Network Management Systems

SELLA CONTROLS’ approach to supplying a Network Management System (NMS) is to provide Rail Network Operators with advanced tools to analyze, plan, test, execute, monitor and manage the electrical network. Facilities include the scheduling and organization of maintenance works, electrical isolations and changes in feeding arrangements.

Using the open architecture, power and flexibility of TLSCADA and SELLA CONTROLS’ approach to providing NMS software, we can implement scalable systems containing significant advances in total integration, providing the user with facilities for:

  • Network Management Information System
  • Traction Power Control System
  • Intelligent Assets Management
  • Incident Analysis
  • Operational analysis for performance monitoring and forecasting
  • Intranet/internet links for direct transfer of information within the organization and to external service suppliers
  • Management and integration of extended infrastructure documentation throughout the organization

The NMS can be supplied as a standalone application or fully integrated with SELLA CONTROLS’ latest advanced control software solution, TLSCADA, which provides the traditional front line control and monitoring of the electrical traction supplies.

The NMS contains a model of the live electrical network, within which is modelled each circuit breaker, manual switch, bus bar, wire and electrical subsection. Rules are configured within the model, for example to test for illegal feeding arrangements and to detect feeding irregularities. In addition, each Operator has their own model that allows independent testing of isolations and changes in feeding. Typical functional capabilities are:

Analysis of the Network
Using detailed operational data from the live system, long term logging in the NMS Event Log provides enhanced analysis and reporting capability for both Operators and Maintainers. The database allows at least the last year’s events to be accessible online for analysis and report generation. Operators can define their own analysis criteria, or can select from a range of predefined reports that include diverse subjects such as communications availability and circuit breaker trip analysis. All report and analysis results are directed automatically into word-processed documents for future distribution and collation.

Planning Isolations
Operators can plan isolations, based upon the standard rules and procedures, and verify these isolations against either the current state of the network or the default standard state of the network.

The NMS automatically determines which circuit breakers and manual switches are required to effect the isolation of selected subsections. The Operators can modify the isolation details if required, for example if the current electrical feeding is such that the standard rules for isolation are ineffective.

Once verified and tested on the model, an isolation can be saved for future use and can be scheduled to occur over a particular time interval. Further testing ensures that concurrent or consecutive isolations do not interact in a detrimental manner. Operational information can be included, such as the nominated person, main contractor and agreed earthing points. Standard forms are generated automatically and inserted into the document management system, dynamically creating the necessary document structure and hyperlinks.

Workflow can be aided by automatic routing of verified isolation documents to authorities for approval/modification, with a strict versioning mechanism applied.

Condition Monitoring
Long term recording of plant operation and a database of plant parameters enable the condition of plant to be monitored and preventative maintenance to be planned in advance with appropriate timing. Integration with intelligent third-party systems allows access to additional detailed plant information such as the calculated distance to a fault.

Document Management
The fully integrated document management system provides Operators with instant hyperlink access to both drawings and the automatically generated isolation forms. All isolation diagrams, isolation instructions, feeding diagrams and control room instructions are maintained within a Document Management system. The addition of geographic data, maintenance instructions and pictures enables complete maintenance information to be passed to personnel of proven capability, with the option of internet access.

  • Reduced outage and downtime
  • Improved decision making processes
  • Improved dissemination of information and faster access, leading to improved safety