abstraction, the parameters from the system level and the particular installation level may be translated into actual settings implemented within specific devices configured to perform a specific task.

0053Returning to a discussion of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, at <b>518</b>, one or more configuration filters <b>532</b> may be received. The transfer of the configuration filter(s) <b>532</b> may be performed securely, as indicated by lock <b>534</b>. As described above, a variety of mechanisms and techniques for secure transmission of the configuration filter <b>532</b> are contemplated. In some embodiments, the configuration filter(s) <b>532</b> may comprise one or more of a naming convention filter, a preconfigured template filter, and a user defined filter, as have been described in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

0054Returning to a discussion of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, at <b>520</b>, the configuration filter(s) <b>532</b> may be applied. In various embodiments, the configuration filter(s) <b>532</b> may be configured to implement a plurality of settings associated with the device to cause the device to perform a specific task. As discussed above, one specific application of method <b>500</b> may relate to an IED used in an electric power distribution system. In view of the wide variety of configurations in which an IED may be used and the wide variety of tasks that an IED may be configured to perform, many IEDs may include a large number of user-configurable settings. While the wide array of user-configurable settings may allow for considerable flexibility in the use of an IED, the large number of user-configurable settings may also complicate the task of configuring an IED. Incorrect configuration may result in undesired operation and/or unnecessary expense associated with identifying the problem and correcting the configuration. Use of configuration filter(s) <b>532</b> may provide settings to a device and/or may selectively display or hide settings to facilitate configuration of a device. In one embodiment, the configuration filter(s) <b>532</b> may comprise a series of questions that may be answered by a user tasked with configuring the device. The responses to the questions may be associated with configuration settings and may be automatically implemented based on responses to the questions.

0055At <b>522</b>, method <b>500</b> may determine whether any additional configuration filters remain to be applied. In various embodiments, multiple configuration filters <b>532</b> may be applied. The configuration filters <b>532</b> may substantially configure a device; however, in some circumstances additional user customization may be needed to fully configure the device.

0056At <b>524</b>, it may be determined whether additional user customization is needed. If additional configuration is needed, inapplicable settings may be obscured at <b>526</b>. As described above, the large number of settings may make the task of configuring a device challenging. By identifying settings that are inapplicable, based either on features that are disabled or settings that are incompatible with the configuration filter(s) <b>532</b>, the number of settings displayed to a user may be reduced. User customization may be received at <b>528</b>. In some embodiments, a configuration tool, such as configuration <b>204</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, may be used to receive user customization at <b>528</b>. In various embodiments, users, manufacturers, or third parties may create filters <b>528</b> or <b>532</b>.

0057Aspects of certain embodiments described herein may be implemented as software modules or components. As used herein, a software module or component may include any type of computer instruction or computer executable code located within a computer readable storage medium. A software module may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized as a routine, program, object, component, data structure, and the like that performs one or more tasks or implements particular abstract data types.

0058In certain embodiments, a particular software module may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations of a computer readable storage medium, which together implement the described functionality of the module. Indeed, a module may comprise a single instruction or many instructions, and may be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several computer readable storage media. Some embodiments may be practiced in a distributed computing environment where tasks are performed by a remote processing device linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, software modules may be located in local and/or remote computer readable storage media. In addition, data being tied or rendered together in a database record may be resident in the same computer readable storage medium, or across several computer readable storage media, and may be linked together in fields of a record in a database across a network.

0059The software modules described herein tangibly embody a program, functions, and/or instructions that are executable by computer(s) to perform tasks as described herein. Suitable software, as applicable, may be readily provided by those of skill in the pertinent art(s) using the teachings presented herein and programming languages and tools, such as XML, Java, Pascal, C++, C, database languages, APIs, SDKs, assembly, firmware, microcode, and/or other languages and tools.

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a function block diagram of a configurable IED <b>600</b> consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. IED <b>600</b> may be configured to perform a variety of tasks using a configurable combination of hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof. Although <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates an embodiment that includes hardware and software, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in an embedded system, field programmable gate array implementations, and specifically designed integrated circuit. Software functions described in connection with various software modules may be implemented in various types of hardware. Moreover, certain components or functions described herein may be associated with other devices or performed by other devices. The specifically illustrated configuration is merely representative of one embodiment consistent with the present disclosure.

0061IED <b>600</b> includes a network communications interface <b>616</b> configured to communicate with other IEDs and/or system devices. In certain embodiments, the network communications interface <b>616</b> may facilitate direct communication with another IED or communicate with another IED over a communications network. The network communications interface <b>616</b> may facilitate communications with multiple IEDs. IED <b>600</b> may further include a time input <b>612</b>, which may be used to receive a time signal allowing IED <b>600</b> to apply a time-stamp to the acquired samples. In certain embodiments, a common time reference may be received via communications interface <b>616</b>, and accordingly, a separate time input may not be required for time-stamping and/or synchronization operations. One such embodiment may employ the IEEE 1588 protocol. A monitored equipment interface <b>608</b> may be configured to receive status information from, and issue control instructions to, a piece of monitored equipment.

0062A local communication interface <b>624</b> may also be provided for local communication with IED <b>600</b>. The local communication interface <b>624</b> may be embodied in a variety of ways, including as a serial port, a parallel port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an IEEE 1394 Port, and the like.

0063In certain embodiments, IED <b>600</b> may include a sensor component <b>610</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, sensor component <b>610</b> is configured to gather data directly from a plurality of conductors <b>614</b><i>a</i>-<i>c </i>and may use, for example, A/D converters <b>618</b> that may sample and/or digitize filtered waveforms to form corresponding digitized current and voltage signals provided to data bus <b>622</b>. Conductors <b>614</b><i>a</i>-<i>c </i>may be electrically connected to an electric power distribution system. In some embodiments transformers (not shown) may reduce the voltage or current to a level appropriate for monitoring using the IED <b>600</b>. ND converters <b>618</b> may include a single ND converter or separate ND converters for each incoming signal. A current signal may include separate current signals from each phase of a three-phase electric power system. ND converters <b>618</b> may be connected to processor <b>624</b> by way of data bus <b>622</b>, through which representations of electrical parameters determined by sensor elements <b>602</b><i>a</i>-<i>c </i>may be transmitted to processor <b>624</b>. In various embodiments, the representations of electrical parameters may represent parameters, such as currents, voltages, frequencies, phases, and other parameters associated with an electric power distribution system. Sensor elements <b>602</b><i>a</i>-<i>c </i>may represent a variety of types of elements, such as voltage transformers, current transformers, status inputs, a breaker controller, etc.

0064In some embodiments, the operation of one or more of sensor elements <b>602</b><i>a</i>-<i>c </i>may be selectively enabled based on the configuration of IED <b>600</b>. Further, a user may be able to enable additional sensor elements after a device is installed using the techniques described herein for upgrading devices. In some embodiments, sensor elements that are selectively enabled or disabled may comprise virtual elements running on processor <b>624</b>. In some embodiments, communications interface <b>616</b> may be used to receive additional feature-selecting filters associated with an upgrade. For example, IED <b>600</b> may be initially installed and configured for an application that requires use of only one sensor component (e.g., sensor component <b>602</b><i>a</i>). Continuing the example, an additional sensor component may be needed, and a user may purchase an upgrade at a later time. The upgrade may occur by selectively enabling an additional sensor component (e.g., sensor component <b>602</b><i>b</i>). This example may be applicable where IED <b>600</b> operates in a sub-station of an electric power distribution system and the sensor components are configured to monitor a distribution bus. At a later time, a second distribution bus may be added to the substation, thus necessitating activation of an additional sensor component.

0065Processor <b>624</b> may be configured to process communications received via communications interface <b>616</b>, time input <b>612</b>, monitored equipment interface <b>608</b>, and/or sensor component <b>610</b>. Processor <b>624</b> may operate using any number of processing rates and architectures. Processor <b>624</b> may be configured to perform various algorithms and calculations described herein. Processor <b>624</b> may be embodied as a general purpose integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, and/or any other suitable programmable logic device.

0066A configuration system <b>626</b> may be configured to receive one or more filters (e.g., one or more feature-selecting filters and/or configuration filters) and/or user customizations to configure IED <b>600</b> to perform a specific task. A feature-selecting subsystem <b>628</b> may be configured to selectively enable or disable various features that may be performed by IED <b>600</b>, as appropriate to perform a particular task. A feature configuration subsystem <b>629</b> may facilitate configuration of the features enabled by feature-selecting subsystem <b>628</b>.

0067The configuration system <b>626</b> may operate, in some embodiments, in conjunction with a firmware module <b>625</b>. The firmware module <b>625</b>, among other tasks, may be configured to implement one or more feature-selecting filters and/or one or more configuration filters. The firmware module <b>625</b> may provide a relatively permanent way for certain settings associated with IED <b>600</b> to be specified. Firmware module <b>625</b> may comprise a combination of hardware and computer-executable code stored in non-volatile memory, which may involve the use of specific techniques to access and/or modify. Such techniques may help to prevent user modification of firmware specified settings. In one specific embodiment, IED <b>600</b> may be configured to selectively activate one or more elements based on a setting specified in the firmware. For example, one or more of sensors <b>602</b><i>a</i>-<i>c </i>may be enabled or disabled based on a setting specified in the firmware module <b>625</b>.

0068A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) system <b>620</b> may be configured to facilitate interaction between a user and IED <b>600</b>. In some embodiments, HMI system <b>620</b> may comprise one or more of a display, keyboard, mouse, touch-screen, speaker, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more elements of HMI may be selectively enabled by a configuration of IED <b>600</b>. For example, visualization features may be enabled or disabled based on a configuration setting specified by a filter.

0069A computer-readable storage medium <b>630</b> may be the repository of various software modules configured to perform any of the methods described herein. A data bus <b>642</b> may link monitored equipment interface <b>608</b>, time input <b>612</b>, communications interface <b>616</b>, configuration system <b>626</b>, HMI system <b>620</b>, firmware module <b>625</b>, and computer-readable storage medium <b>630</b> to processor <b>624</b>. Various modules and/or sub-modules may be selectively enabled based on the configuration of IED <b>600</b>.

0070A settings library <b>632</b> may include all configurable attributes of IED <b>600</b>. In some embodiments, the settings library <b>632</b> may be configured to selectively make available applicable settings and/or hide inapplicable settings based on a particular application in which IED <b>600</b> is to be utilized. For example, IED <b>600</b> may be capable of being configured as either a generator protection relay or a motor protection relay, and a user may be prompted to answer a question about which of these roles IED <b>600</b> is to fill. If a user indicates that IED <b>600</b> will operate as a generator protection relay, settings relating to operation as a motor protection relay may be hidden. In another embodiment, a filter may be applied to achieve a similar result (i.e., to specify a particular configuration setting and to hide unrelated settings from a user).

0071An operating system <b>634</b> may be configured to manage the resources of IED <b>600</b> and provides common services for modules run by IED <b>600</b>. The operating system may isolate various applications for purposes of reliability. Such isolation may permit a single application to be restarted without affecting operation of the entire system. The operating system may support a superset of functions built as function blocks that have clearly defined interfaces to reduce coupling between functions.

0072A configuration tool <b>636</b> may be configured to produce or receive one or more feature-selecting filters and/or configuration filters and to apply the setting included in such filters to IED <b>600</b>. In some embodiments, the configuration tool <b>636</b> may also be used to specify user customizable settings associated with IED <b>600</b> that are not specified by feature-selecting filters or configuration filters. The configuration tool <b>636</b> may be configured to produce or receive one or more feature-selecting filters and/or configuration filters in a variety of formats, including but not limited to: an XML file, a plain text file, an encrypted file, or a file in any number of other suitable formats. Certain embodiments may utilize XML because the file format may allow for the file to be human-readable and machine-readable.

0073A communication protocol library <b>638</b> may be configured to allow IED <b>600</b> to communicate with any of a variety of external devices using a variety of data communication protocols (e.g., DNP, IEC 61850, MODBUS, IEC 60870, MB, etc.). In some embodiments, a feature-selecting filter may specify which of a plurality of a plurality of available communication protocols are enabled. Further, a user may be permitted to enable additional communication protocols by upgrading the IED <b>600</b> after installation, consistent with the techniques for upgrading devices disclosed herein.

0074A protection element function block library <b>640</b> may provide various features that may be implemented by IED <b>600</b>. For example, the protection element function block library <b>640</b> may implement, for example, an overcurrent function, an overload function, an over-frequency function, a differential function, and the like. One or more protection element functions may be selectively enabled based on one or more configuration setting. For example, where IED <b>600</b> is configured to monitor for an overcurrent condition, the overcurrent function may be enabled from the various functions provided by the protection element function block library <b>640</b>. Moreover, the protection element function blocks may be enabled and combined in various combinations to achieve a desired feature set.

0075A settings interface module <b>644</b> may be configured to control access to the settings library <b>632</b> and ensure uniformity in the presentation of the settings. In various embodiments, the settings library <b>632</b> may be accessed, and settings may be specified in a variety of ways. For example, settings may be specified through the local communications interface <b>624</b>, through the network communications interface <b>616</b>, or through the HMI system <b>620</b>. Still further, the settings may be specified using the configuration tool <b>636</b>.

0076<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates an example of a native settings interface and a filtered settings interface <b>706</b> displaying a configuration filter schema consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. Interface <b>702</b> illustrates a native settings interface reflecting a native plurality settings on an IED. A configuration filter schema <b>704</b> may present a representation of the native settings in a filtered settings interface <b>706</b>. As illustrated, the plurality of native settings may be reduced to a single activation selector that enables or disables the feature.

0077In some embodiments, the configuration filter schema may associate a plurality of settings (e.g., settings A-D and values A-C) with a name (e.g., feature A) that is more recognizable or descriptive than the native settings. The plurality of native settings may be difficult to recognize as being associated with a specific feature; however, where a schema is employed to associate the settings a user may be easier to recognize as being associated with a specific feature.

0078The configuration filter schema <b>704</b> may be configured to selectively hide one or more native IED settings. In some embodiments, settings may be hidden to help to prevent changes to the setting by a user. In other embodiments, settings may be set and hidden by a configuration filter.

0079In one embodiment, a configuration tool may be configured to extract a plurality of settings and a configuration filter schema associated with a device. The combination of the extracted settings and the configuration filter may be used to generate the filtered settings interface <b>706</b>

0080The above description provides numerous specific details for a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, those of skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the specific details may be omitted, or other methods, components, or materials may be used. In some cases, operations are not shown or described in detail.

0081While specific embodiments and applications of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those of skill in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.