Abstract: A method for operating a power distribution system is provided. The power distribution system includes a plurality of components, and at least one node electronics unit coupled to at least one control processing unit. The method includes associating a unique identifier with at least one component class of the power distribution system, identifying each component based on the identifier, determining a specification associated with each identifier, and operating at least one of the node electronics unit and the control processing unit based on the determined specification.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a configuration of a redundant critical control system is provided. The method includes receiving power distribution system operating characteristic information, using a computer, determining a plurality of alternative configurations of the power distribution system that are consistent with the operating characteristic information and determining efficiency characteristics of each of the alternative configurations, and selecting a configuration from the plurality of alternative configurations. The system includes a computer system configured to receive power distribution system operating characteristic information, determine a plurality of alternative configurations of the power distribution system that are consistent with the operating characteristic information and determine life-cycle cost characteristics of each of the alternative configurations, and select a configuration from the plurality of alternative configurations.

Abstract: A method and system and a computer program for improving reliability of a centrally-controlled electrical protection system is provided. The method includes identifying at least one component of the centrally-controlled power distribution system, obtaining at least one of reliability data and reparability data for each at least one component of the centrally-controlled power distribution system, and constructing a reliability block diagram for each functional category. The computer system and computer program code segment are configured to implement the method for improving reliability of a centrally-controlled electrical protection system architecture based on sensitivity analysis.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling a power distribution system is provided. The system includes a plurality of circuit breakers and a plurality of node electronic units. Each node electronic unit is mounted remotely from an associated circuit breaker that is electrically coupled with one of the node electronic units. The system also includes a first digital network, and a first central control unit. The first central control unit and the plurality of node electronic units are communicatively coupled to the first digital network. The method includes receiving digital signals from each node electronic unit at the central control unit, determining an operational state of the power distribution system from the digital signal, and transmitting digital signals to the plurality of node electronic units such that the circuit breakers are operable from the first central control unit.