Knowledge-based engineering and computer vision for configuration-based substation design

• Published in: Frontiers in mechanical engineering Vol. 9
• Main Authors: Nordvall, Erik, Wiberg, Anton, Tarkian, Mehdi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 17.04.2023
• Subjects: computer-aided design; knowledge-based engineering; product configuration system; substation design; template matching; template matching; computer-aided design; product configuration system; substation design; knowledge-based engineering
• ISSN: 2297-3079; 2297-3079
• DOI: 10.3389/fmech.2023.1154316

Introduction: As the increase in electrification poses new demands on power delivery, the quality of the distribution system is paramount. Substations are a critical part of power grids that allow for control and service of the electrical distribution system. Substations are currently developed in a project-based and manually intensive manner, with a high degree of manual work and lengthy lead times. Substations are primarily sold through tenders that are accompanied by an inherent need for engineering-to-order activities. Although necessary, these activities present a paradox as tender processes must be agile and fast. To remedy this shortcoming, this article outlines a knowledge capture and reuse methodology to standardize and automate the product development processes of substation design. Methods: A novel framework for substation design is presented that implements knowledge-based engineering (KBE) and artificial intelligence methods in computer vision to capture knowledge. In addition, a product configuration system is presented, utilizing high-level CAD templates. The development has followed the KBE methodology MOKA. Results: The proposed framework has been implemented on several company cases where three (simplified) are presented in this paper. The framework decreased the time to create a 3D model from a basic electric single line diagram by performing the identification and design tasks in an automated fashion. Discussion: Ultimately, the framework will allow substation design companies to increase competitiveness through automation and knowledge management and enable more tenders to be answered without losing engineering quality.