A communication coverage method for power tunnel operation and inspection

Abstract

This invention provides a communication coverage method for power tunnel operation and maintenance. The method includes the following steps: Step S1: Using a wired method, multiple integrated wireless junction boxes are deployed in the tunnel. The power optical cable in the tunnel is connected to the integrated wireless junction box. Data from the mobile terminals of operation and maintenance personnel and data collection points are received through the edge proxy receiver in the box, and the data is transmitted to the main station system through the optical cable in the tunnel; Step S2: Using a wireless method, integrated wireless manhole covers are simultaneously installed at the manhole openings of the tunnel; Step S3: After the edge proxies of the integrated wireless junction boxes form a MESH network, the collected data is sent to the integrated wireless manhole cover; Step S4: After the operation and maintenance personnel enter the tunnel, an unmanned inspection machine with an integrated wireless acquisition module is used outside the tunnel to conduct inspections, collect the signals sent by the integrated wireless manhole cover in real time, and then transmit the signals back to the main station system, thereby realizing the external communication channel for the operation and maintenance personnel in the tunnel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power tunnel communication technology, and in particular to a method for power tunnel operation and maintenance communication coverage. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the continuous expansion and rapid development of urbanization, the cabling of power cables in urban areas is becoming increasingly sophisticated. In economically developed regions, some cables have even been constructed with a three-layer structure above ground and three layers underground. Cable tunnels, in particular, are generally over 10 meters deep, with some reaching 50 meters. Furthermore, according to power cable tunnel construction specifications, the maximum distance between tunnel shafts in urban public areas can reach 200 meters. Uncontrollable emergencies such as poisoning from harmful gases, flooding, cable leakage, and other incidents occasionally occur within tunnels. Therefore, various sensors need to be deployed inside the tunnels to monitor the environmental conditions. However, data transmission from these sensors remains a significant challenge. Additionally, when maintenance personnel enter the tunnels for repairs, there is often no mobile phone signal, even immediately upon entering, which significantly impacts their communication and safety.

[0003] Currently, maintenance personnel typically use two methods to conduct external communications or transmit sensor data back:

[0004] The first method involves making phone calls from a location with mobile signal at the tunnel entrance. However, this approach has significant drawbacks. In case of an emergency, immediate communication is impossible, and it cannot guarantee the data transmission from fixed equipment at the collection point. Furthermore, many tunnels are located in suburban or outlying areas where carrier base station networks cannot provide coverage, thus hindering the effective resolution of the wireless backhaul problem.

[0005] The second approach involves building a complete new tunnel mini-base station system within the tunnel, ensuring multi-point deployment and access for communication. However, this approach has gradually revealed several problems in practice. First, the investment is too large, requiring the construction of a complete mini-base station system, including micro-antenna dishes, radio frequency units, baseband processing systems, core networks, etc., while also needing to solve the power supply issue. Second, this approach requires the extensive installation of micro-antenna dishes, radio frequency units, baseband processing systems, and other equipment in different sections of the tunnel, making implementation difficult and out of touch with the complex realities of tunnel conditions.

[0006] There is currently no good solution for communication between maintenance personnel inside the tunnel and the outside world. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to provide a power tunnel operation and maintenance communication coverage method that enables maintenance personnel inside the tunnel to communicate with the outside world, avoid loss of communication, and transmit collected data back.

[0008] This invention employs the following method: a communication coverage method for operation and maintenance of power tunnels, the method comprising the following steps:

[0009] Step S1: Using a "wired method", multiple integrated wireless junction boxes are installed in the tunnel. The power communication optical cable in the tunnel is connected to the integrated wireless junction box. The edge agent receiver of the integrated wireless junction box receives the data from the handheld mobile terminal of the operation and maintenance personnel. At the same time, it receives the data transmitted from the data collection point through Wi-Fi technology and transmits the collected data to the main station system through the optical cable in the tunnel.

[0010] Step S2: Using a "wireless method", the integrated wireless manhole cover is simultaneously installed on the manhole opening inside the tunnel;

[0011] Step S3: The integrated wireless junction box installed in the tunnel receives the handheld mobile terminal device of the maintenance personnel in the tunnel. The edge agent in the integrated wireless junction box uses LTE technology to form a MESH network and uploads the signal to the integrated wireless manhole cover for reception.

[0012] Step S4: After the maintenance personnel enter the tunnel, an unmanned inspection drone is used outside the tunnel. The drone integrates a wireless data acquisition module and collects signals transmitted by the integrated wireless manhole cover in real time through inspection. The signals are then transmitted back to the main station system or transmission layer network, thus establishing an external communication channel for the maintenance personnel inside the tunnel. This method provides "double insurance" for the signal through both wired and wireless communication for the maintenance personnel.

[0013] Furthermore, the integrated wireless junction box in step S1 includes a junction box shell and a junction box chassis. The junction box shell is mounted on the junction box chassis. The interior of the junction box shell is divided into left and right sections. The left section is equipped with a fiber optic tube winding device, with fiber optic tube clamps at both ends. A fiber storage tray is located on the right side of the fiber optic tube winding device. An edge proxy receiver is located in the right section of the junction box shell. The edge proxy receiver can accept WIFI and is used for MESH networking between edge proxies. An antenna is provided on the edge proxy receiver, which is embedded in a fiber optic cable conduit via optical fiber. By combining the "wired communication" of the left section and the "wireless communication" of the right section, a novel integrated junction box with mutual primary / backup switching is achieved.

[0014] Furthermore, the integrated wireless manhole cover in step S2 includes a manhole cover body, within which an antenna feeder is coiled and embedded. An integrated housing is located below the manhole cover body, housing a radio frequency unit and a baseband system. An optical fiber from the baseband system within the integrated housing leads to the integrated wireless junction box. The advantage of this invention is that the entire manhole cover forms a large contact surface antenna dish. However, due to its low position, the manhole cover cannot effectively transmit signals to distant fixed base stations. Therefore, this invention uses a drone with an integrated wireless acquisition module to collect signals, which are then forwarded to the nearest fixed base station, forming a complete communication chain.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention innovates two proprietary devices: 1. an integrated wireless manhole cover, and 2. an integrated wireless junction box. Combining these two proprietary devices creates a novel communication coverage method for power tunnel operation and maintenance. It employs a wired transmission method, synchronously transmitting data to the integrated wireless junction box via a MESH network. The integrated wireless junction box then transmits signals or data to the main station system via a dedicated power fiber optic cable within the tunnel. Simultaneously, it employs a wireless transmission method, transmitting data or wireless signals collected by the wireless junction boxes within the tunnel to the integrated wireless manhole cover via a MESH network between the junction boxes. An external drone then receives the signals and transmits them back to a high-altitude operator base station tower, thus "complementing" the data or wireless signal collection method and achieving "double insurance." This method allows for safe and flexible data collection, communication, and positioning at any point within the tunnel, while simultaneously solving a long-standing problem in tunnel operations. This invention is highly practical and can generate significant economic and social benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the method flow of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated wireless junction box.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the integrated wireless manhole cover. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the present invention provides a method for communication coverage during operation and maintenance of power tunnels, comprising the following steps: Step S1, an integrated wireless junction box 2 is arranged in tunnel 1, with one integrated wireless junction box 2 configured every 1 km in tunnel 1. The power communication optical cable 8 in tunnel 1 is connected to the integrated wireless junction box 2. The edge proxy receiver of the integrated wireless junction box 2 receives the signal from the handheld terminal or mobile phone device 5 of the operation and maintenance personnel, and simultaneously receives the data transmitted from data collection points (toxic gas monitoring 6, water immersion monitoring 7, etc.) through Wi-Fi technology, and transmits the collected data to the main station system through the optical cable 8 in tunnel 1; Step S2, an integrated wireless manhole cover 3 is simultaneously installed on the manhole opening; Step S3, the integrated wireless junction box 2 is used to transmit the data through the integrated wireless junction box 2 in tunnel 1. The junction box 2 receives signals 5 from handheld terminals or mobile phones of maintenance personnel inside tunnel 1. Through edge agents within the integrated wireless junction box 2, LTE technology is used for MESH networking, and the signals are uploaded to the integrated wireless manhole cover 3 for reception. In step S4, after maintenance personnel enter tunnel 1, an unmanned inspection drone 4 (normally charged and in standby mode via drone slot 41) is used outside tunnel 1. The drone 4 integrates a wireless acquisition module and collects signals transmitted by the integrated wireless manhole cover 3 in real time through inspection. The signals are then transmitted back to the remote base station signal tower 42, which in turn transmits the information back to the main station system or transmission layer network, thus establishing an external communication channel for maintenance personnel inside tunnel 1. This method provides dual signal protection for maintenance personnel through a "wired + wireless" communication method, ensuring their safety and providing comprehensive real-time and reliable communication within the tunnel, preventing personnel from losing contact.

[0022] Please continue reading. Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the integrated wireless junction box 2 in step S1 includes a junction box shell 21 and a junction box chassis 22. The junction box shell 21 is mounted on the junction box chassis 22. The interior of the junction box shell 21 is divided into left and right areas. The left area is provided with a fiber optic tube winding device 23. Fiber optic tube clamps 24 are provided at both ends of the fiber optic tube winding device 23. A fiber storage tray 25 is provided on the right side of the fiber optic tube winding device 23. An edge proxy receiver 26 is provided in the right area of ​​the junction box shell 21. The edge proxy receiver 26 can accept WIFI and is used for MESH networking between edge proxies 26. An antenna 27 is provided on the edge proxy receiver 26. The edge proxy receiver 26 is embedded in a fiber optic cable conduit 29 via an optical fiber 28. By combining the "wired communication" of the left area and the "wireless communication" of the right area, a novel integrated junction box with mutual primary and backup switching is realized.

[0023] Please continue reading. Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the integrated wireless manhole cover 3 in step S2 includes a manhole cover body 31, an antenna feeder 32 is coiled and embedded inside the manhole cover body 31, and an integrated box 33 is disposed below the manhole cover body 31. The integrated box 33 is provided with a radio frequency unit and a baseband system. The baseband system in the integrated box 33 leads out an optical fiber to the integrated wireless junction box 2. The integrated wireless manhole cover 3 forms an antenna dish with a large contact surface, but the manhole cover is positioned low and cannot effectively transmit signals to a distant fixed base station 42. Therefore, the present invention uses a drone 4 with an integrated wireless acquisition module to collect signals. After the signals are collected, they are forwarded to the nearest fixed base station 42 to form a complete communication chain.

[0024] In summary, data or wireless signals collected inside the tunnel are transmitted to the integrated wireless manhole cover via a MESH network. Signals are then received by an external drone and transmitted back to the operator's base station tower at a higher elevation. Simultaneously, the data or wireless signals are supplemented by a wired transmission method, using Wi-Fi or other wireless networks to transmit data from handheld terminals or collectors to the integrated wireless junction box. From there, the data is transmitted to the main station system via a dedicated power fiber optic cable within the tunnel.

[0025] The drone in this invention is a drone with an integrated wireless acquisition module, which is already well understood by those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0026] Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this invention, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this invention, shall fall within the protection scope of this invention. The above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this invention; all equivalent changes and alterations made within the scope of the claims of this invention shall be covered by this invention.

[0027] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible variations and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention using the disclosed methods and techniques without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for communication coverage during operation and maintenance of power tunnels, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: Step S1: Using a "wired method", multiple integrated wireless junction boxes are installed in the tunnel. The power communication optical cable in the tunnel is connected to the integrated wireless junction box. The edge agent receiver of the integrated wireless junction box receives the data from the handheld mobile terminal of the operation and maintenance personnel. At the same time, it receives the data transmitted from the data collection point through Wi-Fi technology and transmits the collected data to the main station system through the optical cable in the tunnel. Step S2: Using a "wireless method", the integrated wireless manhole cover is simultaneously installed on the manhole opening inside the tunnel; Step S3: The integrated wireless junction box installed in the tunnel receives the handheld mobile terminal device of the maintenance personnel in the tunnel. The edge agent in the integrated wireless junction box uses LTE technology to form a MESH network and uploads the signal to the integrated wireless manhole cover for reception. Step S4: After the maintenance personnel enter the tunnel, they use an unmanned inspection machine outside the tunnel. The unmanned inspection machine integrates a wireless acquisition module and collects the signals sent by the integrated wireless manhole cover in real time through inspection. The signals are then transmitted back to the main station system or the transmission layer network, thereby realizing the external communication channel for the maintenance personnel inside the tunnel. The integrated wireless junction box in step S1 includes a junction box shell and a junction box chassis. The junction box shell is mounted on the junction box chassis. The junction box shell is divided into left and right areas. The left area is equipped with a fiber optic tube winding device. Fiber optic tube clamps are provided at both the top and bottom ends of the fiber optic tube winding device. A fiber storage tray is provided on the right side of the fiber optic tube winding device. An edge proxy receiver is provided in the right area of ​​the junction box shell. The edge proxy receiver can accept WIFI and is used for MESH networking between edge proxies. An antenna is provided on the edge proxy receiver. The edge proxy receiver is installed with an optical fiber embedded in a fiber optic conduit. The integrated wireless manhole cover in step S2 includes a manhole cover body, in which an antenna feeder is embedded in a coiled manner. An integrated box is provided below the manhole cover body, and a radio frequency unit and a baseband system are provided in the integrated box. An optical fiber is led out from the baseband system in the integrated box to the integrated wireless junction box.

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