System and method for monitoring and analyzing power line broadband data
By using a multi-purpose power interface and sensor system to monitor and predict the health status of the BPL link in real time, the problem of inaccurate monitoring by traditional power interfaces is solved, and the reliability and troubleshooting capabilities of power and digital communication are realized.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE BOEING CO
- Filing Date
- 2019-09-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Traditional power interfaces cannot quickly and accurately monitor the health status of BPL links, BPL modems, and other electrical and network components, resulting in insufficient reliability of power and high-speed digital communication in harsh operating environments.
Employing a multi-purpose power interface and sensor system, it collects power quality and load management data via the BPL data link, characterizes electrical conductors using time-domain reflectometers and frequency-domain reflectometers, and displays health status through big data analytics and a user interface, enabling real-time monitoring and prediction of electrical and network components.
It improves the reliability of power and high-speed digital communications in harsh environments, supports rapid troubleshooting and predictive maintenance, and ensures robust assessment and health prediction of electrical and network systems.
Smart Images

Figure CN116647255B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201910922606.3, filed on September 27, 2019, entitled "System and method for monitoring and analyzing broadband power line data". Technical Field
[0002] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring and analyzing electrical and network components. More specifically, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring, sensing, managing, and analyzing data characterizing power line broadband (BPL) links, BPL modems, and other electrical and network components, wherein said data is collected at a multipurpose power interface. Background Technology
[0003] Cables and connectors used to connect vehicles (e.g., aircraft) to ground power units are used in harsh environments, such as airports, where they are subjected to weather, corrosive chemicals, fluctuations in temperature and humidity, moisture, and physical damage from ground carts, refueling trucks, and catering vehicles that sometimes run over the cables. Over time, these harsh environments can cause cables and connectors to fail. Typically, extensive troubleshooting is required to isolate faulty connections between the ground power unit and the aircraft.
[0004] Systems operating on vehicles can generate and receive vast amounts of data. For example, in the case of aircraft, advanced avionics, in-flight entertainment systems, catering systems, passenger systems, and other onboard systems generate and / or utilize large volumes of data. As a specific example of an aircraft, onboard monitoring systems, such as engine monitoring systems, generate substantial amounts of data. Engine monitoring data can include, for example, compression ratio, revolutions per minute, temperature, vibration, and other engine operating data. Furthermore, in-flight entertainment systems used in aircraft can also involve large amounts of data, such as terabytes of data from a set of movies.
[0005] BPL can be used to transmit data over electrical links, such as cables connecting vehicles to ground power units. BPL allows for relatively high-speed digital data communication over distribution lines by using higher frequencies, wider frequency ranges, and technologies distinct from other forms of power line communication, thus providing higher data rates. A BPL link can be used as part of a power interface that electrically and communicatively couples a ground power unit to a vehicle such as an aircraft. However, conventional power interfaces at the vehicle end of the power interface (e.g., plugs or connectors that connect power interface cables to vehicles such as aircraft) provide little indication of the electrical power or the health of the data communication link.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved technology to quickly and accurately monitor the health status of BPL links, BPL modems, and other electrical and network components at a multipurpose power interface in order to enhance the reliability of power and high-speed digital communications in harsh operating environments. Summary of the Invention
[0007] This disclosure relates to a method, system, and apparatus for monitoring and analyzing data collected at a multipurpose power interface (MPI) for a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft). Specifically, this data includes BPL data collected at a connector operable to connect the MPI to the vehicle. The method, system, and apparatus use standard network monitoring applications and processes to quickly and accurately monitor the health status of the BPL link, BPL modem, and other electrical and network components at the MPI.
[0008] A system for collecting and monitoring data at a power interface includes a multi-purpose power interface configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled to a vehicle via multiple power line broadband (BPL) data links. The system also includes multiple sensors configured to collect power quality data and load management data for the multiple BPL data links and the multi-purpose power interface. The multi-purpose power interface includes a user interface, a processor, and a memory. The memory has instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the multi-purpose power interface to perform operations. These operations include receiving power quality data and load management data from the multiple sensors. These operations also include determining the functional health status of the multi-purpose power interface and the multiple BPL data links based on the power quality data and load management data. These operations further include sending the functional health status, power quality data, and load management data to a data storage device. These operations also include indicating and predicting the functional health status in the user interface.
[0009] In another embodiment, the system includes one or more of a time-domain reflectometer (TDR) and a frequency-domain reflectometer (FDR) configured to collect power quality data by characterizing electrical conductors in multiple BPL data links.
[0010] In another embodiment, the multipurpose power interface further includes: a detachable adapter comprising a user interface, a wireless communication interface, a wired communication interface, and a plurality of pins for a connector electrically and communicatively coupling the multipurpose power interface to the vehicle via a plurality of BPL data links; and a ground power interface connector configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled to the vehicle via a ground power unit. In yet another embodiment, the ground power interface connector is configured to provide alternating current (AC) power to the vehicle when the vehicle's engine is off.
[0011] A computer-implemented method for collecting and monitoring data at a power interface is also disclosed. The method includes receiving power quality data and load management data from multiple sensors operable to collect power quality data and load management data for multiple power line broadband (BPL) data links and a multipurpose power interface operable to be electrically and communicatively coupled to a vehicle via the multiple BPL data links. The method also includes determining the functional health status of the multipurpose power interface and the multiple BPL data links based on the power quality data and load management data. The method further includes transmitting the functional health status, power quality data, and load management data to a data storage device. The method also includes indicating the functional health status in a user interface.
[0012] A system for collecting and monitoring data from a power interface connector is also disclosed. The system includes multiple sensors configured to collect power quality data and load management data for multiple power line broadband (BPL) data links and a multipurpose power interface configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled to a vehicle via the multiple BPL data links. The system also includes a server comprising a display device, a processor, and a memory storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the server to perform operations. These operations include receiving power quality data and load management data from the multiple sensors via communication links. These operations also include determining the functional health status of the multipurpose power interface and the multiple BPL data links based on the power quality data and load management data. These operations also include storing the functional health status, power quality data, and load management data in the memory. These operations also include displaying the functional health status in a user interface on the display device.
[0013] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and interpretive, and not restrictive, of the current teachings for which protection is sought. Attached Figure Description
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary operating environment according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary operating environment including a multipurpose power interface connected to a vehicle and a ground power system.
[0016] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary multipurpose power interface connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary multipurpose power interface connector including a user interface for displaying the status of electrical and network characteristics.
[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary detachable adapter for a multipurpose power interface connector according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the multipurpose power interface connector including a user interface for displaying the status of electrical and network characteristics.
[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary system for monitoring electrical and network components according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary system architecture for monitoring electrical and network components according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary system component for connecting a multipurpose power interface to a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] Figure 7 A flowchart is shown of a method for monitoring and analyzing BPL data collected at the connector of a multipurpose power interface according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0022] Figure 8 A flowchart is shown of a method for performing predictive analysis using collected sensor data and BPL data according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computing system that can be used in conjunction with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] It should be noted that some details in the accompanying drawings have been simplified and drawn for ease of understanding, rather than maintaining strict structural accuracy, detail, and proportion. Detailed Implementation
[0025] This teaching will now be referred to in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are consistently used to denote the same elements. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of it, and specific examples of practicing this teaching are illustrated therein. Therefore, the following description is merely exemplary.
[0026] The systems and methods disclosed herein monitor components and data network components of a power system by using standards-based network monitoring applications and processes to collect sensor data with the aid of existing electrical infrastructure, such as BPL modems and communication links.
[0027] These systems and methods utilize enhanced connectors (e.g., smart stinger connectors or plugs) for multipurpose power interfaces (e.g., stinger cables) that connect vehicles (e.g., aircraft) to ground systems (e.g., grounded power systems). The connectors maintain full functionality and communicability at all times and do not require connection to any vehicle (e.g., aircraft) to determine the health of the stinger cable. These systems and methods also provide robust assessment of the functionality of the multipurpose power interface, thus making it easier to isolate and correct communication problems (e.g., faults or failures) if detected. The embodiments disclosed herein support reliable ground operations (e.g., airport operations), improve troubleshooting, and ensure identification and notification of responsible organizations for corrective action. In some embodiments, big data analytics (e.g., predictive analytics) ensures proactive notification of responsible organizations when a failure of monitored equipment is predicted. Such embodiments enable proactive support for monitored equipment. These systems and methods enhance network security and reliability of power and high-speed digital communications in harsh operating environments (e.g., airports). The systems and methods disclosed herein monitor and analyze the health and performance of the interface between the ground network and the aircraft systems without requiring the aircraft to be connected and communicating with the ground network. In this case, monitoring includes using local storage devices (e.g., in the connector's storage device or memory) to collect sensor data until a reconnection occurs. After a reconnection, some implementations subsequently transmit the locally stored data along with a timestamp about the situation that occurred when the data connection becomes unavailable.
[0028] The systems and methods disclosed herein monitor and analyze BPL data collected at the connector of a multipurpose power interface (MPI) to detect and predict the health status of components in electrical and network systems. More specifically, the systems and methods disclosed herein monitor electrical and network systems at enhanced connectors (e.g., improved power probe plugs) of MPIs. Some implementations use a time-domain reflectometer (TDR) or a frequency-domain reflectometer (FDR) to characterize the electrical conductors in the MPI connector. As understood by those skilled in the art, a TDR is an electronic instrument that uses time-domain reflectometry, while an FDR is an electronic instrument that uses frequency-domain scanning to characterize and locate faults in electrical conductors (e.g., cables (e.g., coaxial cables) and other wires). TDRs or FDRs can also be used to locate discontinuities in electrical connectors, printed circuit boards, and other types of electrical paths. These systems and methods provide real-time functional status of components in the monitored electrical and network systems at the user interface at the MPI or at the user interface of a computing device communicatively coupled to the MPI connector but remote from the connector. In some embodiments, the connector of the multipurpose power interface includes a display device, such as a touchscreen display device or an LCD screen, for displaying the real-time functional status of components of the electrical and network systems. In additional or alternative embodiments, the connector of the multipurpose power interface indicates the functional status of monitored components of the electrical and network systems by illuminating multi-color light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and strobe lights. For example, such embodiments may use LEDs to indicate healthy data and electrical connections.
[0029] These systems and methods also flag conditions that could lead to failure. Additionally, they collect sensor data and store historical readings of this data to enable big data analytics. Such big data analytics can be used to predict conditions that could lead to future events based on patterns in historical data and known past events (e.g., component failures and electrical connection failures). In this way, data monitoring and analysis performed by these systems and methods enable health prediction of components in monitored electrical and network systems. These systems and methods are also characterized by cross-checking the impedance characteristics of power supplies and the electrical load characteristics of vehicles (e.g., aircraft).
[0030] These systems and methods monitor and analyze electrical and data health information and present the results (e.g., the functional health status of data links) to users, such as mechanics or ground staff plugging in a multipurpose power interface connector into a vehicle. In some embodiments, these results are displayed in a user interface at the connector where the multipurpose power interface is connected to the vehicle (e.g., a user interface-enhanced probe plug). These embodiments continuously provide functional health status information to the vehicle (e.g., an aircraft). In additional or alternative embodiments, these systems and methods also monitor and analyze power quality information. According to some embodiments, the analysis of power quality information is similar to grid health monitoring. These electrical and data monitoring capabilities, along with health status indications, also enable data analysis and extend fault detection capabilities to predict power and data connections for multipurpose power interfaces (e.g., probe cables).
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary operating environment 100 for monitoring and analyzing network components and electrical components according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the operating environment 100 includes a multipurpose power interface 110 that connects to an exemplary vehicle 120 and an exemplary ground power system 130.
[0032] exist Figure 1 In the example, the multipurpose power interface 110 is a cable connected to a vehicle 120, which is an aircraft. However, in other embodiments, various different types of vehicles may be used as the vehicle 120 in the disclosed methods and systems, including but not limited to air vehicles (e.g., airplanes, helicopters, drones, and other aircraft), space vehicles (e.g., spacecraft and satellites), land vehicles (e.g., locomotives, tanks, trucks, cars, motorcycles, electric bicycles, and other land-based motor vehicles), and maritime vehicles (e.g., ships, vessels, and other vessels).
[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 120 (e.g., an aircraft) includes a connector 140 mounted on the outer surface of the body (e.g., fuselage) of the vehicle 120, making the connector 140 easily accessible to ground personnel. The connector 140 of the vehicle 120 includes a plurality of receptacles for mating with one end 160 of a multipurpose power interface 110.
[0034] One end 160 of the multipurpose power interface 110 includes a connector 150 (see, for example, see...). Figure 2 Connector 150 and connector housing 250). Connector 150 includes multiple pins (see, for example, see...). Figure 2Pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 1 The other end 170 of the multi-purpose power interface 110 is connected to the ground power system 130. Although in Figure 1 In the exemplary operating environment 100, the ground power system 130 is schematically illustrated as a ground power vehicle, but components of the ground power system 130 may be integrated into other physical components, such as at aircraft doors, or integrated into a jetway or jet bridge system at an airport or air force base.
[0035] When the vehicle 120 is on the ground, ground crew connect the connector 150 of the multipurpose power interface 110 to the connector 140 of the vehicle 120 so that the connector 150 is electrically and communicatively coupled to the connector 140 of the vehicle 120.
[0036] In some embodiments, connector 150 is operable to be electrically and communicatively coupled to vehicle 120 via a BPL data link. In addition to providing an electrical and communicative connection between vehicle 120 and ground power system 130, connector 150 is also configured to monitor components of the electrical and network systems. In some embodiments, this monitoring can be performed regardless of whether connector 150 is connected to vehicle 120. For example, before connector 150 is connected to vehicle 120, connector 150 can report its own health status and network health status. Figure 1 As shown, the terrestrial power system 130 may include multiple communication network interfaces 104 for exchanging communications via the terrestrial network 102 using any communication protocol capable of enabling broadband communication. In one example, the terrestrial network 102 may be embodied as an Internet Protocol (IP) network.
[0037] Similarly, some monitoring can be performed on whether connector 150 is connected to the ground power system 130. For example, when disconnected from one or both of the vehicle 120 and the ground power system 130, connector 150 can detect this from a sensor (not shown, but see...). Figure 5 Data is acquired by the handheld BPL modem 511 and the endpoint BPL modem 514 in the connector 150. These sensors are configured to monitor and collect data characterizing the functional health of the electrical conductors and data link within the connector 150 itself. In some embodiments, local storage devices (e.g., memory or storage devices within the connector 150) can be used when the connector is disconnected from the terrestrial power system 130 to store relevant data until reconnection to the terrestrial power system 130 occurs.
[0038] When connector 150 is connected to vehicle 120, the monitored components include components of the electrical and network systems on vehicle 120. For example, connector 150 may be configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled to vehicle 120 via a BPL data link. In such an implementation, connector 150 may receive power quality and load management data from sensors configured to collect such data for transmission over the BPL data link at vehicle 120 and for use by connector 150 itself. When connector 150 is connected to terrestrial power system 130, the monitored components may include electrical and network components within terrestrial power system 130. In various implementations, connector 150 transmits the received power quality and load management data to a remote storage device or data repository for analysis via a data link in multipurpose power interface 110. In some implementations, this analysis may include using big data analytics techniques to determine the respective functional health status of the monitored network and electrical components based on sensor data received by connector 150. Such sensor data may include historical data received and stored over time by the connector or other storage devices. The analysis may also include determining the functional health status of the AC power line (e.g., a reacharm AC line) when connector 150 is not connected to aircraft vehicle 120 and when connector 150 is connected to aircraft vehicle 120, based on received sensor data. In some embodiments, this data may be forwarded to a centralized network monitoring application. In additional or alternative embodiments, the analysis may also include real-time monitoring and management of BPL modem operation and modem links. The analysis may also include using data analysis to determine the health history of the reacharm AC line. See below for reference. Figure 2 In more detail, the analysis results (e.g., the functional health status of network and electrical components) can be displayed in real time at connector 150 via LED status indicators on the user interface (e.g., see [link]). Figure 2 In the user interface 290, the LED status indicator is mounted at the connector 150 (e.g., a probe connector) so that personnel at the aircraft interfaced with the connector 150 can immediately determine the functional health status. In some embodiments, the connector 150 may include application software with a graphical user interface (GUI) to view real-time analysis of the functional health status of the connector 150 (e.g., probe health status) and the functional health status of network components such as BPL modems (e.g., the operational status of the BPL modem). According to alternative or additional embodiments, this functional health status may also be printed as a report and viewed or printed using an interactive GUI operable to accept user input to provide the user with the ability to control parameters that the user wishes to print or view.
[0039] As will be referred to below Figure 2 In more detail, the multi-purpose power interface 110 may include optical components (e.g., one or more optical fibers or fiber optic cables) and power components (e.g., conductive materials). For example, connectors 140 and 150 may include optical components (e.g., optical fibers or cables) and power components (e.g., conductive materials). During operation, data is transmitted back and forth between at least one onboard system (not shown) on the vehicle 120 and components in the ground power system 130 via connectors 140 and 150 and the multi-purpose power interface 110. Furthermore, power is supplied from the ground power system 130 to at least one onboard system (not shown) on the vehicle 120 via connectors 140 and 150 and the multi-purpose power interface 110.
[0040] In various embodiments, at least one airborne system of the vehicle 120 may include various types of systems, including but not limited to avionics systems, aircraft control domain systems, aircraft information systems, video surveillance systems, in-flight entertainment systems, and / or mission systems. In at least one embodiment, the data includes at least one of aircraft control domain data (e.g., avionics data, flight management computer data), aircraft information system data (e.g., weather data, aircraft status data, ambient temperature data, wind speed data, runway position data, flight descent altitude data), or in-flight entertainment data (e.g., movie data, music data, and game data).
[0041] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the vehicle 120 may include more than one type of vehicle. Figure 1 The single connector 140 is shown. In one embodiment, separate multi-purpose power interfaces 110 at connector 150 are connected to connectors 140 of vehicle 120 respectively. In other embodiments, the multi-purpose power interfaces 110 at connector 150 can be connected to more than one terrestrial power system 130. In this embodiment, components of the electrical and network systems are monitored by the multi-purpose power interfaces 110 at connector 150, and the monitored data is sent to a central data storage device or data repository for analysis. When connector 150 is not connected to the terrestrial power system 130, the monitored data is stored in a local data storage device at connector 150. For example, if connector 150 is temporarily disconnected from the terrestrial power system 130, data collected from sensors is stored in a local memory or storage medium at connector 150 until reconnection to the terrestrial power system 130 occurs.
[0042] Figure 2 This illustrates at least one embodiment. Figure 1A schematic diagram 200 of an exemplary user interface 290 for a connector 150 of a multipurpose power interface 110 is shown. As shown in schematic diagram 200, the exemplary multipurpose power interface connector 150 includes a user interface 290 for displaying the status of electrical and network characteristics. To generate, store, and display the results presented in the user interface 290, the connector may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) and a local data storage device (not shown, but see [reference needed]). Figure 9 The processor unit 904 and storage device 916 are included. For example, connector 150 may include an integrated processor-based current / voltage / temperature / magnetic field strength sensor (e.g., a multimeter with a thermometer and magnetometer), a BPL modem, and an embedded flat panel display device, as well as locally hosted data collection and analysis capabilities using local storage and an embedded CPU. In an exemplary embodiment, user interface 290 may include LEDs illuminated in a colored pattern (e.g., red flashing to indicate a fault or passive circuit).
[0043] Connector 150 is mounted (e.g., mated) to connector 140 of vehicle 120 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown). Connector 150 includes a housing 250 with a user interface 290, an insulating base 260, and sidewalls 270 extending around the base 260. According to some embodiments, housing 250 may also include a machine-readable optical barcode, such as a Quick Response Code (QR code) or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag that can be read and used to uniquely identify the multipurpose power interface 110 and connector 150.
[0044] exist Figure 2In the alternative or additional embodiments shown, connector 150 may include wireless communication interface 292 for wirelessly communicating with a mobile device (not shown) running application software for displaying an extended version of user interface 290 on the display of the mobile device. For example, the mobile device may be a smartphone or tablet that executes the application software to render / present / render a version of user interface 290 on the display of the mobile device on an ad-hoc basis or in an infrastructure mode. Wireless communication interface 292 may communicate wirelessly with the mobile device using one or more wireless communication protocols or technologies, including Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE, Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, Wi-MAX, Near Field Communication (NFC) protocols, or any other suitable wireless communication protocol. For example, the wireless communication interface 292 can be implemented as a radio transceiver integrated into the housing 250 and operable to wirelessly exchange data with application software running on a smartphone or tablet device. Specifically, depending on the required communication range, the wireless communication interface 292 can communicate over several different types of wireless networks. For example, short-range wireless transceivers (e.g., Bluetooth or NFC), mid-range wireless transceivers (e.g., Wi-Fi), and / or long-range wireless transceivers can be used, depending on the type or range of communication.
[0045] like Figure 2 As further shown, connector 150 may also include an external wired communication interface 294 integrated within housing 250 and usable for connection to a portable detachable device providing a user interface. In some embodiments, wired communication interface 294 may be used to send data to a portable device displaying an extended version of user interface 290. Wired communication interface 294 may be used to communicate with the portable device using one or more communication protocols or technologies, including Internet Protocol (IP), Serial Connection Protocol, or any other suitable communication protocol. In some embodiments, the portable device may include a BPL modem that can communicate directly with connector 150 or via a BPL modem included in connector 150. Furthermore, for example, the portable device may include a power sensor as an alternative to using an internally residing sensor in connector 150. Additionally, for example, the portable device may be implemented as a detachable AC power sensor that includes a BPL modem and a rendering... Figure 2The display device is an extended version of the user interface 290 shown. In various embodiments, the portable device can be connected to connector 150 via wireless communication interface 292 or wired communication interface 294. That is, the portable device can have wired or wireless interconnection to connector 150. In various embodiments, the portable device can host and execute standalone applications, which can access customized extensions of a centralized network monitoring solution, or it can run customized applications for the metrics required by the application. According to some embodiments, the application can print or view current, historical, or predicted health status based on the results of data analysis (e.g., predictive analytics).
[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the user interface 290 includes status indicators 290a, 290b, 290c, 290d, 290e, and 290f, which indicate the corresponding functional health status of electrical and network components. In some embodiments, the status indicators 290a, 290b, 290c, 290d, 290e, and 290f are LEDs that can be illuminated in certain modes (e.g., color, flashing, pulse) to indicate functional health status corresponding to the characteristics of electrical and data links. Figure 2 In the example, status indicators 290a, 290b, 290c, 290d, 290e, and 290f indicate the functional status of data (DATA) (e.g., data data), time (TIME), fiber (FIBER) (e.g., a fiber data link with a current data transmission rate of 127 megabits per second (Mbps), voltage (VOLTAGE), current (CURRENT), and phase A (PHASE A) (e.g., the voltage of one phase of a three-phase alternating current (AC) line).
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, in response to determining that the BPL data link of connector 150 is healthy (e.g., operating within the expected data rate range), the processor of connector 150 can cause the status indicator 290a to light up green. Additionally, for example, in response to determining that one or more BPL data links of connector 150 are operating below the expected data rate range (e.g., unhealthy), the processor of connector 150 can cause the status indicator 290a to pulse yellow. Furthermore, for example, in response to determining that most (or all) of the BPL data links of connector 150 are operating below the expected data rate range, the processor of connector 150 can cause the status indicator 290a to flash red.
[0048] like Figure 2As shown, six pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b extend from the base 260 of connector 150. Each pin 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b includes a straight-tip power section (with an outer conductive ferrule of a conductive material such as aluminum, copper, or steel as a metallic element) 280a, 280b, 280c, 280d, 280e, and 280f and an optical data link core section (which includes at least a single strand of single-mode or multimode optical fiber, or alternatively configured separately as a gigabit-range Ethernet port with a copper and fiber optic cable combination) 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d, 240e, and 240f. The optical portions 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d, 240e, and 240f of each of pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b extend within and coexist with the electrical portions 280a, 280b, 280c, 280d, 280e, and 280f of pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b (e.g., flush with them). Alternatively, connector 150 may include only conductive material pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b, without an optical data link core portion.
[0049] In one or more embodiments, the electrical portions 280a, 280b, 280c of pins 210a, 210b, 210c transmit alternating current (AC) power to vehicle 120 (i.e., each of the three pins 210a, 210b, 210c has a different sinusoidal phase). Pin 220 is a neutral pin and operates as ground. Pins 230a and 230b are interlocking pins used to ensure that pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220 of connector 150 are properly positioned (e.g., mated) within the receptacle of connector 140 of vehicle 120. Therefore, during operation, to prevent the multipurpose power interface 110 from being energized before the connector 150 is fully inserted into the connector 140 of the vehicle 120, interlock pins 230a and 230b will prevent the grounded power system 130 from supplying power to the multipurpose power interface 110 and the vehicle 120 until pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b are fully inserted into the socket of the connector 150. The shorter length of interlock pins 230a and 230b ensures that the longer pins 210a, 210b, 210c, and 220 of the connector 150 are fully inserted into the socket of the connector 140 of the vehicle 120. This protective feature provided by interlock pins 230a and 230b can mitigate arcing (e.g., prevent arcing in connector 150 to aircraft vehicle 120) and provide safety for ground crew (e.g., prevent ground crew from being shocked by handling a loose, energized multipurpose power interface 110). According to some embodiments, a protective shield may be present around the portable device.
[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, in response to determining that the power portion of connector 150 (e.g., a conductive portion including a conductive material) is providing a voltage within a expected voltage range (e.g., whether the provided voltage is 115 + / - 5 volts AC (Vac)), the processor of connector 150 can cause status indicator 290d to light up green. Furthermore, for example, in response to determining that one or more power portions of connector 150 are not providing a voltage within the expected voltage range, the processor of connector 150 can cause status indicator 290d to pulse yellow. Additionally, for example, in response to determining that most power portions of connector 150 are not providing a voltage within the expected voltage range, the processor of connector 150 can cause status indicator 290d to flash red.
[0051] In another exemplary embodiment, in response to determining that the current (e.g., amperes) supplied by the multipurpose power interface 110 is approximately the expected current (e.g., the amperes are within the normal range of the load curve indicated in the load management data), the processor of connector 150 can cause the status indicator 290e to light up green. Furthermore, for example, in response to determining that the current (e.g., amperes) supplied by the multipurpose power interface 110 is slightly lower than the expected current (e.g., the amperes are below the normal range), the processor of connector 150 can cause the status indicator 290e to pulse yellow. Additionally, for example, in response to determining that the current (e.g., amperes) supplied by the multipurpose power interface 110 is significantly lower than the expected current, the processor of connector 150 can cause the status indicator 290e to flash red. According to some embodiments, the behavior of the portable device is configurable, enabling customization of how the portable device operates and whether it is implemented as a standalone device or as an extension of a centralized system.
[0052] In yet another exemplary embodiment, in response to determining that the phase separation from the power supplied by the multipurpose power interface 110 is approximately an expected phase separation, the processor of connector 150 can cause the status indicator 290f to light up in green. Similarly, for example, in response to determining that the phase separation from the power supplied by the multipurpose power interface 110 is not an expected phase separation, the processor of connector 150 can cause the status indicator 290f to flash red.
[0053] When the vehicle 120 is on the ground, the connector 150 is electrically connected to at least one onboard system (not shown) on the vehicle 120, and more specifically, each pin 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a and 230b is connected to at least one such onboard system to provide power via power sections 280a, 280b, 280c, 280d, 280e and 280f. Additionally, each pin 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b is connected to at least one such onboard system to enable communication (e.g., data transmission) via electrical components (e.g., BPL links) 280a, 280b, 280c, 280d, 280e, 280f and / or via optical components (e.g., data communication via fiber optic cables) 240a, 240b, 240c, 240d, 240e, 240f. Regardless of whether connector 150 is electrically connected to vehicle 120, the user interface 290 of connector 150 is capable of displaying the functional health status of network and electrical components. For example, when connector 150 is disconnected from vehicle 120, user interface 290 can still be accessed via multi-purpose power interface 110. Figure 1The ground power system 130 is connected to interlock pins 230a and 230b, which use a DC remote power supply to power the embedded components in connector 150, thereby displaying the functional health status of electrical and network components. Once connector 150 is connected to vehicle 120, connector 150 can read impedance, receive load management data, and obtain additional diagnostic and sensor data from vehicle 120. Such data can be used for predictive maintenance and troubleshooting of network and electrical components on vehicle 120.
[0054] The specific configurations of connector 150 and user interface 290 can vary widely depending on the specific vehicle 120 and airborne system involved. Figure 2 The connector 150 and user interface 290 shown are merely exemplary. For example, the size, number, and arrangement of status indicators 290a, 290b, 290c, 290d, 290e, and 290f can vary depending on the number and type of features and components to be monitored. Additionally, the user interface 290 can be embodied as a touchscreen display device or a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other suitable flat panel display device integrated into the housing 250. For example, an embedded touchscreen display device integrated into the housing 250 of the connector can be used to present the user interface 290 and accept user input from the connector 150. Furthermore, for example, the size and number of pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b can vary. The specific arrangement of pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b can also vary. Furthermore, the material of the selected connector 150 can depend on the specific environment in which the vehicle 120 operates.
[0055] Figure 3 This illustrates one or more embodiments of a device for... Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram 300 of an exemplary detachable adapter 350 of a multipurpose power interface 110. For the sake of brevity, only the differences in this figure compared to previous or subsequent figures are described below.
[0056] According to certain implementation methods, the above references Figure 1 and Figure 2 All the capabilities of the described connector 150 are built into the detachable adapter 350. For example, as Figure 3As shown, the detachable adapter 350 includes a wireless communication interface 292, a wired communication interface 294, and a user interface 290 for displaying the status of electrical and network characteristics. Specifically, the user interface 290 and status indicators 290a, 290b, 290c, 290d, 290e, and 290f configured to indicate the corresponding functional health status of electrical and network components are integrated into the housing of the detachable adapter 350.
[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, six pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b extend from the base of the removable adapter 350. (Refer to the above reference.) Figure 2 Each of the pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b comprises a straight-tip power portion (with an outer conductive collar of a conductive material such as aluminum, copper, or steel as a metallic element) and an optical data link core portion (which comprises at least a single strand of single-mode or multimode optical fiber, or alternatively configured separately as a gigabit-range Ethernet port with a copper and fiber optic cable assembly). The optical portion of each of the pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b extends within and co-extends with the power portion of the pin 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b (e.g., flush with it). Alternatively, the detachable adapter 350 may comprise only the conductive material pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b without the co-extending optical portion.
[0058] Pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b extending from the base of the detachable adapter 350 are adapted for placement (e.g., mating) in a vehicle (not shown, but see [reference]). Figure 1 The connector 140 of the vehicle (vehicle 120) includes a corresponding socket or outlet (not shown), which further includes plugs 388a-f, for electrically and communicatively coupling the multipurpose power interface 110 to the vehicle via a detachable adapter 350. Similarly, corresponding pins of the pins 380a-f of a standard connector 355 (e.g., a standard probe connector) are adapted to be housed in corresponding sockets 384a-f at one end of the detachable adapter 350. In some embodiments, the standard connector 355 does not include fiber optic capability or optical components. Figure 3As shown, a standard connector 355 is attached to one end 160 of the multipurpose power interface 110 and connected to a detachable adapter 350 via pins 380a-f. The detachable adapter 350 is then attached to a connector 140 of the vehicle via pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b. That is, with the standard connector 355 at one end 160, the detachable adapter 350 can be used to electrically and communicatively couple one end 160 of the multipurpose power interface 110 to the vehicle. In this way, Figure 3 The detachable adapter 350 shown can be used to connect the above reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The monitoring, analysis, and reporting capabilities of the described connector 150 are provided to the standard connector 355, which lacks such capabilities and does not include a user interface 290.
[0059] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system 400 for monitoring electrical and network components (e.g., components of an aircraft network). Figure 4 In this example, system 400 works with ground-based vehicles 120 (e.g., aircraft) at locations such as airports, factories, maintenance facilities, etc. As used herein, the term "airport" refers to any location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, airships, or other aircraft take off and land. System 400 includes an electrical system or ground-based power system 130 (e.g., a ground-based power unit) that supplies power to the aircraft vehicle 120. In this exemplary embodiment, ground-based power system 130 is a mobile, land-based electric vehicle that selectively supplies power to aircraft vehicles parked at or near an airport. In one embodiment, ground-based power system 130 may be a conventional power delivery system used at an airport. Ground-based power system 130 is coupled to vehicle 120 when vehicle 120 is parked or docked (e.g., when aircraft vehicle 120 is parked at an airport). Figure 4In one example, a multipurpose power interface 110 (e.g., a power probe cable) couples vehicle 120 to ground power system 130 via connector 150 (e.g., a probe connector at vehicle 120) and ground power interface connector 450 (e.g., another probe connector at ground power system 130). In some embodiments, ground power interface connector 450 is operable to electrically and communicatively couple multipurpose power interface 110 to vehicle 120 via ground power system 130 (e.g., a ground power unit). In one embodiment, ground power system 130 provides 400 Hz power to vehicle 120 (e.g., an aircraft) via multipurpose power interface 110. For example, ground power interface connector 450 may be configured to provide alternating current (AC) power to aircraft vehicle 120 when the aircraft vehicle's engines are off. However, in alternative embodiments, any suitable power may be provided to a particular type of vehicle 120 via multipurpose power interface 110. In some embodiments, the vehicle 120 includes an onboard BPL modem 411 capable of communicating via a multi-purpose power interface 110. More specifically, in Figure 4 In an exemplary embodiment, the onboard BPL modem 411 is coupled to connector 150 via coupler 410 (e.g., an inductive or capacitive coupler). The onboard BPL modem 411 is capable of communicating with an offboard BPL modem 414 included in the ground power system 130. The onboard BPL modem 411 can act as a repeater by simultaneously communicating with the offboard BPL modem 414 and other onboard BPL modems 411 that may be in the vehicle 120. Figure 4 In the example, when vehicle 120 is parked, the onboard BPL modem 411 is communicatively coupled to the onboard network 418, such as, but not limited to, in-flight entertainment systems, avionics systems, flight control systems, electronic flight bags, and cabin systems.
[0060] exist Figure 4In the exemplary embodiment shown, the terrestrial power system 130 includes an offline BPL modem 414 coupled to a coupler 416 (e.g., an inductive or capacitive coupler). Coupler 416 inductively or capacitively couples the offline BPL modem 414 to a multipurpose power interface 110. Coupler 416 also transmits communication signals to the multipurpose power interface 110. The terrestrial power system 130 also includes a computing device 422 capable of directly communicating with vehicle 120 to transfer data to an onboard network 418. In this exemplary embodiment, the offline BPL modem 414 is also coupled to a multi-communication network interface 104, which is communicatively coupled to a terrestrial network 102. For example, in one embodiment, the multi-communication network interface 104 is a ground-side interface for sending data to / from the terrestrial network 102. The multi-communication network interface 104 can be wirelessly coupled to the terrestrial network 102 via a wireless transceiver or physically coupled to the terrestrial network 102 via a wired connection. It should be noted that the multi-communication network interface 104 can use any protocol capable of enabling broadband communication to communicate with the terrestrial network 102. In one example, the terrestrial network 102 can be embodied as an Internet Protocol (IP) network.
[0061] exist Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiments shown, vehicle 120 receives power from ground power system 130 via multipurpose power interface 110 and sends or receives data communications to or from terrestrial network 102 via the same interface. In some embodiments, vehicle 120 communicates via onboard BPL modem 411 using the TCP / IP communication protocol within the network, but any other suitable data communication protocol may be used. In some embodiments, encryption is employed to further protect communication between vehicle 120 and terrestrial network 102 and / or computing device 422. For example, according to some such embodiments, data communications are encrypted using protocols such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Secure Shell (SSH), Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS), or other encrypted communication protocols. Received power is distributed to power bus 428.
[0062] exist Figure 4 In the alternative or additional embodiments shown, the terrestrial power system 130 may include a wireless interface 492 for wireless communication with a mobile device (not shown) (e.g., via encrypted communication), which runs application software for displaying results of monitoring the electrical and network components of the system 400. For example, the mobile device may be a smartphone or tablet that executes application software to present [the results] on the mobile device's display. Figure 2Version 290 of the user interface is shown. Wireless interface 492 can communicate wirelessly with mobile devices using one or more wireless communication protocols or technologies, including TDMA, CDMA, GSM, EDGE, W-CDMA, LTE, Advanced LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-MAX, NFC, or any other suitable wireless communication protocol. For example, wireless interface 492 can be implemented as a radio transceiver integrated into terrestrial power system 130 and configured to wirelessly exchange data with application software running on a smartphone or tablet device. More specifically, depending on the required range for communication, wireless interface 492 can communicate via several different types of wireless networks. For example, short-range radio transceivers (e.g., Bluetooth or NFC), mid-range radio transceivers (e.g., Wi-Fi), and / or long-range radio transceivers can be used, depending on the type or range of communication. The application software can be a standalone application running on a mobile device or a mobile client (e.g., a web-based client) of a centralized application hosted by application server 424.
[0063] like Figure 4 Additionally, as shown, the terrestrial power system 130 may also include an external wired interface 494, which can be used to connect to a portable, detachable device providing a user interface. In some embodiments, the wired interface 494 may be used to send data to a display. Figure 2 The portable device is an extended version of the user interface 290 shown. The wired interface 494 can be used to communicate with the portable device using one or more communication protocols or technologies, including Internet Protocol (IP), Serial Connection Protocol, or any other suitable communication protocol. In one example, the portable device can be implemented as a disconnectable AC power sensor, which includes a BPL modem and a rendering... Figure 2 The user interface 290 shown is an extended version of the display device. In various embodiments, the portable device can be connected to the terrestrial power system 130 via a wireless interface 492 or a wired interface 494. That is, the portable device can have wired or wireless interconnection with the terrestrial power system 130.
[0064] The terrestrial network 102 can be communicatively coupled to application server 424 (e.g., a server or server farm hosting one or more applications). The one or more applications may include standalone applications for monitoring customized status (e.g., specific parameters or characteristics of monitored electrical or network components). Although in Figure 4Only a single application server 424 is shown, but it should be understood that system 400 may include multiple servers 424. Application server 424 may be operated by an airline or entity that owns, leases, or operates vehicle 120. Alternatively, application server 424 may be operated by a third party such as an airport, vehicle manufacturer, and / or vehicle service provider. For example, application server 424 may be coupled to terrestrial network 102 via a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and / or the Internet. Application server 424 may send and receive data to and from vehicle 120. For example, application server 424 may provide software and / or firmware updates to components of vehicle 120, such as cabin system software, electronic flight bag (EFB), and avionics software. Application server 424, or standalone applications running on application server 424, may also provide content such as music, movies, games, and / or Internet data (such as cached web page content) to the in-flight entertainment system on aircraft vehicle 120. In one implementation, system 400 is used to transmit data between vehicle 120 and ground-based network 102 during a quick-turn. As used herein, the term "quick-turn" refers to a rapid turn (i.e., less than 40 minutes) of an aircraft vehicle at a gate during passenger disembarkation and boarding. During a quick-turn, the content of application server 424 or a standalone application running on application server 424 can be refreshed, and data stored on onboard server 426 during flight can be transmitted to ground-based network 102.
[0065] although Figure 4 The diagram illustrates ground power system 130 coupled to multipurpose power interface 110 via offline BPL modem 414; however, it should be understood that other configurations enabling offline BPL modem 414 to function are also possible. For example, when vehicle 120 is directly coupled to ground power system 130 via multipurpose power interface 110, offline BPL modem 414 can wirelessly communicate with onboard modem 411. As another example, offline BPL modem 414 can be configured to wirelessly communicate with vehicle 120 via computing device 422, while simultaneously communicating via multipurpose power interface 110 when power is supplied to vehicle 120 from ground power system 130.
[0066] In some embodiments, vehicle 120 includes a vehicle system interface unit 432 capable of communicating via a multipurpose power interface 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle system interface unit 432 is coupled to connector 150 together with an onboard BPL modem 411. In other or alternative embodiments, the vehicle system interface unit 432 is coupled to a separate connector (e.g., a separate probe connector) along with the onboard BPL modem 411. Other embodiments may include the vehicle system interface unit 432 without the onboard BPL modem 411. The vehicle system interface unit 432 is communicatively coupled to multiple vehicle (e.g., aircraft) data buses 434 via one or more BPL data links. The data buses 434 may include any data bus carrying information on vehicle 120 and may include an onboard network 418.
[0067] The vehicle system interface unit 432 is connected to multiple data buses 434 to receive data from the data buses 434. The vehicle system interface unit 432 asynchronously multiplexes the received data and converts it into Ethernet packets for transmission to the ground power system 130 via the multi-purpose power interface 110. The ground power system 130 includes a network communication interface 420. Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, network communication interface 420 includes a ground-side vehicle system interface unit 432. In additional or alternative embodiments, network communication interface 420 includes a ground-side aircraft system interface unit, distinct from vehicle system interface unit 432. Network communication interface 420 receives Ethernet packets sent by vehicle system interface unit 432 and decodes the data back to its original format. Although network communication interface 420 is shown as being within ground power system 130, in other embodiments it is separate from ground power system 130. Furthermore, the connection between vehicle system interface unit 432 and network communication interface 420 can be made via a cable such as a multipurpose power interface 110, which provides power and data communication to vehicle 120 (e.g., a BPL link acts as a power cable capable of such power transmission and data communication). Although data is described as being transmitted from vehicle system interface unit 432 to network communication interface 420, it should be understood that data can be transmitted in both directions (i.e., data can be packetized and transmitted from network communication interface 420 to vehicle system interface unit 432).
[0068] Network communication interface 420 outputs decompressed data to auxiliary system 438. In an exemplary embodiment, auxiliary system 438 is a functional test unit (FTU). The FTU includes multiple devices for testing vehicle systems (e.g., aircraft systems), monitoring vehicle systems, providing sensor simulations, etc. In some embodiments, auxiliary system 438 may be a computing device configured to receive data from network communication interface 420 for testing, monitoring, analysis, fault detection, fault diagnosis, simulation, etc. According to such an embodiment, auxiliary system 438 receives power quality data and load management data collected by sensors within system 400. These sensors may be configured to perform preprocessing of at least one of the power quality data or load management data. This preprocessing may include signal processing of voltage, current, frequency, or other parameters of electrical signals detected and measured by the sensors. This preprocessing may include identifying harmonics, modulation, power factor, or other suitable types of parameters. Sensors may store at least one of the power quality data or load management data in raw form (e.g., raw sensor data) or preprocessed form. Sensors may send this data to one or both of connector 150 and application server 424 in response to an event. In one implementation, the event may be, for example, an expression of a timer, a data request from connector 150 or application server 424, or some other suitable event.
[0069] In additional or alternative implementations, power quality data and load management data collected by sensors are received at connector 150, where this data is analyzed and used to determine and display (e.g., in...). Figure 2The user interface 290 shows the functional health status of the multipurpose power interface 110 and the functional health status of the BPL data link used to electrically and communicatively couple the multipurpose power interface 110 to the vehicle 120. Such power quality data and load management data may include, for example, characteristics of electrical and network components in system 400 (e.g., one or more electrical conductors in the multipurpose power interface 110, onboard BPL modem 411, offline BPL modem 414, power bus 428, and data bus 434). For example, power quality data may include one or more of the following: voltage, current, frequency, power, reactive power, power factor, voltage harmonics, current harmonics, total harmonic distortion, amplitude voltage modulation, frequency voltage modulation, current demand amplitude, current demand frequency modulation, voltage ripple amplitude, current ripple amplitude, current ripple frequency, voltage ripple frequency, power interruption, magnetic field density (MFD), or other power quality parameters that can be used to determine the functional health status of the BPL data link. Similarly, load management data may include, for example, one or more of the following: load identifier, current demand harmonics, current demand amplitude, current frequency modulation, ripple current amplitude, ripple current frequency, load impedance information, load power factor, source impedance, impedance matching optimization, MFD, phasor measurement, impedance, or other load management parameters related to the electrical load of vehicle 120.
[0070] In other embodiments, the auxiliary system 438 may be a transceiver that is communicatively (wired or wirelessly) coupled to the terrestrial network 102 to transmit data to a remote location coupled to the terrestrial network 102.
[0071] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary system architecture 500 for monitoring electrical and network components according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0072] As shown in the figure, system architecture 500 includes application server 424. Although Figure 5 Only a single application server 424 is shown, but it should be understood that the system architecture 500 may include multiple application servers 424. One of the application servers 424 can act as a standalone device with custom applications. These application servers 424 can provide various applications to analyze and display the sensing, monitoring, and management of electrical and network components. Such sensing may include receiving power quality data and load management data from multiple sensors configured to collect data for network and electrical components (such as, but not limited to, those included in...). Figure 5The multipurpose power interface 110 shown contains power quality data and load management data for the BPL data links and AC power lines. These sensors may include one or more time-domain reflectometers (TDRs) and frequency-domain reflectometers (FDRs) configured to collect power quality data by characterizing electrical conductors in the multiple BPL data links. In some embodiments, these sensors may also include one or more optical time-domain reflectometers (OTDRs) configured to collect load management data by characterizing one or more fiber optic gigabit data links in the multipurpose power interface 110. In various embodiments, these sensors may also include one or more accelerometers, humidity sensors, ammeters, voltmeters, ohmmeters, MFD detectors, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, handheld BPL modems 511, and endpoint BPL modems 514. The endpoint BPL modem 514 in connector 150 can act as a repeater by simultaneously communicating with an offline BPL modem 414 and another onboard BPL modem 411, possibly in vehicle 120.
[0073] Sensors can be configured to detect at least one of current, voltage, or frequency as power quality data of an electrical component of system architecture 500. Current parameters are examples of load management data. Exemplary current parameters detected and measured by sensors may include single-phase alternating current (AC), three-phase alternating current (AC), or direct current (DC). Other load management data used in system architecture 500 along with current may include, for example, the source configuration on aircraft vehicle 120 at the time the current is recorded. This source configuration can be determined by monitoring the source current using one or more sensors. Sensors can be configured to perform preprocessing of power quality data and load management data. Examples of such preprocessing may include signal processing of voltage, current, frequency, or other parameters of electrical signals detected and measured by sensors. This preprocessing may include identifying harmonics, modulation, power factor, or other suitable types of parameters. Sensors may store at least one of power quality data or load management data in raw or preprocessed form (e.g., preprocessed sensor data). Sensors may send this data to one or more of connector 150 and application server 424 in response to an event. In some implementations, an event may include an expression of one or more timers (e.g., a timer for periodically requesting polling sensor data), a data request from connector 150 or application server 424, or some other suitable event.
[0074] Application server 424 can host big data analytics applications capable of performing predictive analytics using historical sensor data (e.g., measured and stored power quality data and load management data, as well as other sensor readings). Such predictive analytics can be used to identify fault-related patterns in historical data and then predict or forecast potential future faults based on current sensor data. In some implementations, raw sensor data is grouped for transmission between the sensor, connector 150, and application server 424. Big data analytics performed by application server 424 can use inductive statistics and concepts derived from nonlinear system identification to infer rules or laws (e.g., regression, nonlinear relationships, and causality) from large sensor datasets with low information density to perform outcome predictions on network and electrical components in system architecture 500. For example, application server 424 can host applications that predict future faults and failures of network components (e.g., BPL modems) and electrical components (e.g., electrical conductors, BPL link connectors). Application server 424 can also host displays on a display device (not shown, but see...). Figure 9 The GUI displays the functional health status and prediction results of network and electrical components on the display device 914.
[0075] System architecture 500 also includes a terrestrial network 102. In some embodiments, the terrestrial network 102 may be embodied as an intranet providing Ethernet networking to communicatively couple application server 424 to ground power system 130 (e.g., ground power unit). Figure 5 As shown, the terrestrial power system 130 includes an offline BPL modem 414 and a coupler 416 (e.g., an inductive or capacitive coupler). The offline BPL modem 414 (e.g., a ground-side BPL modem or a power line communication (PLC) modem) serves as a front-end host unit and provides interconnection with the terrestrial network 102.
[0076] The offline BPL modem 414 can be coupled to coupler 416. Coupler 416 can be embodied as an inductive or capacitive coupler, operable to couple the offline BPL modem 414 to one phase of the AC power line (e.g., a cantilever AC line) included in the multipurpose power interface 110 (e.g., a probe cable). According to some embodiments, since the multipurpose power interface 110 typically includes all three phases, coupling to two AC phases is preferred because the BPL signal is subsequently further induced into the third phase. These AC power lines in Figure 5These are labeled AC phase 1, AC phase 2, and AC phase 3. In some embodiments, the ground power system 130 is located at the aircraft stand for the aircraft vehicle 120 and provides the vehicle 120 with three-phase 120V AC power at 500Hz (or 400Hz) via AC power lines.
[0077] System architecture 500 also includes a multi-purpose power interface 110, which can provide four-phase 120V AC 500Hz circulating power to the aircraft when connected to the ground power system 130 and the aircraft vehicle 120 via connectors 150 and 140 of the vehicle 120. In some embodiments, connector 150 is embodied as a probe-type cable to the aircraft plug, which connects the multi-purpose power interface 110 to the power distribution unit (PDU) 513. Figure 5 In the example, PDU 513 is the aircraft electronics and equipment (EE or E&E) bay within the aircraft vehicle 120. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, PDU 513 may be located outside the vehicle 120. Figure 5 As shown, PDU 513 includes an onboard BPL modem 411 (which is another PLC controller) and a coupler 515 (e.g., an inductive or capacitive coupler) configured to couple the onboard BPL modem 411 to a phase of an AC power line (e.g., a cantilever AC line) included in a multipurpose power interface 110 (e.g., a cantilever cable). The onboard BPL modem 411 acts as an endpoint / server or as a repeater, providing interconnection with the terrestrial network 102 (and, when used as a repeater in repeater mode, with...). Figure 6 (Interconnection of AC outlet 614). As shown, vehicle 120 may include an Ethernet drop 518 from an onboard BPL modem 411, which provides Ethernet communication within the aircraft vehicle 120.
[0078] As shown, connector 150 may also include an endpoint BPL modem 514 as another PLC modem and a coupler 516 (e.g., an inductive or capacitive coupler) configured to couple the endpoint BPL modem 514 to a phase of an AC power line (e.g., a reach cable) included in a multipurpose power interface 110 (e.g., a reach cable). In some embodiments, the onboard BPL modem 411 may act as a repeater to simultaneously communicate with the offline head-end BPL modem 414, the endpoint or repeater BPL modem 514, and other onboard BPL modems 411 that may be present in vehicle 120, and may include an embedded BPL modem within a portable detachable device that can be attached to connector 150 via an external wired communication interface 294 integrated into housing 250 of connector 150. Depending on the vehicle's onboard electrical configuration, this may not be necessary. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The airborne BPL modem 411 shown, and the repeater BPL modem 514, may replace the BPL modem 411 to adequately support the connectivity requirements of the airborne BPL modem. The endpoint BPL modem 514 can be used as an endpoint / servo device or a repeater, and also provides sensing and test data connectivity to the multipurpose power interface 110. That is, endpoint BPL modems 514 and 414 can act as sensors to sense and test BPL data links to determine if they are operating within their expected performance range. The results of such sensing and testing can be displayed on a user interface at connector 150 (e.g., see...). Figure 2 The user interface 290 can be used, or the interface can be remotely displayed on the application server 424. In some implementations, the use of an endpoint modem 514 in system architecture 500 eliminates the need for an onboard BPL modem 411.
[0079] System architecture 500 also includes a handheld BPL modem 511. The handheld BPL modem 511 is a handheld PLC modem that includes an integrated coupler for detecting the AC line phase within the vehicle 120 connected to the offline BPL modem 414. In one embodiment, the handheld BPL modem 511 can be used as a sensor that detects the state of the AC line phase of the AC power line at PDU 513.
[0080] In some implementations, a handheld BPL modem 511 or an endpoint BPL modem 514 in repeater mode at connector 150 can replace the... Figure 4 and Figure 5The requirements of the airborne BPL modem 411 shown, and the modem 411 (and the modem described below) Figure 6 The modem 616 shown communicates. Using architecture 500, network monitoring of the BPL modem link connection status and data transmission performance can be performed regardless of whether the multipurpose power interface 110 (e.g., a probe) is connected to the vehicle 120 (e.g., an aircraft). Similarly, the network management settings configured for the BPL modem are adjusted regardless of whether it is connected to the aircraft. In various implementations, such network monitoring and management can be performed locally at connector 150, locally by a standalone device with a custom application, remotely at application server 424, or in a distributed manner. Some of these monitoring and / or management tasks are performed by computing devices embedded in connector 150 (e.g., with a processor / CPU, memory, and local storage), while others are performed via applications hosted by application server 424.
[0081] In some implementations, a wireless power charging interface may be added to connector 150, allowing the electronic package to be temporarily mounted on connector 150 (e.g., added to a probe-type connector). An example of a wireless power charging interface is an inductive or wireless charging interface. The electronic package may also be communicatively coupled to connector 150 via wireless communication connections and protocols (e.g., NFC protocol, Bluetooth connection, wired or wirelessly coupled BPL modem connection, or Wi-Fi connection). Exemplary implementations include a removable electronic package comprising an endpoint BPL modem 514 and a sensor, wherein the removable package can be removed from connector 150 when needed. For example, the removable package may be electrically and communicatively coupled to connector 150 (e.g., via the wireless power charging interface and wireless communication interface 292) to charge the battery of the removable package and exchange data with connector 150.
[0082] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary system components for connecting a multi-purpose power interface 110 to a vehicle 120 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6In the example, vehicle 120 includes an AC outlet 614 that receives power from the AC power line via PDU 513. As shown, vehicle 120 is connected to connector 150 via connector 140 of vehicle 120, and AC outlet 614 can be connected to an onboard BPL modem 411 via AC power strip 615 and coupler 516 (e.g., an inductive or capacitive coupler in vehicle 120). Onboard BPL modem 411 is also communicatively coupled to an Ethernet branch 518, which provides Ethernet communication within vehicle 120 (e.g., within an aircraft). Figure 6 As shown, in an additional or alternative embodiment, Ethernet branch 518 can be connected to AC jack 614 via a home BPL modem 616. The home BPL modem 616 does not include or use an inductive coupler to couple Ethernet branch 518 to the AC jack, which in turn is connected to connector 150 via PDU 513. Figure 6 In another alternative embodiment shown, AC jack 614 can be connected to home BPL modem 616 via AC power strip 615, while home BPL modem 616 is directly plugged into AC power strip 615.
[0083] By using Figure 5 and Figure 6 The system architecture 500 and system components shown, in some embodiments, perform analysis of sensor data from connector 150 (e.g., a smart reach-and-shoot connector) on the vehicle 120 (e.g., aircraft) interface. Sensors in system architecture 500 (including, but not limited to, TDR, OTDR, FDR, accelerometers, humidity sensors, MFD detectors, ammeters, voltmeters, ohmmeters, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, handheld BPL modem 511, and endpoint BPL modem 514) can monitor the status of network and electrical components (e.g., AC power lines (e.g., reach-and-shoot AC lines)) whether the multipurpose power interface 110 is connected or not connected to vehicle 120. In addition to other readings and measurements, the sensors can also detect changes in standing wave ratio at connector 150. Furthermore, connector 150 can perform self-tests for frequency response, motion detection (i.e., accelerometer readings based on an integrated accelerometer within connector 150), and testing for network and electrical problems detected locally at connector 150.
[0084] In this way, Figure 5 and Figure 6The architecture and components shown enable real-time monitoring and management of BPL modem operation, including BPL modems 411, 414, 511, and 514, and BPL data link modem links. Application server 424 can receive sensor data, store it as historical data, and analyze the health history of power lines (e.g., reachable AC lines). The results of this analysis can be presented on the display device of application server 424, or locally at connector 150 via remote control using LEDs that serve as status indicators in connector 150 (e.g., reachable connectors) mounted at the interface of vehicle 120 (e.g., aircraft).
[0085] As referenced above Figure 5 As described, the application software can be hosted by application server 424, and this application software can display a GUI for presenting data and functional health status of the power link in the multipurpose power interface 110 (e.g., probe health status) and real-time analysis of BPL modem operation. For example, network monitoring performed by offline BPL modem 414 can be reported to application server 424 (or a standalone device) as sensor data via terrestrial network 102 and then stored on application server 424 (or standalone device) for subsequent analysis and display. Sensor data can be stored as historical data in the memory or computer-readable storage device of application server 424 (or standalone device). Application server 424 can also use the stored sensor data representing network monitoring to perform data analysis (e.g., predictive analysis) to identify trends that have led to previous electrical and network problems (e.g., bandwidth problems or communication failures), thereby helping to prevent future predicted electrical and network problems. In some embodiments, application server 424 can report data to connector 150. For example, application server 424 can send historical data to connector 150 via terrestrial network 102, and connector 150 can then compare the historical data with currently detected data stored locally to provide feedback at connector 150 if a potential problem is detected. In this example, when a comparison of ambient temperature readings with historical data from application server 424 indicates that connector 150 may be overheating, connector 150 can illuminate an LED in user interface 290 as a fault indicator.
[0086] Figures 2-6The architecture and components can provide immediate status at connector 150. For example, user interface 290 may include multi-color LEDs and / or strobe lights that can illuminate in predefined patterns to indicate normal electrical and data connectivity. In some embodiments, green LEDs may indicate good expected voltage readings, and flashing green LEDs may indicate good network connectivity (e.g., data transfer rates are within expected ranges). In additional or alternative embodiments, this immediate status may also be provided at the user interface of server 424 and / or at the user interface of a mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet) carried by a mechanic or ground crew. In the latter example, the mobile device may be communicatively coupled to application server 424 via terrestrial network 102 or wirelessly (e.g., via a Bluetooth connection to connector 150). Such a user interface can display predictive elements based on health check data read at connector 150. Such predictive elements may include one or more phase drifts or current spikes. When such a predictive element is detected before connector 150 is connected to vehicle 120, the user (e.g., an airport mechanic or ground staff) will be able to easily determine that the problem is not with the vehicle aircraft, but is isolated to connector 150.
[0087] Figures 2-6 Some implementations of the architecture and components can also flag conditions that may lead to failure of the electrical components of connector 150. For example, the connector can detect and report indications of corrosion or broken pins on connector 150 (see, for example...). Figure 2 The status of pins 210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, and 230b. This status can be detected by an accelerometer marking physical damage or impact suffered on connector 150, a thermometer marking extreme temperature fluctuations, or a multimeter detecting out-of-range current or voltage fluctuations (e.g., large voltage surges or voltage drops / decreases). Sensors can also detect noise on the wiring (e.g., AC power lines). Noise detected in this way can indicate a potential fault in connector 150 and can be used to isolate the problem to the connector 150 side (e.g., outside of vehicle 120). By isolating the problem in this way, the implementation reduces fault diagnosis of vehicle 120 and reduces ineffective troubleshooting time for network-based vehicles 120 (e.g., network-based aircraft).
[0088] Figures 2-6 Certain implementations of the architecture and components also enable data collection to support big data analytics, health status prediction, monitoring, and reporting of the network and electrical components shown in these figures. For example, application server 424 can perform big data analytics to enable... Figures 2-6Predictive maintenance of the components shown. That is, big data analytics can be used to predict when component maintenance should be performed to prevent component failure or breakdown, based on trends observed in historical data analyzing similar components (e.g., electrical and communication components with similar characteristics and operating parameters). By performing such big data analytics, Figure 5 The system architecture 500 supports component health status. The collected data can be stored in server 424 and may include historical health data of vehicle 120, connector 150, multi-purpose power interface 110, and BPL modems 411, 414, 511, and 514. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The architecture and components also allow for system characterization, which enables cross-examination of the impedance characteristics of the gate power supply at ground power system 130, as well as characterization of the electrical load characteristics of vehicle 120 (e.g., aircraft electrical load characteristics). This characterization can be performed at least partially before connector 150 is mated to or connected to vehicle 120.
[0089] Some implementations compare sensor readings to fixed / predetermined thresholds (e.g., upper / lower limits for current, voltage, MFD, or data transfer rate) to detect or predict faults. Additional or alternative implementations can provide real-time feedback to trigger an alarm at connector 150. For example, a combination of information processed back at application server 424 can indicate that the connector is approaching a threshold exceedance and provide feedback on this effect at user interface 290 of connector 150 to notify the user (e.g., ground staff or maintenance personnel). In a non-limiting example, application server 424 can analyze temperature, voltage, and current readings acquired over three shifts a day to create temperature, voltage, and current profiles, and then illuminate an LED in user interface 290 to notify maintenance personnel working three shifts that connector 150 is approaching (or is in) an overheating state. This notification is based on the analysis of the temperature and current profiles. Since the current-carrying capacity of electrical conductors (e.g., wires and cables) decreases as their temperature increases, the temperature and current profiles can be analyzed together. Similarly, voltage profiles can be analyzed to identify potential voltage problems (e.g., voltage surges or drops below a threshold) at connector 150. Application server 424 can provide additional intelligence that local instruments at connector 150 may not have in real-time, but it can identify this based on analyzed trend data. For example, application server 424 could collect this additional intelligence and then, without requiring the connector to retrieve data from a data storage device or database, instruct user interface 290 to illuminate discrete LEDs to alert maintenance personnel. In additional or alternative implementations, the alert can be more sophisticated than simply illuminating LEDs. For example, the indication could be displayed in a GUI (including in user interface 290, within the GUI of application server 424), communicated via email (e.g., SMTP), instant messaging, or short message service (SMS) text sent to ground crew, mechanics, or maintenance personnel, or indicated in the GUI of a mobile device carried or associated with such personnel. In this way, system architecture 400 utilizes the additional knowledge collected by application server 424 and displays it in real-time.
[0090] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method 700 for monitoring and analyzing data collected at a multipurpose power interface to detect and predict the health status of components of an electrical and network system, according to one embodiment, is shown. Method 700 may use processing logic, which may include software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Monitoring can be performed via SNMP, TR-069, an installed health status agent, or other means. For example, method 700 may be implemented using methods including those described above. Figure 4The system 400 describes one or more components of the system (e.g., application server 424 and connector 150) to perform.
[0091] As shown in the figure, at 702, method 700 includes measuring and / or receiving (at least a portion) power quality data and load management data from a sensor operable to collect power quality data and load management data for BPL data links and multipurpose power interfaces. Figure 7 As shown, the multi-purpose power interface is operable to be coupled to a vehicle via a BPL data link electrical ground and communication ground. According to some embodiments, the multi-purpose power interface can be implemented as... Figures 1-6 The multi-purpose power interface 110 shown can be used to implement a vehicle as Figure 1 and Figures 4-6 The vehicle shown is 120.
[0092] At point 704, method 700 further includes determining the functional health status of the multipurpose power interface and BPL data link based on power quality data and load management data. For example... Figure 7 As shown, 704 may include comparing the data received at 702 with a functional health threshold. As shown, 704 may also include predicting future states based on this data (i.e., using usage analytics to identify patterns in stored historical data to estimate potential future failures or malfunctions).
[0093] At point 706, method 700 further includes sending functional health status, power quality data, and load management data to a data storage device. For example... Figure 7 As shown in the example, 706 may include sending functional health status, power quality data, and load management data to a database. In some embodiments, the data storage device or database may be located at... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 4-6 The connector 150 shown and Figure 3 The detachable adapter 350 shown is local. In additional or alternative embodiments, the data storage device or database can be located remotely. Figure 3 The server (e.g., server 424) is hosted by connector 150 and detachable adapter 350. In some embodiments, the data storage device is located remotely from the multipurpose power interface 110, connector 150, and detachable adapter 350, and the monitored data, along with functional health status, power quality data, and load management data, is transmitted to the data storage device via a BPL modem on one or more BPL data links of the multipurpose power interface 110 using BPL communications.
[0094] At 708, method 700 further includes indicating the functional health status in the user interface. For example... Figure 7 As shown, 708 may include providing a functional health status and / or a predicted future status to a display device. For example, 708 may include indicating or representing a functional health status on the display device, which is used to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 A user interface 290 is presented on the connector 150 or detachable adapter 350. In alternative or additional embodiments, 708 may include displaying functional health status in the GUI based on application information within the application server 424. In alternative or additional embodiments, 708 may include reporting faults to a network monitoring server. In some embodiments, 708 may also include indicating the results of analysis performed on stored data. For example, 708 may include presenting the results of big data analysis performed as part of 704. Such results may include predictions based on stored historical data and patterns of known past events (e.g., component failures and faults in electrical connections) and conditions that may lead to future failures and malfunctions (e.g., current or voltage fluctuations, overheating, moisture, physical trauma, or shock encountered on connector 150). That is, the results of the analysis performed at 704 may be presented at 708 as a health prediction for components of the monitored electrical and network systems.
[0095] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method 800 for performing predictive analysis using collected sensor data and BPL data, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown. Method 800 may use processing logic, which may include software, hardware, or a combination thereof. For example, method 800 may be comprised of components including those described above. Figure 4 The system 400 describes one or more components of the system (e.g., server 424 and connector 150) to perform.
[0096] Method 800 uses predictive analytics and artificial intelligence to perform machine learning tasks, such as regression, classification, collaborative filtering, ranking, and event prediction (e.g., equipment failure prediction). Some implementations of Method 800 utilize predictive analytics techniques to provide predictive algorithms that run in linear time and predict equipment failures. Machine learning can be used to predict data that may exist in the real world (e.g., at an airport). Machine learning typically relies on providing positive real samples (e.g., past events such as equipment failures) and negative spurious samples, and training the machine (e.g., application server 424 or other computing device) to distinguish between positive and negative samples. Positive real-world data can be obtained by performing operations 802-806 as described below. For example, in a machine learning algorithm that uses the failure and failure history of individual components to predict pending failures, positive samples can be obtained from the parameters measured and captured in operations 802 and 806.
[0097] As shown in the figure, at 802, method 800 includes measuring and / or receiving and storing (at least a portion) data representing physical parameters related to power transmission and data transfer. These parameters can be measured by sensors and can correspond to a BPL data link and a multi-purpose power interface. The multi-purpose power interface can be configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled to the vehicle via the BPL data link. According to some embodiments, the multi-purpose power interface can be embodied as... Figures 1-6 The multi-purpose power interface 110 shown is used in vehicles and can be represented as... Figure 1 and Figures 4-6 The vehicle 120 shown. In some embodiments, 802 includes storing measured and / or received data representing physical parameters in a data storage device or database. In some embodiments, the data storage device or database may be located in... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 4-6 The connector 150 shown and Figure 3 The detachable adapter 350 shown is local. In additional or alternative embodiments, the data storage device or database can be located remotely. Figure 3 The server (e.g., application server 424) is hosted by connector 150 and detachable adapter 350. In some embodiments, the data storage device is located remotely from the multipurpose power interface 110, connector 150, and detachable adapter 350, and the measured and / or received parameters are transmitted to the data storage device via a BPL modem on one or more BPL data links of the multipurpose power interface 110 using BPL communication.
[0098] like Figure 8 As shown in the example, parameters related to power transmission measured and stored at 802 may include one or more of the following: voltage, current, unit temperature (e.g., the internal temperature of an electrical or network component), ambient temperature (e.g., the air temperature where the electrical or network component is located (e.g., an airport jet runway)), and accelerometer readings. Figure 8 As further shown, the data transmission-related parameters measured, received, and stored at 802 may include one or more of the following: data rate, ping retries, packet loss (e.g., the percentage of lost packets relative to packets sent to network components), latency, and jitter.
[0099] According to some implementations, parameters related to power transmission measured and stored at 802 form an electrical domain, while parameters related to data transmission measured and stored at 802 form a data domain. In such embodiments, the electrical domain and the data transmission domain can be used for analytical cross-checking. For example, the two sets of data (i.e., in the electrical domain and the data transmission domain) are used to expand the use of big data analytics in method 800, thereby increasing the total amount of statistically significant information and enabling the identification of a wider range of valuable correlations and predictive trend information.
[0100] At 804, method 800 further includes recording an identifier for a connector used for a multi-purpose power interface (e.g., a probe-type connector). According to some embodiments, the connector for the multi-purpose power interface may be embodied as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 4-6 The connector 150 shown is for the multi-purpose power interface 110. In additional or alternative embodiments, the connector may be embodied as... Figure 3 The detachable adapter 350 and standard connector 355 are shown. Figure 8 In the example, the connector identifier includes the part number (P / N) and serial number (S / N) of the multi-purpose power interface. For example... Figure 8 As shown, 804 also includes recording time (e.g., timestamp) and gate position. Figure 8 In the example, the door location can be recorded as the airport's door identifier (e.g., door N-8 at Sea-TAC airport) or Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude). Figure 8 As further shown, 804 may include recording the gate box part number (P / N) and serial number (S / N) as well as the vehicle identifier. Figure 8 In the example, the vehicle identifier can be the aircraft tail ID or the vehicle identification number (VIN).
[0101] At point 806, method 800 also includes detecting changes in the connector used for the multi-purpose power interface (e.g., a probe connector). Figure 8 As shown, change recording can be simplified in several ways by implementing one or more of the following techniques: the change can be manually entered, the change can be recorded by an RFID tag reader (e.g., reading an RFID tag on connector 150), the change can be recorded by an optical reader (e.g., reading an optical barcode on connector 150), or the change can be recorded as an impedance characterization. Figure 8In some examples, such impedance characterization may include one or more of other characteristics such as open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, harmonics, and impedance. In some implementations, such impedance characterization triggers data log capture of parameters that cause detected changes (e.g., device changes, device malfunctions, or device failures detected at connectors). The captured parameters may include one or more of door frame type, ambient temperature, external temperature, average current, and utilization rate.
[0102] According to some embodiments, 806 includes detecting changes in the memory of connector 150, changes in network characteristics or network components, changes in airport gate frame, changes in GPS position or coordinates, or changes in position detected by a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). In additional or alternative embodiments, 806 includes using sensors such as accelerometers (e.g., accelerometers integrated in connector 150), voltmeters, ammeters, vector analyzers, and spectrum analyzers to detect changes. According to some embodiments, 806 includes detecting changes in the data rate of a data communication link or data communication path, detecting changes in amplitude, detecting changes in frequency, and detecting one or more of phase changes.
[0103] At point 808, method 800 further includes identifying trends through parameters. Figure 8 In some examples, these parameters may include measurements indicating one or more of the following: voltage, temperature, current, harmonics, impulse, utilization rate (e.g., percentage utilization of electrical or network components), vehicle type (e.g., aircraft type), generator type, equipment (e.g., equipment identifier of electrical or network components), humidity measurement, precipitation measurement, and time (e.g., timestamp). In some implementations, 808 may include comparing the parameters with historical data, which includes previously measured and stored parameters obtained due to previous iterations of operations 802-806. In additional or alternative implementations, the parameters used at 808 to identify trends are not limited to... Figure 8 The parameters shown. For example, the parameters used at 808 may include historical data, such as parameters previously measured by previous iteration operation 802.
[0104] At 810, method 800 further includes identifying parameters that have undergone changes prior to a network or electrical component failure. In some embodiments, 810 may include using predictive analytics algorithms to examine historical parameter readings from a data storage device or database (e.g., historical data measured and captured in past iterations of 802 and 804) and identify which parameters changed and which patterns changed prior to a network or electrical component failure. For example, parameters captured at 806 may be used at 810 to identify trend premises leading to device failure. In this way, method 800 enables monitoring of pre-failure thresholds. In some embodiments, the data storage device or database may be located at... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 4-6 The connector 150 shown and Figure 3 The detachable adapter 350 shown is local. In additional or alternative embodiments, the data storage device or database can be located remotely. Figure 3 The server (e.g., application server 424) is hosted by connector 150 and detachable adapter 350. In some embodiments, the data storage device is located remotely from connector 150 and detachable adapter 350, and the measured parameters are transmitted to the data storage device via a BPL modem on one or more BPL data links using a BPL communication multipurpose power interface 110.
[0105] At 812, method 800 also includes querying parameter data from the connector's memory (e.g., the local memory of connector 150) and sending alerts for pending faults to stakeholders. In some embodiments, stakeholders may include, for example, airlines, airports, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and power generation companies (e.g., power companies).
[0106] By performing and repeating operations 802-812, the first feedback loop collects data, and method 800 searches for conditions similar to previous network and electrical equipment faults. By using parameters from 802, 806, and 806 to identify similar conditions (e.g., parameters) related to previous faults, 808-812 can be performed to predict or estimate pending faults.
[0107] At point 814, method 800 also includes modifying the frequency of parameter collection. Figure 8 In the example, the frequency of parameter collection can be modified by changing the sampling rate of the parameters. For example, as... Figure 8As shown, 814 may include increasing the sampling rate of such parameters in response to determining that a parameter, such as a temperature reading, is highly correlated with equipment failure. That is, if a high correlation is determined between temperature fluctuations (e.g., temperature spikes, extreme values, or high temperatures) and equipment failure, 814 may include increasing the sampling rate of temperature readings to improve failure rate prediction. Also as... Figure 8 As shown, 814 may include reducing or eliminating the sampling rate of such parameters in response to determining that readings of other parameters, such as humidity information, have little correlation with predictions of system performance or equipment failure rates.
[0108] like Figure 8 As shown, at 814, the frequency of parameter collection is modified to an adaptive dynamic element of the predictive analytics algorithm. The corresponding frequency of parameter collection can be a manually adjustable value. In additional or alternative implementations, the parameter collection frequency can be automatically adjusted at 814 based on using artificial intelligence and performing machine learning tasks (e.g., regression, classification, collaborative filtering, ranking, and event prediction (e.g., device failure prediction)) and associating parameters with events. In other additional or alternative implementations, the parameter collection frequency can be adjusted at 814 in a hybrid manner. That is, a combination of manual and automatic modification can be used to adjust the parameter collection frequency.
[0109] After the parameter collection frequency is adjusted at 814, control is passed back to 802 so that parameters can be collected according to the adjusted parameter collection frequency.
[0110] By repeating operations 802-814, the second feedback loop can modify the type of data collected and processed, thereby improving the predictive analytics algorithm. Using method 800, mean time between failures (MTBF) can be compiled for various networks and electrical components, where MTBF is the network or electrical component (e.g., in...). Figure 4 The estimated elapsed time between inherent faults during normal operation of system 400 (in system 400). In some embodiments, the MTBF compiled by method 800 is calculated as... Figure 4 System 400 or Figure 5 The method calculates the arithmetic mean (MTBF) time between failures of network or electrical components in the system architecture 500. According to some implementations, method 800 compiles MTBF values for repairable or replaceable network and electrical components. Method 800 can use its own data and add it to historical data, and in some cases, trend data can be exported to or imported into other systems to have more data to improve the analysis. Method 800 also provides intelligence on ground-based power generation equipment (e.g., ground power system 130) and aircraft load analysis. Method 800 searches for... Figure 4The correlation between parameters and events of various electrical and network components of the system shown (e.g., aircraft vehicle 120, multipurpose power interface 110, and ground power system 130).
[0111] The synthetic data obtained by method 800 can be transmitted or routed to several stakeholders, such as airlines, airports, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and power generation companies (e.g., power companies).
[0112] like Figure 8 As shown and as described above, the operations of method 800 described above can be performed iteratively. That is, operations 802-814 can be repeated, such that method 800 includes multiple stages to perform predictive analysis using sensor data and BPL data to predict when events (e.g., experiencing a fault or failure, or requiring maintenance) may occur in electrical and network components. These stages may include a first stage in which predictive analytics algorithms are initially used to find trends. In particular, these algorithms focus on the health status of multipurpose power interfaces (e.g., stinger health status) to identify trends. In the second stage, the algorithms can be refined to focus on the most valuable parameters at the optimal sampling period (e.g., see the parameters measured at 802 above). In the third stage, the algorithms look at the health status of vehicles (e.g., aircraft health status). In the fourth stage, the algorithms look at trends in the health status of ground power generation equipment (e.g., the health status of ground power system 130 or ground power unit).
[0113] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computing system 900 that can be used in conjunction with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the computing system 900 may be used to implement... Figure 4 and Figure 5 Application server 424. According to some implementations, computing system 900 can be used to implement... Figure 4 The computing device 422 of the ground power system 130 shown. According to some embodiments, the computing system 900 can also be used to implement... Figure 4 The onboard server 426 of the vehicle 120 shown in the diagram. Figure 9 In one example, the computing system 900 includes a communication framework 902 that provides communication between a processor unit 904, a memory / RAM 906, a persistent storage device 908, a communication unit 910, an input / output (I / O) unit 912, and a display device 914. In some embodiments, the display device may be used to implement... Figure 2 and Figure 3 User interface 290. For example, integrated into Figure 2An embedded touchscreen display device within the housing 250 of the connector shown can be used to present a user interface 290. Similarly, integrated into... Figure 3 The embedded touchscreen display device in the detachable adapter 350 shown can be used to present the user interface 290. (Continue to the previous section) Figure 9 For example, the communication framework 902 can take the form of a bus system.
[0114] Processor unit 904 is used to execute instructions for software that can be loaded into memory 906. Processor unit 904 may be multiple processors, a multiprocessor core, or some other type of processor, depending on the specific implementation.
[0115] Memory 906 and persistent storage device 908 are examples of storage device 916. A storage device is any piece of hardware capable of storing information, such as, but not limited to, data, program code in a functional form, or at least other suitable information on a temporary, permanent, or temporary and permanent basis. In these illustrative examples, storage device 916 may also be referred to as a computer-readable storage device. In these examples, memory 906 may be, for example, random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage device 908 may take various forms depending on the specific implementation.
[0116] For example, persistent storage device 908 may include one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage device 908 may be a hard disk drive, a solid-state hard disk drive, flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination thereof. The media used in persistent storage device 908 may also be removable. For example, a removable hard disk drive may be used to implement persistent storage device 908. Storage device 916 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by processor unit 904, cause computing system 900 to operate.
[0117] In exemplary embodiments, communication unit 910 provides communication with other data processing systems or devices. In these illustrative examples, communication unit 910 is embodied as a network interface card.
[0118] The input / output unit 912 allows data input and output via other devices that can be connected to the computing system 900. For example, the input / output unit 912 can be connected via a keyboard, pointing device (e.g., a stylus), mouse, or touchscreen display device (e.g., for implementing...). Figure 2 and Figure 3The user interface 290 includes at least one of an embedded touchscreen display, a touchpad, a touchpad, or some other suitable input device to provide connectivity for user input. Additionally, the input / output unit 912 can send output to a printer. The display device 914 provides a way to provide input to the user (e.g., ...). Figure 2 For users of connector 150, Figure 3 For users of the detachable adapter 350, Figure 4 and Figure 5 Application server 424 users, Figure 2 The user of computing device 422 or Figure 4 The mechanism for displaying information to users of the onboard server 426.
[0119] Instructions for at least one of an operating system, application program, or program may be located in storage device 916, which communicates with processor unit 904 via communication frame 902. Processes and methods of different implementations may be executed by processor unit 904 using computer-implemented instructions, which may be located in memory such as memory 906. For example, references above... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The operations described in methods 700 and 800 can be executed by processor unit 904 using computer-implemented instructions.
[0120] These instructions, referred to as program code, computer-usable program code, or computer-readable program code, can be read and executed by the processor in processor unit 904. The program code in different embodiments may be embodied on different physical media or computer-readable storage media, such as memory 906 or persistent storage device 908.
[0121] Program code 918 is functionally located on a selectively removable computer-readable medium 920 and can be loaded onto or transferred to a computing system 900 for execution by a processor unit 904. Program code 918 and computer-readable medium 920 form a computer program product 922 in these illustrative examples. In this example, computer-readable medium 920 is a computer-readable storage medium 924. In these illustrative examples, computer-readable storage medium 924 is a physical or tangible storage device for storing program code 918, rather than a medium for disseminating or transmitting program code 918.
[0122] Alternatively, program code 918 can be transmitted to computing system 900 using a computer-readable signal medium. The computer-readable signal medium can be, for example, a propagated data signal containing program code 918. For example, the computer-readable signal medium can be at least one of electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any other suitable type of signal. These signals can be transmitted via at least one communication link, such as a wireless communication link, fiber optic cable, coaxial cable, wire, or any other suitable type of communication link (e.g., including...). Figures 1-6 (BPL data link in the multipurpose power interface 110).
[0123] The different components shown for computing system 900 do not imply an architectural limitation on the ways in which different implementations can be achieved. Different illustrative implementations may be implemented in a data processing system that includes components that are additional to or replace those shown for computing system 900. Figure 9 Other components shown may differ from the illustrative example shown. Different implementations can be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of running program code 918. Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments described under the following terms:
[0124] Clause 1. A system (400) for collecting and monitoring data at a power interface, the system (400) comprising: a multipurpose power interface (110) configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled to a vehicle (120) via a plurality of power line broadband (BPL) data links; and a plurality of sensors configured to collect power quality data and load management data for the plurality of BPL data links and the multipurpose power interface, wherein the multipurpose power interface includes a user interface (290), a processor, and a memory (906) thereon storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the multipurpose power interface to perform operations including: receiving (702) power quality data and load management data from the plurality of sensors; determining (704) a functional health status of the multipurpose power interface and the plurality of BPL data links based on the power quality data and load management data; transmitting (706) the functional health status, power quality data, and load management data to a data storage device; and indicating (708) the functional health status in the user interface (290).
[0125] Clause 2. The system (400) according to Clause 1, wherein the plurality of sensors include one or more of a time domain reflectometer (TDR) and a frequency domain reflectometer (FDR) configured to collect power quality data by characterizing electrical conductors in a plurality of BPL data links.
[0126] Clause 3. The system (400) according to Clause 1, wherein the multipurpose power interface further includes: a detachable adapter (350) including a user interface (290), a wireless communication interface (292), a wired communication interface (294) and a plurality of pins (210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, 230b) for electrically and communicatively coupling the multipurpose power interface to a connector (140) of the vehicle (120) via a plurality of BPL data links; and a ground power interface connector (450) configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled to the vehicle (120) via a ground power unit (130).
[0127] Clause 4. The system (400) according to Clause 3, wherein the ground power interface connector (450) is configured to provide AC power to the vehicle (120) when the engine of the vehicle (120) is off.
[0128] Clause 5. The system (400) according to Clause 1, wherein the power quality data includes at least one of the following: voltage, current, frequency, power, reactive power, power factor, voltage harmonics, current harmonics, total harmonic distortion, amplitude voltage modulation, frequency voltage modulation, current demand amplitude, current demand frequency modulation, voltage ripple amplitude, current ripple amplitude, current ripple frequency, voltage ripple frequency, power outage, magnetic field density (MFD), or another power quality parameter that can be used to determine the functional health status of a BPL data link among multiple BPL data links.
[0129] Clause 6. The system (400) according to Clause 1, wherein the load management data includes at least one of the following: load identifier, current demand harmonics, current demand amplitude, current frequency modulation, ripple current amplitude, ripple current frequency, load impedance information, load power factor, source impedance, impedance matching optimization, or another load management parameter that can be used to determine the functional health status of one or more electrical components of the vehicle (120).
[0130] Clause 7. The system (400) according to Clause 1, wherein determining the functional health status of a BPL data link among a plurality of BPL data links includes determining whether the BPL data link is operating within the expected data rate range.
[0131] Clause 8. The system (400) according to Clause 1, wherein the data storage device is located locally at the multipurpose power interface, and wherein indicating the functional health status includes illuminating multicolor light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (290a-f) in the user interface (290).
[0132] Clause 9. The system (400) according to Clause 1, wherein the data storage device is located away from the multipurpose power interface, and wherein the transmission includes transmitting functional health status, power quality data and load management data to the data storage device via a BPL modem (414) on at least one of a plurality of BPL data links using BPL communication.
[0133] Clause 10. The system (400) according to Clause 1, wherein the multipurpose power interface further includes: a plurality of pins (210a, 210b, 210c, 220, 230a, 230b) for electrically and communicatively coupling the multipurpose power interface to the vehicle (120) via a plurality of BPL data links; a conductive material for three-phase alternating current (AC) power for engagement with the vehicle (120); and one or more gigabit fiber optic data links.
[0134] Clause 11. The system (400) according to Clause 10, wherein the plurality of sensors include at least one optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) configured to collect load management data by characterizing one or more gigabit fiber optic data links.
[0135] Clause 12. The system (400) pursuant to Clause 10, wherein determining the functional health status of the multipurpose power interface includes determining whether one or more gigabit fiber data links are operating within the expected data rate range.
[0136] Clause 13. A computer-implemented method (700) for collecting and monitoring data at a power interface, the method (700) comprising: receiving (702) power quality data and load management data from a plurality of sensors operable to collect power quality data and load management data for a plurality of power line broadband (BPL) data links and a multipurpose power interface operable to be electrically and communicatively coupled to a vehicle (120) via the plurality of BPL data links; determining (704) the functional health status of the multipurpose power interface and the plurality of BPL data links based on the power quality data and load management data; transmitting (706) the functional health status, power quality data and load management data to a data storage device; and indicating (708) the functional health status in a user interface (290).
[0137] Clause 14. The method (700) according to Clause 13, wherein the power quality data includes at least one of the following: voltage, current, frequency, power, reactive power, power factor, voltage harmonics, current harmonics, total harmonic distortion, amplitude voltage modulation, frequency voltage modulation, current demand amplitude, current demand frequency modulation, voltage ripple amplitude, current ripple amplitude, current ripple frequency, voltage ripple frequency, power outage, magnetic field density (MFD), or another power quality parameter that can be used to determine the functional health status of a BPL data link among multiple BPL data links.
[0138] Clause 15. The method (700) according to Clause 13, wherein the load management data includes at least one of the following: load identifier, current demand harmonics, current demand amplitude, current frequency modulation, ripple current amplitude, ripple current frequency, load impedance information, load power factor, source impedance, impedance matching optimization, or another load management parameter that can be used to determine the functional health status of one or more electrical components of the vehicle (120).
[0139] Clause 16. The method (700) according to Clause 13, wherein determining the functional health status of a BPL data link among a plurality of BPL data links includes determining whether the BPL data link is operating within the expected data rate range.
[0140] Clause 17. The method (700) according to Clause 13, wherein the data storage device is located locally at the multipurpose power interface, and wherein indicating the functional health status includes illuminating a multicolor light-emitting diode (LED) in the user interface (290).
[0141] Clause 18. The method (700) according to Clause 13, wherein the data storage device is located away from the multipurpose power interface, and wherein the transmission includes transmitting functional health status, power quality data and load management data to the data storage device via a BPL modem (414) on at least one of a plurality of BPL data links using BPL communication.
[0142] Clause 19. The method (700) according to Clause 13, wherein the plurality of sensors includes one or more of a time domain reflectometer (TDR) and a frequency domain reflectometer (FDR) configured to collect power quality data by characterizing electrical conductors in a plurality of BPL data links.
[0143] Clause 20. A system (400) for collecting and monitoring data from a power interface, the system (400) comprising: a plurality of sensors configured to collect power quality data and load management data for a plurality of power line broadband (BPL) data links and a multipurpose power interface configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled to a vehicle (120) via the plurality of BPL data links; and a server (424) including a display device (914), a processor (904), and a memory (906) thereon storing instructions, when processed When the processor (904) executes, the instructions cause the server (424) to perform operations including: receiving (702) power quality data and load management data from multiple sensors via a communication link; determining (704) the functional health status of the multipurpose power interface and multiple BPL data links based on the power quality data and load management data; storing (706) the functional health status, power quality data and load management data in a memory (906); and displaying (708) the functional health status in a user interface (290) on a display device (914).
[0144] Clause 21. The system (400) according to Clause 20, wherein the plurality of sensors include one or more of a time domain reflectometer (TDR) and a frequency domain reflectometer (FDR) configured to collect power quality data by characterizing electrical conductors in a plurality of BPL data links.
[0145] Although this teaching has been shown with respect to one or more embodiments, changes and / or modifications may be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be appreciated that although a process is described as a series of actions or events, this teaching is not limited to the order of these actions or events. In addition to those described herein, some actions may occur and / or simultaneously with other actions or events in a different order. For example, the operations and stages of a method have been described as first, second, third, etc. As used herein, these terms refer only to their relative order with respect to each other; for example, the first precedes the second. Moreover, not all process stages may be required to implement a method according to one or more aspects or embodiments of this teaching. It will be understood that structural components and / or processing stages may be added, or existing structural components and / or processing stages may be removed or modified. Furthermore, one or more actions described herein may be performed as one or more separate actions and / or stages. Furthermore, in relation to the use of the terms "including," "includes," "having," "has," "with," or variations thereof in the Detailed Description and Claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising." The term "at least one" is used to indicate that one or more of the listed items can be selected. As used herein, the term "one or more" relating to a list of items such as A and B means A alone, B alone, or A and B. The term "at least one of..." is used to indicate that one or more of the listed items can be selected. Furthermore, in the discussion and claims herein, the term "on..." relating to the use of two materials, i.e., one "on" the other, refers to at least one of the materials. Some contact is indicated by the phrase "over," where "over" means that the materials are adjacent but may have one or more other intervening materials, making contact possible but not required. Neither "over" nor "on" implies any directionality as used herein. The term "conformal" describes a coating material in which the conformal material maintains an angle with the material below. The term "about" indicates that the listed values may be varied, as long as such variation does not result in a process or structure inconsistent with the illustrated embodiment. Finally, "exemplary" indicates that the description is used as an example and not implying that it is ideal. Other embodiments of this teaching will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of this teaching. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered merely exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of this teaching are indicated by the appended claims.
[0146] It will be understood that variations or alternatives to the features and functions disclosed above, as well as other features and functions, can be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various substitutions, modifications, changes, or improvements that are not currently foreseen or anticipated can subsequently be made by those skilled in the art, and these substitutions, modifications, changes, or improvements are also intended to be covered by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A system for collecting and monitoring data at a power interface, the system comprising: A multi-purpose power interface that is electrically and communicatively coupled to a vehicle via multiple power line broadband data links; as well as Multiple sensors are configured to collect power quality data and load management data for the multiple power line broadband data links and the multipurpose power interface, wherein the multipurpose power interface includes a user interface, a processor, and a memory storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the multipurpose power interface to perform operations, including: Receive the power quality data and the load management data from the plurality of sensors; The functional health status of the multipurpose power interface and the multiple powerline broadband data links is determined based on the power quality data and the load management data. The user interface indicates the health status of the function; and Monitor and analyze power quality information.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors includes one or more of a time-domain reflectometer and a frequency-domain reflectometer configured to collect power quality data by characterizing electrical conductors in the plurality of power line broadband data links.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the multi-purpose power interface further comprises: A detachable adapter includes the user interface, a wireless communication interface, a wired communication interface, and a plurality of pins for electrically and communicatively coupling the multipurpose power interface to a connector via the plurality of power line broadband data links; as well as A ground power interface connector configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled to the vehicle via a ground power unit.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the ground power interface connector is configured to provide AC power to the vehicle when the vehicle's engine is off.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the power quality data includes at least one of the following: voltage, current, frequency, power, reactive power, power factor, voltage harmonics, current harmonics, total harmonic distortion, amplitude voltage modulation, frequency voltage modulation, current demand amplitude, current demand frequency modulation, voltage ripple amplitude, current ripple amplitude, current ripple frequency, voltage ripple frequency, power outage, magnetic field density, or another power quality parameter that can be used to determine the functional health status of the power line broadband data links among the plurality of power line broadband data links.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the load management data includes at least one of the following: load identifier, current demand harmonics, current demand amplitude, current frequency modulation, ripple current amplitude, ripple current frequency, load impedance information, load power factor, source impedance, impedance matching optimization, magnetic field density, or another load management parameter that can be used to determine the functional health status of one or more electrical components.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein determining the functional health status of one of the plurality of power line broadband data links comprises determining whether the power line broadband data link is operating within the expected data rate range.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the data storage device is local to the multipurpose power interface, and wherein indicating the functional health status includes illuminating a multicolor LED in the user interface.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the operation further comprises transmitting the functional health status, the power quality data, and the load management data to a data storage device, wherein the data storage device is located remotely from the multipurpose power interface, and wherein the transmission comprises transmitting the functional health status, the power quality data, and the load management data to the data storage device via a power line broadband modem on at least one of the plurality of power line broadband data links using power line broadband communication.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the multi-purpose power interface further comprises: Multiple pins are provided for coupling the multipurpose power interface to the vehicle via electrical and communication grounds of the multiple power line broadband data links; Conductive material for connection with the three-phase AC power of the vehicle; as well as One or more gigabit fiber optic data links.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of sensors includes at least one optical time-domain reflectometer configured to collect load management data by characterizing the one or more gigabit fiber optic data links.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein determining the functional health status of the multipurpose power interface includes determining whether the one or more gigabit fiber data links are operating within the expected data rate range.
13. A computer-implemented method for collecting and monitoring data at a power interface, the method comprising: Power quality data and load management data are received from multiple sensors operable to collect the power quality data and load management data for multiple power line broadband data links and a multipurpose power interface operable to be electrically and communicatively coupled to a vehicle via the multiple power line broadband data links. The functional health status of the multipurpose power interface and the multiple powerline broadband data links is determined based on the power quality data and the load management data. The functional health status, the power quality data, and the load management data are sent to the data storage device. The health status of the function is indicated in the user interface; as well as Monitor and analyze power quality information.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the power quality data includes at least one of the following: voltage, current, frequency, power, reactive power, power factor, voltage harmonics, current harmonics, total harmonic distortion, amplitude voltage modulation, frequency voltage modulation, current demand amplitude, current demand frequency modulation, voltage ripple amplitude, current ripple amplitude, current ripple frequency, voltage ripple frequency, power outage, magnetic field density, or another power quality parameter that can be used to determine the functional health status of the power line broadband data links among the plurality of power line broadband data links.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the load management data includes at least one of the following: load identifier, current demand harmonics, current demand amplitude, current frequency modulation, ripple current amplitude, ripple current frequency, load impedance information, load power factor, source impedance, impedance matching optimization, or another load management parameter that can be used to determine the functional health status of one or more electrical components.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the functional health status of the power line broadband data link among the plurality of power line broadband data links includes determining whether the power line broadband data link is operating within the expected data rate range.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the data storage device is local to the multipurpose power interface, and wherein indicating the functional health status includes illuminating a multicolor LED in the user interface.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the data storage device is located remotely from the multipurpose power interface, and wherein sending the functional health status, the power quality data, and the load management data to the data storage device comprises sending the functional health status, the power quality data, and the load management data to the data storage device via a power line broadband modem on at least one of the plurality of power line broadband data links using power line broadband communication.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises one or more of a time-domain reflectometer and a frequency-domain reflectometer configured to collect power quality data by characterizing electrical conductors in the plurality of power line broadband data links.
20. A system for collecting and monitoring data from a power interface, the system comprising: Multiple sensors are configured to collect power quality data and load management data for multiple power line broadband data links and a multipurpose power interface, the multipurpose power interface being configured to be electrically and communicatively coupled to the vehicle via the multiple power line broadband data links. as well as A server includes a display device, a processor, and a memory storing instructions thereon. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the server to perform operations, including: The power quality data and the load management data are received from the multiple sensors via a communication link; The functional health status of the multipurpose power interface and the multiple powerline broadband data links is determined based on the power quality data and the load management data. The memory stores the functional health status, the power quality data, and the load management data; and The health status of the function is displayed in the user interface on the display device.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the plurality of sensors includes one or more of a time-domain reflectometer and a frequency-domain reflectometer configured to collect power quality data by characterizing electrical conductors in the plurality of power line broadband data links.
22. A system for analyzing data characterizing electrical components and network components, the system comprising: Multiple sensors are configured to measure physical parameters related to power transmission and physical parameters related to data transmission; as well as A server includes a processor and a memory storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the server to perform operations, including: Receive the identifier, gate position, and timestamp associated with the connector of the multi-purpose power interface; The memory stores the measurement results of the physical parameters, the identifier, the gate position, and the timestamp; Detect changes in the connector of the multi-purpose power interface; Trends in the parameters are identified by comparing the stored physical parameter measurements, stored identifiers, and stored gate positions with historical data. Based on correlating identified trends with detected changes, predict one or more pending faults in network components and electrical components; and Send an indication of the pending fault.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the physical parameters related to power transmission include one or more of voltage, current, unit temperature, ambient temperature, and accelerometer readings.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the unit temperature is the internal temperature of the electrical component, and wherein the ambient temperature is the air temperature at the location of the electrical component.
25. The system of claim 22, wherein the physical parameters related to data transmission include at least one of data rate, ping retries, packet loss measurement, latency, and jitter measurement.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the packet loss measurement result is the percentage of lost packets relative to packets sent to the network component.
27. The system of claim 22, wherein the operation further comprises: In response to determining the correlation between one or more of the physical parameters and the predicted pending failures of one or more of the network components and electrical components, the frequency used to measure the one or more of the physical parameters is modified; as well as The receiving, storing, detecting, identifying, predicting, and transmitting processes are repeated according to the modified frequency.
28. The system of claim 22, wherein the identifier includes one or more of the serial number of the connector of the multipurpose power interface and the part number of the connector of the multipurpose power interface, and wherein the door location includes one or more of the GPS coordinates of the connector of the multipurpose power interface and the door identifier of the connector of the multipurpose power interface.
29. The system of claim 22, wherein detecting changes in the connector of the multipurpose power interface comprises detecting changes in manual input, detecting changes recorded by an RFID tag reader, detecting changes recorded by an optical reader, and detecting changes in impedance characterization, or one or more of these.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein detecting the change in the impedance characterization comprises detecting one or more of open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and harmonic changes.
31. The system of claim 22, wherein the historical data includes previously measured parameters indicating one or more of voltage, temperature, current, harmonics, impulse, utilization rate, vehicle type, generator type, equipment identifier, humidity measurement results, and precipitation measurement results.
32. The system of claim 22, wherein the trend in the identification parameters includes parameters that have undergone changes prior to the occurrence of one or more of a previous failure of a network component indicated in the historical data and a previous failure of an electrical component indicated in the historical data.
33. The system of claim 22, wherein sending the instruction includes sending the instruction to one or more of an airline, an airport, an original equipment manufacturer, and a power generation company.
34. The system of claim 22, wherein the plurality of sensors includes one or more of a time-domain reflectometer and a frequency-domain reflectometer configured to measure the physical parameters related to power transmission by characterizing electrical conductors in a plurality of power line broadband data links.
35. The system of claim 22, wherein the storage includes storing the measurement results of the physical parameters, the identifier, the gate position, and the timestamp in the data storage device of the server.
36. The system of claim 22, wherein the multipurpose power interface further comprises: Multiple pins are provided for electrically and communicatively coupling the multipurpose power interface to a vehicle via multiple power line broadband data links; Conductive material for connection with the three-phase AC power of the vehicle; as well as One or more gigabit fiber optic data links.
37. The system of claim 36, wherein the plurality of sensors includes at least one optical time-domain reflectometer configured to collect load management data by characterizing the one or more gigabit fiber optic data links.
38. A computer-implemented method for analyzing data characterizing electrical components and network components, the method comprising: Measurement results of physical parameters related to power transmission and physical parameters related to data transmission are obtained from multiple sensors; Receive the identifier, gate position, and timestamp associated with the connector of the multi-purpose power interface; The measurement results of the physical parameters, the identifier, the gate position, and the timestamp are stored in the memory; Detect changes in the connector of the multi-purpose power interface; Trends in the parameters are identified by comparing the stored physical parameter measurements, stored identifiers, and stored gate positions with historical data. Based on correlating the identified trends with the detected changes, predict one or more pending faults in network components and electrical components; as well as Send an indication of the pending fault.
39. The method of claim 38, further comprising: In response to determining the correlation between one or more of the physical parameters and the predicted pending failures of one or more of the network components and electrical components, the computing device modifies the frequency used to measure the one or more of the physical parameters; as well as The receiving, storing, detecting, identifying, predicting, and transmitting processes are repeated according to the modified frequency.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein the physical parameters related to power transmission include one or more of voltage, current, unit temperature, ambient temperature, and accelerometer readings, wherein the unit temperature is the internal temperature of the electrical component, and wherein the ambient temperature is the air temperature at the location of the electrical component, and wherein the physical parameters related to data transmission include at least one of data rate, ping retries, packet loss measurement, latency, and jitter measurement, and wherein the packet loss measurement is the percentage of lost packets relative to packets sent to the network component.
41. The method of claim 38, wherein identifying trends in the parameters includes identifying parameters that have undergone changes prior to the occurrence of one or more of a previous failure of a network component indicated in the historical data and a previous failure of an electrical component indicated in the historical data.
42. The method of claim 38, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises one or more of a time-domain reflectometer and a frequency-domain reflectometer configured to measure the physical parameters related to power transmission by characterizing electrical conductors in a plurality of power line broadband data links.