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Runpower Transformer Substation Solutions
Development and Application of Cloud-Based Transformer Substation Monitoring System
This is the solution of the development and application of a cloud-based Transformer Substation monitoring system, outlining its structure and functionality in detail. The system, designed to enhance operational efficiency and transparency, integrates measurement and display capabilities seamlessly between a monitoring center and mobile phone clients. The results of its operation demonstrate its stability and reliability, providing staff with a clear and comprehensive overview of the Transformer Substation's operational status. This integration significantly improves work efficiency, enabling personnel to make informed decisions promptly and effectively.
Network Architecture of the Transformer Substation Monitoring System
The cloud-based Transformer Substation monitoring system leverages cutting-edge internet technology, cloud computing, computer science, and automation techniques to capture a comprehensive picture of power transmission and distribution. This system is capable of delivering timely alerts, anticipating potential failures, and offering protective measures. It enables both centralized and mobile terminal monitoring for convenient access and operational flexibility. The system's network architecture, as depicted in Figure 1, comprises various components such as individual Transformer Substations, monitoring stations, mobile terminals, engineer stations, cloud servers, cloud storage facilities, mobile communication networks, and GPRS communication servers, working together to ensure seamless and efficient operation.
Figure 1. System's network architecture for transformer substation
Architecture of the Internet-Based Smart Box Transformer Transformer Substation System
The comprehensive internet-based smart box transformer Transformer Substation system is divided into four integral parts: the field equipment layer, the communication layer, the cloud service, and the monitoring layer.
(1) Design of the Field Equipment Layer
The field equipment layer comprises smart box transformer Transformer Substation devices and monitoring instruments. The smart devices consist of high-voltage controllers, central load switches (or vacuum circuit breakers), transformers, low-voltage incoming cabinets, low-voltage feeders, and low-voltage compensation units. The monitoring instruments feature telemetry interfaces with online statistical capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring of parameters such as current, voltage, reactive and active power, frequency, and phase for the high-voltage cabinets, transformers, and low-voltage incoming and outgoing lines. Additionally, they gather statistics on the operational status of the distribution transformers.
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(2) Design of the Communication Layer
The communication layer is primarily composed of network controllers and communication networks, serving as the bridge for data exchange. It collects, categorizes, and transmits information from the field equipment while relaying control commands from the upper-level system to the field devices. The network controller manages communication among various smart instruments in the field and provides remote data transmission capabilities, enabling data forwarding to two or more data centers. The communication network can utilize wired or wireless transmission methods, with RS485 bus communication for smart instruments in wired setups and wireless transmission methods such as GPRS for scenarios where wiring is impractical or specific requirements exist.
(3) Design of the Cloud Service
The cloud service functions as the operational hub of the entire system, responsible for data collection, storage, and computation. The scale of the cloud service is determined based on the number of transformer Transformer Substations.
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(4) Design of the Monitoring Layer
The station control layer serves as the direct interface for human-machine interaction for Transformer Substation managers and represents the topmost component of the system. It comprises system software and necessary hardware equipment, including monitoring computers, printers, and mobile terminals (such as smartphones and tablets). The monitoring computer oversees all operational statuses and alerts of the transformer Transformer Substation, while mobile terminals enable operators to remotely receive, process, and forward data, facilitating simple system management, maintenance, and analysis.
Key Technologies of Cloud-Based Transformer Substation Monitoring Systems
Network Communication Technology
The communication in cloud-based Transformer Substation monitoring systems primarily involves wired and wireless communication methods. Wired communication relies on cables as the transmission medium, necessitating increased investment in the transmission media as the distance increases. This typically involves the use of fieldbus and RS-485 bus systems.
Fieldbus-connected systems enable digital bidirectional transmission, making them highly suitable for connecting power equipment and intelligent systems within Transformer Substation boxes. The typical working environment within the boxes is often complex, with severe electromagnetic interference and numerous communication points. The intelligent Transformer Substation system modules typically work collaboratively, requiring frequent information exchange. Fieldbus networking offers flexibility, fast and reliable communication, meeting the internal communication requirements of smart Transformer Substation boxes.
However, due to the long communication distances between smart Transformer Substation boxes and monitoring centers, which often require managing multiple boxes, the use of fieldbus can present challenges such as inconvenient wiring, high upfront investment, and complex maintenance. Therefore, fieldbus is not suitable for communication between smart Transformer Substation boxes and monitoring centers.
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RS-485 bus is an improved communication method based on ordinary serial communication. Due to its low transmission rate and poor anti-interference capability, it is suitable for transmitting small amounts of data in environments with minimal surrounding changes. It can be used for limited data transmission within the Transformer Substation boxes and for monitoring center control data transmission. However, it is not suitable for data transmission between smart Transformer Substation boxes and monitoring centers.
Wireless communication, on the other hand, does not require communication lines, offering simplified installation and rapid communication. Modern wireless communication systems generally operate in duplex mode, enabling communication in remote and power-outage areas as long as wireless signals can reach. This makes it an optimal choice for communication between smart Transformer Substation boxes and monitoring centers.
GPRS communication is a form of wireless communication. Developed based on GSM, GPRS is a wireless communication method suitable for long-distance information transmission. It offers advantages such as real-time online access, pay-per-use pricing, strong adaptability, wide data bandwidth, and extensive network coverage. It is particularly suitable for infrequent, intermittent, and occasional bursts of large data transmissions, making it well-suited for meeting the data transmission requirements of smart Transformer Substation systems. With the continuous development of GPRS technology, it has found widespread application in many fields, providing an option for communication between smart Transformer Substation boxes and monitoring centers.
GPRS communication utilizes packet switching technology, combining the basic functions of GSM with high-speed data transmission. This provides GSM users with packet-based data services for high-speed data transmission. The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network is layered, with each layer performing unique functions. The topmost layer incorporates error and flow control, reducing overhead for the intermediate network layer and enhancing transmission speed. Data transmission security is also crucial, with service levels set at specific points in the network transmission to restrict data access to authorized users only.
As a widely used communication method, GPRS allows multiple transmission channels to be used concurrently by a single user for increased speed, or a single channel to be shared by multiple users, efficiently utilizing wireless communication resources. Implementing remote data reception and transmission using GPRS technology involves pay-per-use pricing based on transmission volume, enabling long-term online access at low cost while meeting user requirements. The key features of GPRS communication include the utilization of packet switching technology, support for high-rate data transmission, rapid connection to any communication network, and the ability to handle both occasional large data transmissions and intermittent burst transmissions.
Cloud Services and Cloud Computing Technology
The processed data is transmitted through the GPRS network to the cloud server, whence it is further relayed using cloud technology to both the upper-level computer and mobile terminals. Cloud computing refers to the enhancement, utilization, and delivery models of internet-based services, often involving the provision of dynamically scalable and frequently virtualized resources via the internet. By deploying enterprise data centers and applications on public clouds, businesses can significantly reduce their upfront investments and operational expenses.
Mobile Terminal Application Technology
The advancement of mobile communication technology represents a significant industrial revolution. The evolution of device intelligence has transformed mobile devices into handheld computers, replacing wired connections with wireless ones and smartphones with traditional computers. In contrast to traditional analog, digital, and wired network surveillance systems, wireless network monitoring represents a complete technological shift. Wireless network monitoring systems utilize cutting-edge mobile communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G networks, for transmitting surveillance data. This allows users to consolidate information from multiple monitoring locations and access it anytime, anywhere, on a single mobile device.
Given the current trends, the development of mobile monitoring is becoming increasingly mature, benefiting from various factors. Among them, the evolution of mobile terminal devices and advancements in networking technology are two crucial elements driving the growth of remote monitoring. Nowadays, personal smartphones and tablets can be considered handheld personal computers, with CPUs evolving from single-core to dual-core and multi-core configurations, RAM continuously increasing, and the operational speed of mobile terminals constantly improving. Moreover, mobile terminal products are continuously being refined, resulting in increasingly powerful intelligent mobile devices.
A mobile terminal, also known as a client, is an embedded software installed on smartphones or other mobile devices based on Android or iOS systems. Mobile products equipped with this software are referred to as mobile terminals or clients. This software primarily consists of four components: data reception, network communication, data analysis, and pan-tilt-zoom control.
The Sanlian Chemical Plant in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, is a significant user with a high electricity demand in the city. To cater to its needs, we developed a monitoring system for its 35KV Transformer Substation, providing real-time monitoring services to the Hohhot Power Supply Bureau. The implementation scheme of the monitoring system is illustrated in Figure 2, the hardware configuration of the data acquisition system is depicted in Figure 3, and the monitoring interface on mobile terminals is shown in Figure 4.
The communication management unit retrieves data from the primary system of the Sanlian Chemical Plant's 35KV Transformer Substation, while wireless temperature monitors measure the cable temperatures for phases A, B, and C. This data is then transmitted to the programmable controller RPC2107N module, which processes both non-switching and switching data such as voltage, current, and frequency. The processed data is further transmitted to Alibaba Cloud via a GPRS module. Both PC and mobile devices can access this data from the Alibaba Cloud server using respective software, enabling the monitoring of the user's system status.
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Application Example of Cloud-Based Transformer Substation Monitoring System
Figure 2. Implementation scheme of 35KV substation monitoring system
Figure 3. Runpower PLC data acquisition station
Figure 4. Mobile terminal monitoring interface Codesys PLC
PC software or mobile applications display real-time cable temperatures through the wireless temperature monitors. The wireless temperature sensors, Wtem751, measure the temperatures of cables in phases A, B, and C. These temperatures are transmitted to the wireless temperature monitor Aptem200 via ZigBee communication, which displays the temperatures of each phase in real-time. Simultaneously, the temperature data is transmitted to Alibaba Cloud, allowing users to view the status of cable temperatures on their mobile devices and PCs at any time.
Clients on mobile and PC platforms generate historical curves based on the cable temperatures for each phase. Users can observe the changes in cable temperature over a specified period through these temperature curves and also view the temperature status at any given point in time. The layout of temperature sensors is depicted in Figure 5, the temperature monitoring parameters are shown in Figure 6, and the temperature monitoring curves are presented in Figure 7.
Figure 5. Temperature sensors on site
Figure 6. Temperature monitoring parameters
Figure 7. Temperature Curves
PLC control system Guarantee the transformer substations for power systems
The automation system of Transformer Substations serves as a crucial guarantee for the safe and stable operation of the power system. The automation of the monitoring system lies at the heart of achieving automation in Transformer Substations. Since the integration of computer and network technologies into the monitoring system, the level of automation in Transformer Substations has significantly improved. Computer monitoring systems have profoundly transformed the operational management model of the power system, laying a solid foundation for the realization of unattended operation in Transformer Substations.
The computer monitoring system in Transformer Substations, centered on computer and network technologies, integrates control, measurement, and surveillance functions into a unified system. Once implemented, the Transformer Substation monitoring system can continuously oversee the Transformer Substation 24 hours a day, eliminating the need for regular inspections by staff, thereby saving human resources and reducing labor intensity.
After the deployment of the user-side distribution network monitoring system, it achieves the integration of measurement, display, and control functions between the monitoring center and mobile clients. This allows personnel to have a clear overview of the operational status of the Transformer Substation, significantly enhancing work efficiency.
Such a convenient, fast, and effective monitoring method greatly improves the reliability of Transformer Substation operations. Furthermore, the introduction of the user-side distribution network monitoring system will significantly enhance the quality of power supply, ultimately leading to higher economic benefits.
Industries Served
RUNPOWER PLC has been applied in a wide range of industries and automation processes, including those mentioned above such as coal mining, public railway automation, metal processing, water treatment, Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, heating industry, transformer substations, smart factories, and so on.
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Runpower is a high-tech enterprise in automation industries, specializes in a multitude of core technologies including computing, communication, signal processing, embedded software, system monitoring software, industrial internet, and automatic control. Renowned for our RPC3000 series PLC, RPC2000 series PLC, and various specialized automation products, our solutions find widespread applications across industries such as coal, metallurgy, power, petrochemicals, municipal services, transportation, environmental protection, construction, water conservancy, and agriculture. Emphasizing independently developed automation products and an in-depth understanding of industry applications, Runpower offers comprehensive automation solutions encompassing system planning, design, product development, and technical services. Leveraging our technological strengths, we foster deep collaboration with clients and partners, collectively enhancing competitive advantages within the industry chain. Committed to delivering high-quality products and efficient services, we strive for sustainable and healthy company growth, continuously elevating core competitiveness and brand value. Awarded the title of "Top Ten Emerging Companies in China's Automation Field" by the China Automation Society in 2016 and listed in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's comprehensive application program for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) in the Industrial Foundation Strengthening Project in 2018, Runpower possesses a rich technical background and extensive work experience in product development, production management, quality control, market promotion, industry application, and technical services. Learn more