Configuration Management System Portfolio

Challenge

The client is extensively involved in providing specialization in the research and development, manufacturing, marketing, sales and service of law and medium voltage switchgear products. The client is powered by the highly qualified professional team of engineers, technicians that have extensive experience in researching and developing, manufacturing and servicing microprocessor-based controller and technologies.

The client wanted to reengineer their legacy Configuration Management System (CMS) such that the new version can operate on Windows 8 (64 bit or 32 bit) operating system with Microsoft certified CMS driver. The system should be windows based standalone and non-distributed application that would configure and interrogate the RC-10 control cubicle.

The new version of "Configuration Management System" has several considerations as mentioned below:

All components and modules run in a single Windows process
Merge COMMS manager, Licenses manager and change manager
Replace SQL Server database with an embedded database which does not require the installation of SQL server
Provide easy installation or upgrade for end users with installation issues well communicated to the end user
Support embedded database which can store up to 4GB of data
Maintain backwards compatibility between the different versions of the controller database and device import
CMS can be used in offline mode and/or online mode

Expertise

Database
Embedded database (SQLCE/ SQLite/ LocalDB/ VistaDB)
External Tools or Components
DevExpress Controls, DotNetBar, TeeCharts
Technologies
Windows Form (Microsoft .NET Framework), C#, WCF, Entity Framework, LINQ

Solution

TatvaSoft developed a fully featured exemplary CMS, a windows based application, which manages configuration and logs of RC-10 controller.

Device Maintenance

Ability to manage and configure devices in offline as well as online mode
Facility to Import and Export devices, simulation and offline setting information
All uploaded, downloaded and offline settings can be compared with each other as well as between separate devices
Copy device settings from one device to another
Upgrade firmware to the desired version with auto backup facility

CMS and Device Communication

CMS can connect to a device through the local USB port on the RC-10 or via remote connection
Set working mode as Online or Offline
Configure communication between the PC and the RC-10
Upload and download settings whilst online

Logs and field readings

CMS records field readings each time when it connects to a particular device which includes system status, event, change and operation logs.
The system status shows information on protection status, OSM position, UPS status, malfunctions, warnings, serial numbers and version numbers for relay, SIM and Panel modules inside the RC-10, ACO Status, I/O and logical variable status.
The event log records every event that occurs inside the RC-10 with ordering and filter facility.

Settings

The protection for Group Phase Overcurrent (OC), Negative Phase Sequence (NPS), Earth Fault (EF) and Sensitive Earth Faults can be managed through auto reclose mapping, protection curves and directional element configuration.
Facility to manage frequency and voltage protection settings
Measurement, UPS and load profile parameter settings enable configure RC-10 system itself
HMI settings allow users to enable or disable the buttons on the front of the panel to restrict what field staff can do without a password.
The switchgear calibration window used to calibrate the signals received from the tank to ensure correct readings within measurement specifications.
Manage communication port and protocols for RC-10 SCADA Interface
Enable, disable and configure all inputs and outputs of Relay module
Facility to define Logic expressions can be used to initiates actions, activates SCADA points or I/O to initiate actions and/or turn on other additional expressions

Administration

Manage users, their access privileges, system properties, database backup and restore

Result

CMS has enabled effective and efficient automation of configuration and interrogation of the RC-10 control cubicle remotely as well as locally. Now, the client can identify glitches in advance and hence reduced fault and operation downtime as well as if any fault occurs troubleshooting becomes easy and quick. This has exponentially reduced the risks arising due to faults and thus provided a very competent mechanized solution to the users.