In step 2710, communicatively linking each of the one or more graphical objects m the schematic user interface layout to channels, database tags, or sensors configured to monitor the operational status of one or more pieces of electrical equipment represented by the one or more graphical objects including virtual system model status, analysis and simulation results. This can be accomplished by intelligently 1 inking the unique identifiers (e.g., equipment IDs) associated with each of the graphical objects/symbol blocks to their corresponding database files and creating a tag or communication channel with the same unique identifier to allow the files to be populated with data from the electrical equipment associated with each unique identifier. For example, a Graphical Object A with a unique identifier of “001” can be linked to the database file “A” which is associated with the “001” identifier. A communication channel “001” can then be opened to allow data, acquired from a piece of electrical equipment associated with the “001” identifier, to populate database file “A.”
The communication linkage between the graphical objects in the schematic user interface layout and the database(s) that store real-time data acquired from the virtual model or the operation of the electrical equipment allow the schematic user interface to dynamically represent fluctuations in the real-time health, performance, reliability and availability of the electrical system. For example, the buses and branches in the schematic user interface layout can be configured so that they change colors and/or become animated in response to the monitored real-time data of and/or predicted values for the electrical system during operation.