1. Real-time surge detection and recording

The Surge BlackBox detects surges (overvoltage) occurring within substations in real time and records data such as the time, magnitude, direction, and frequency of occurrence. This enables accurate cause analysis and response to surge events.

2. Improved equipment protection and reliability

Sensitive smart electronic equipment (IEDs, etc.) within substations are at high risk of damage from lightning strikes, switching surges, etc.

Surge BlackBox effectively monitors and controls surges and provides status information on SPDs (surge protection devices), preventing damage to equipment and supporting stable operation of substations.

3. Remote monitoring and management

IEC 61850 is a substation automation and protection communication standard. The Surge BlackBox integrates with this standard, enabling data exchange and integrated management with other intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) within the substation. This significantly contributes to enhanced automation, reliability, and scalability throughout the substation.

Therefore, the IEC 61850 Surge BlackBox is a key device that prevents damage to equipment caused by surges in substations and systematically detects and analyzes surge occurrences to enable accident prevention and rapid response. It is essential for substations, power supply units, and operating systems.

 

When data from a Surge BlackBox (SBB) is integrated into Sequence of Events (SOE) data in an IEC 61850-based system , the SOE data gains the following enhancements and benefits:

1. Enhanced three-dimensional detection and recording of surge occurrences.

SBB detects and records surge occurrence time, magnitude, direction (internal/external), number of occurrences, leakage current, and SPD status information in real time, providing more detailed and multidimensional surge-related operation information than the existing SOE that simply records the event occurrence time and status.

2. Support for accurate accident cause analysis

• Including SBB's detailed surge data in SOE data will enable the tracking of the cause of accidents such as power grid and equipment damage and operational failures down to the location and flow of surge occurrence, which will be of great help in identifying the cause of failures and developing systematic response measures.

3. Combined with real-time remote monitoring and automatic alert functions.

• SBB transmits surge data in real time via the IEC 61850 network, which is then received by the SOE system and immediately reflected in the event sequence, accelerating the automatic alert and incident response process when anomalies occur.

4. Strengthening big data-based analysis and prediction

• As accumulated SBB data is accumulated in the SOE database and expanded into big data analysis, the effects of accident prevention and improved facility management, such as repetitive surge pattern analysis and potential risk prediction, will increase.

 

In summary, incorporating SBB data into SOE data when integrating IEC 61850 enhances the SOE's event logging capabilities with detailed information on surge occurrences and the ability to detect their direction. This enhances the accuracy of power incident cause analysis, enables rapid response to operational failures, and enables preventative maintenance. This significantly contributes to the enhanced reliability and stable operation of substations and power supply systems.

 

Cost savings compared to investment when introducing Surge BlackBox

• Installation Costs : Unlike traditional standalone devices, SBBs are integrated with the IEC 61850 standard, allowing network-based communication to reduce installation complexity and improve compatibility, which can lower initial installation costs.

• Maintenance Costs : Remote monitoring and automated health checks have the potential to significantly reduce maintenance costs, including fewer on-site visits and faster fault diagnosis.

• Long-term cost savings : Reduced downtime due to equipment damage prevention and faster incident response also contribute to cost savings.

 

The above is an explanation based on the characteristics of IEC 61850 and Surge BlackBox, and specific cost changes may vary depending on the installation environment, system size, and existing equipment status.