Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for performing a real-time, in-the-field switching-sequence simulation for a power system that includes a plurality of switching devices. During operation, the system receives a request, from a user at a handheld device, to perform an operation on a switching device in the power system. In response to the request, the system identifies the switching device from the plurality of switching devices, obtains instant status information associated with the plurality of switching devices, and runs a simulation, at the hand-held device, based on the instant status information and the identified switch device. The system then determines whether the operation is allowed based on an outcome of the simulation.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a computer system for preventing switching errors in a power system that includes a plurality of switching devices. The system includes a topology-extraction mechanism configured to extract topology information associated with the power system; a status database configured to store status information associated with the switching devices; a rule database configured to store user-definable operation rules associated with the switching devices; a receiving mechanism configured to receive a request for performing a switching operation on a device; a simulation mechanism configured to perform a simulation based on the extracted topology information, the status information, and a rule associated with the device; a determination mechanism configured to determine whether the switching operation is allowed based on an outcome of the simulation; and a display mechanism configured to display an output of the determination mechanism.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for performing a real-time, in-the-field switching-sequence simulation for a power system that includes a plurality of switching devices. During operation, the system receives, at a hand-held device, topology information associated with the power system, a set of user-definable rules, and a request to perform an operation on a switching device in the power system. In response to the request, the system identifies the switching device from the plurality of switching devices, obtains instant status information associated with the plurality of switching devices, and runs a simulation based on the topology information, the user-definable rules, the status information, and the identified switch device. The system determines whether the operation is allowed based on an outcome of the simulation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a lock-and-key system for an electrical power plant. The system includes a plurality of locks and a smart key. A respective lock is installed with a standardized lock core, and the lock is associated with a lock identifier (ID). The smart key includes a key head that matches the standardized lock core; a lock-ID detector configured to detect the lock ID; a rotation stopper which, when enabled, is configured to prevent rotation of the key head while the key head is inserted into the standardized lock core; and a control module configured to disable the rotation stopper based on the detected lock ID, thereby facilitating the smart key to unlock the lock by rotating the key head.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for performing a real-time, in-the-field switching-sequence simulation for a power system that includes a plurality of switching devices. During operation, the system receives a request, from a user at a handheld device, to perform an operation on a switching device in the power system. In response to the request, the system identifies the switching device from the plurality of switching devices, obtains instant status information associated with the plurality of switching devices, and runs a simulation, at the hand-held device, based on the instant status information and the identified switch device. The system then determines whether the operation is allowed based on an outcome of the simulation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for performing a real-time, in-the-field switching-sequence simulation for a power system that includes a plurality of switching devices. During operation, the system receives, at a hand-held device, topology information associated with the power system, a set of user-definable rules, and a request to perform an operation on a switching device in the power system. In response to the request, the system identifies the switching device from the plurality of switching devices, obtains instant status information associated with the plurality of switching devices, and runs a simulation based on the topology information, the user-definable rules, the status information, and the identified switch device. The system determines whether the operation is allowed based on an outcome of the simulation.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a computer system for preventing switching errors in a power system that includes a plurality of switching devices. The system includes a topology-extraction mechanism configured to extract topology information associated with the power system; a status database configured to store status information associated with the switching devices; a rule database configured to store user-definable operation rules associated with the switching devices; a receiving mechanism configured to receive a request for performing a switching operation on a device; a simulation mechanism configured to perform a simulation based on the extracted topology information, the status information, and a rule associated with the device; a determination mechanism configured to determine whether the switching operation is allowed based on an outcome of the simulation; and a display mechanism configured to display an output of the determination mechanism.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a lock-and-key system for an electrical power plant. The system includes a plurality of locks and a smart key. A respective lock is installed with a standardized lock core, and the lock is associated with a lock identifier (ID). The smart key includes a key head that matches the standardized lock core; a lock-ID detector configured to detect the lock ID; a rotation stopper which, when enabled, is configured to prevent rotation of the key head while the key head is inserted into the standardized lock core; and a control module configured to disable the rotation stopper based on the detected lock ID, thereby facilitating the smart key to unlock the lock by rotating the key head.