DC Systems

RTscada: Expert System

Advanced Artificial Intelligence

One of the most advanced, powerful features of RTscada is the data analysis subsystem. It provides a rule-based expert system which can analyze data in real-time. This state-of-the-art capability can be used for advanced analysis functions, such as:

• Automatic control functions, such as AGC and load shedding
• Fault isolation across multiple devices
• System modeling
• Intelligent alarm processing
• Outage analysis and automated restoration

Analysis, or inferencing, is performed by a series of rules. Each rule has an if-then-else structure. If the conditions in the "if" portion exist, the actions specified in the "then" portion are performed. Concepts are defined via classes, with individual objects defined for each class. Multiple objects can be referenced in a single rule using wildcards. Rule execution can be controlled using rule priorities and contexts. A set of rules that perform a particular function are grouped into a "knowledge base". A complete development environment is provided for developing and testing knowledge bases. The knowledge bases are then compiled for use in the real-time inferencing engine.

The inference engine is optimized for real-time data analysis. It can process up to 15,000 rules per second. Typical actions which are performed include:

• Automatic, unattended control
• Operator notification that a control action has (or will) occur
• Operator notification of abnormal conditions, with a suggested corrective action