Online fault self-healing device for wireless communication of power grid distribution automation terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of power grids, in particular to a power grid distribution automation terminal wireless communication online fault self-healing device. The self-healing device is an external device, and can be installed and connected in series between the power distribution terminal equipment and the matched GPRS wireless communication module when the power equipment is not powered off and the power distribution terminal is in a normal operation state; after the device is installed and operated, a fault point with a fault in the communication operation process can be automatically identified, and power-off restarting is carried out on the fault point, so that automatic operation recovery of accidental communication disconnection is realized. After the device is connected to the self-distribution equipment, the device can simultaneously detect the communication fault of the equipment and restart the faulted end (the GPRS module or the self-distribution terminal) after the power is cut off for ten seconds after the self-recovery of the equipment is confirmed through time delay, so that 80% of communication fault self-recovery or temporary self-recovery on site can be realized, the time is reserved for operation and maintenance personnel to solve the fundamental fault, and the operation and maintenance efficiency is improved. And the communication offline assessment pressure is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power grids, and more particularly to a wireless communication online fault self-healing device for power grid distribution automation terminals. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the national economy, the total demand for electricity supply and the requirements for power quality have continued to rise to unprecedented levels. To fully meet the ever-increasing demand for electricity, the State Grid Corporation of China has carried out a great deal of solid and effective work in many key areas, such as improving power quality, enhancing power reliability, and optimizing power stability. Over the past decade, the State Grid has vigorously promoted the construction of distribution automation, and hundreds of millions of intelligent distribution terminal units (FTUs), DTUs, and TTUs have been put into operation. The vast majority of these devices are linked to the State Grid's automation control master station via wireless communication, enabling core functions such as remote control, precise measurement, signal acquisition, remote parameter setting, and real-time monitoring and processing of the terminal equipment.

[0003] Wireless communication technology itself has evolved from 2G to 3G, and now to the mainstream 4G era. Significant improvements in network stability, reliability, and transmission speed have made wireless communication play an increasingly crucial role in the construction of power distribution automation systems. However, in actual operation, due to complex influences from external environmental interference (such as poor signal coverage, weather conditions, and electromagnetic interference) and internal factors (such as equipment aging, module failures, software anomalies, and power supply problems), terminal devices frequently experience short-term or long-term wireless communication drops, or even frequent and unstable disconnections.

[0004] With the continuous expansion of distribution automation construction, the number of connected terminal devices is increasing exponentially, making the online rate of distribution automation equipment increasingly prominent and a focus and challenge for operation and maintenance. To ensure the long-term reliable operation of equipment, the State Grid has established a specialized distribution automation communication operation and maintenance team. However, troubleshooting and handling communication failures places extremely high demands on on-site operators. Specifically: most equipment is installed high on utility poles, requiring special operation permits and working at heights for maintenance, making the work difficult; communication modules are usually embedded within the distribution terminal equipment, posing a potential risk of electric shock during maintenance, requiring strict adherence to safety procedures; the causes of communication outages are extremely diverse (involving multiple aspects such as terminals, communication modules, SIM cards, network signals, and master station configurations), posing a severe challenge to the technical skills, experience, and comprehensive analytical abilities of maintenance personnel; terminal equipment is widely distributed across various lines in the distribution network, covering a very wide area, and the time cycle for handling a single failure is often long; more challenging is that even after on-site maintenance and restoration of communication, the long-term reliability of online equipment operation cannot be guaranteed, and subsequent outages are highly random and unpredictable, sometimes the equipment goes offline again before maintenance personnel have even returned to the power supply company. Overall, communication maintenance involves a large workload and high costs (human, material, and time), but actual work efficiency is relatively low. Good online communication indicators are basically achieved through a large investment of human and financial resources. How to systematically solve the problems of reliability and stability in communication operation has become a key issue that power supply maintenance departments urgently need to explore and study in depth.

[0005] To address this long-standing problem, the distribution network operation and maintenance departments of the entire power supply system have not yet developed a systematic solution, primarily relying on two approaches: first, strengthening internal talent development to improve the technical capabilities of their own personnel; and second, outsourcing technical services to third-party companies with specialized expertise. Through a comprehensive approach combining "human resources investment + professional technical support + material resources + time consumption," the online rate of distribution automation communication is barely maintained at a certain technical baseline level. In recent years, the State Grid Corporation of China has increasingly stringent its control over distribution automation construction and its operation and maintenance assessment standards, and the number of new distribution automation intelligent terminal devices continues to increase during distribution network construction. As time goes on, the contradictions between the continuous growth in the number of terminals and limited operation and maintenance capabilities, high operation and maintenance costs and low operation and maintenance efficiency, and stringent assessment requirements and complex fault realities are becoming increasingly acute, bringing increasingly severe and enormous pressure to the current operation and maintenance of distribution automation terminal communication.

[0006] On August 18, 2025, a search was conducted in the China Patent Publication Database using the abstract keywords "power grid and distribution and automation and wireless communication and fault and self-healing and restart," with the option to allow synonym expansion. CN119382340A discloses a wireless transparent transmission split-type distribution automation terminal communication system and its communication method. This wireless transparent transmission split-type distribution automation terminal communication system includes a controller, a first split module, a second split module, and a communication module. The controller is mounted on a utility pole and communicates with the first split module. The first split module is mounted on a utility pole and communicates with both the controller and the second split module. The second split module is mounted on a signal pole and communicates with both the first split module and the communication module. The communication module is mounted on a signal pole and communicates with both the second split module and the distribution network automation master station. The communication method of this wireless transparent transmission split-type distribution automation terminal communication system includes data transmission and data reception steps. This technology cannot perform a restart operation.

[0007] On August 18, 2025, an abstract search was conducted on CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for the keywords "power grid and distribution and automation and wireless communication and fault and self-healing and restart and isolation". The "Intelligent Auxiliary Data Acquisition Terminal for Distribution Network Environment" is based on blockchain and artificial intelligence, integrating functions such as environmental status monitoring, equipment status monitoring, meteorological monitoring, security monitoring, fire monitoring, intelligent linkage, and AI video. It establishes an interconnected system with ubiquitous equipment sensing, miniaturized sensing units, decentralized IoT networks, and intelligent application analysis by deploying devices with sensing, computing, execution, and communication functions in substations and transmission lines.

[0008] The technical selection criteria disclosed in the "Intelligent Distribution Network Regional Self-Healing Zero-Outage Distributed Distribution Automation System" include fiber optic differential protection / zero-sequence fiber optic differential protection on the main line. 3. After a fault occurs, it can be isolated within milliseconds: For short-circuit faults on the main line, the substation isolation delay generally does not exceed 300ms. To avoid substation switches tripping due to line faults, the fault isolation time of the fiber optic differential distributed distribution automation system must be less than 300ms. Furthermore, based on the tripping time of high-end switchgear in the industry, the fault isolation time is required to be no more than 100ms.

[0009] The technology disclosed in "Development and Industrialization of Intelligent Power Distribution Integrated Monitoring and Management System" (2016-01-01) employs a method of autonomous routing and dynamic updating of the self-organizing network when a local network fault occurs, ensuring the network can still operate normally. Based on the principle of longitudinal differential protection, it shortens power outage time and improves power supply reliability. Longitudinal differential protection connects adjacent FTUs through a dedicated communication channel, forming a daisy-chain communication link.

[0010] On August 18, 2025, a search was conducted on the website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the term "Power grid with distribution with automation with wireless communication with fault with self-healing," but no relevant literature was found; the search URL is https: / / ppubs.uspto.gov / pubwebapp / .

[0011] On August 18, 2025, a search was conducted on WIPO's website https: / / patentscope2.wipo.int / for the title "Power grid and distribution and automation and wireless communication and fault and self-healing", but no relevant literature was found.

[0012] On August 18, 2025, a search was conducted on the website of the Japan Patent Office (https: / / www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp / ) for the title "Power grid and distribution and automation and wireless communication and fault and self-healing", but no relevant literature was found. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Purpose of the invention: To provide a more effective wireless communication online fault self-healing device for power grid distribution automation terminals, the specific purpose of which is described in the specific implementation section for several substantial technical effects.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A self-healing device for online wireless communication faults in power grid distribution automation terminals is characterized by being an external device that can be installed while the power equipment is running normally and the distribution terminal is in operation. It is connected in series between the distribution terminal equipment and its associated GPRS wireless communication module. After installation and operation, the device can automatically detect the wireless communication status between the distribution terminal and the GPRS wireless communication module, as well as between the distribution terminal and the distribution station. It can automatically identify fault points that occur during communication operation and perform power-off restarts to achieve automatic recovery from unexpected communication disconnections.

[0015] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the device is divided into an output control section, a communication interaction section, a human-machine maintenance section, and a power supply and CPU motherboard section.

[0016] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the CPU motherboard part collects and analyzes the message information during the communication interaction process to determine whether the device has failed and disconnected. At the same time, the communication part identifies the fault area and outputs the control part to power off and restart the device corresponding to the fault; the power supply provides power to the device.

[0017] A further technical solution of the present invention is that, during normal operation, when the terminal device sends data information to the distribution self-station through the GPRS wireless communication module, the self-healing device analyzes the interactive messages between the two parties to confirm the content and status of the device communication process, and monitors whether the distribution terminal and the GPRS wireless communication module are both in normal operation and interaction.

[0018] A further technical solution of the present invention is that when the master station sends communication information to the self-healing terminal, the self-healing device confirms the communication interaction content and status between the GPRS and the self-healing terminal after the GPRS receives the information, and monitors whether the GPRS wireless communication module and the self-healing terminal are both in normal operation and interaction.

[0019] A further technical solution of the present invention is that when a communication failure is detected, the CPU of the self-healing device will detect the disconnection information, analyze and locate the fault point from the GPRS wireless communication module or the terminal, and after a delay, the output control part will control the faulty device to cut off power, and then power it back on after ten seconds; so as to achieve self-healing of the device software fault and realize online communication operation in the shortest possible time.

[0020] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the self-healing device includes two output control loops; The output control circuit goes through the 12V relay output and is connected to the positive power supply via the 1K1 2 contact. The K12 1 contact is connected to the GPRS wireless communication module to power the GPRS wireless communication module and enable it to operate normally. The relay is connected to the CPU via resistor R30, and the CPU controls the operation of the output circuit relay. The second output control circuit is connected to the positive power supply through the 12V relay output via the 1K1 2 contact and the K12 1 contact to the distribution terminal, supplying power to the distribution terminal and enabling it to operate normally.

[0021] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the power circuit input is DC24 V, which is stepped down to DC12 V by DC / DC converter to provide power to the circuit, DC5 V to provide power to the communication interaction circuit, and DC3 V to provide power to the CPU. The communication interaction section consists of a communication inlet component and a communication outlet component. The communication inlet component is connected to the CPU through the isolation chip ADUM1201, and outputs pin 7 TXD3 and pin 8 RXD3 to the GPRS wireless communication module through the S23 chip SP323 to collect the data information transmitted by the GPRS wireless communication module during operation. The communication output component is connected to the CPU through the isolation chip ADUM1201, and outputs pin 7 (TXD3) and pin 8 (RXD3) to the terminal via the S23 chip SP323 to collect the data information transmitted by the terminal during operation.

[0022] A further technical solution of the present invention is that the human-machine interaction debugging interface is powered by a DC3V power supply module, and outputs to the CPU through pin 2 RXD2 and pin 3 TXD2 of the S232 chip; pin 7 RXD2 and pin 8 TXD2 are externally connected to the computer as a human-machine interface; thereby enabling human-machine maintenance; the CPU motherboard part serves as the CPU module connecting the output control part, the communication interaction part, the power supply module and the output control loop, and the device running program is written therein.

[0023] The present invention, employing the above technical solution, offers the following advantages over existing technologies: After being connected to the distribution equipment, this device can simultaneously detect communication failures. Through a delay, after confirming that the equipment cannot recover on its own, it disconnects power to the faulty end (GPRS module or distribution terminal) for ten seconds and then restarts it. This enables self-healing or temporary self-healing of 80% of communication failures in the field, providing maintenance personnel with time to resolve fundamental faults and reducing the pressure of communication downtime assessments. Most importantly, it ensures the reliability of power distribution, providing a strong guarantee for the high-quality operation of power distribution automation.

[0024] The device of this invention has been tested and used in a local power grid distribution smart terminal, and the operating effect is very obvious, which has been unanimously praised and recognized by the power supply department. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To further illustrate the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 For system architecture; Figures 2-5 for Figure 1 Detailed breakdown and enlarged view. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0027] This invention is a communication fault detection and self-healing device, which consists of an output control section, a communication interaction section, a human-machine maintenance section, a power supply and a CPU motherboard section.

[0028] The CPU device collects and analyzes message information during the communication process to determine whether the device has failed or gone offline. At the same time, the communication part identifies the fault area and outputs the control part to power off and restart the corresponding faulty device. During normal operation, when the terminal device sends data information to the distribution self-station through the GPRS communication module, the self-healing device analyzes the interaction messages between the two parties to confirm the content and status of the device communication process and monitor whether the distribution terminal and the GPRS communication module are in normal operation and interaction. When the master station sends communication information to the distribution terminal, the self-healing device confirms the content and status of the communication interaction between the GPRS and the distribution terminal after the GPRS receives the information, and monitors whether the GPRS communication module and the distribution terminal are in normal operation and interaction. When a communication failure is detected, the self-healing device's CPU will detect the disconnection information, analyze it, and locate the fault point as originating from the GPRS module or the associated terminal. After a delay, the output control section will control the faulty device to power off, and then power it back on after ten seconds. This enables the device to self-heal from software malfunctions and achieve online communication operation in the shortest possible time.

[0029] The self-healing device consists of two output control circuits. One output control circuit connects to the positive power supply via a 12V relay output and a 1K1 2 contact. The K12 1 contact connects to the GPRS communication module, supplying power to the GPRS module and enabling it to operate normally. The relay is connected to the CPU via resistor R30, and the CPU controls the operation of the relay in the output circuit. The second output control circuit is connected to the positive power supply through the 12V relay output via the 1K1 2 contact and the K12 1 contact to the distribution terminal, so as to supply power to the distribution terminal and enable it to operate normally. The power circuit input is DC24 V, which is stepped down to DC12 V by DC / DC converter to provide power to the circuit; DC5 V is used to power the communication circuit; and DC3 V is used to power the CPU. The communication interaction section consists of a communication inlet component and a communication outlet component. The communication inlet component is connected to the CPU through the isolation chip ADUM1201, and outputs pin 7 TXD3 and pin 8 RXD3 to the GPRS communication module through the S23 chip SP323 to collect the data information transmitted by the GPRS module during operation. The communication output component is connected to the CPU through the isolation chip ADUM1201, and outputs pin 7 TXD3 and pin 8 RXD3 through the S23 chip SP323 to the terminal, which is used to collect the data information transmitted by the terminal during operation. The human-machine interface is powered by a DC 3V power supply from the power module, and outputs to the CPU via pins 2 (RXD2) and 3 (TXD2) of the S232 chip. Pins 7 (RXD2) and 8 (TXD2) are externally connected to a computer as the human-machine interface. The CPU module connects to the human-machine interface, communication interface, power module, and output control loop, and stores the device's operating program.

[0030] In power distribution automation systems, communication outages occur frequently, with over 80% of cases failing to identify the true cause using existing diagnostic methods. These outages often stem from internal equipment malfunctions, software errors, or external environmental interference. These failures typically require maintenance personnel to physically visit the site and perform a power-off and restart operation on the relevant equipment before communication can be restored. For the remaining small percentage of outages, maintenance personnel similarly perform a power-off and restart operation. Once communication is back online, they then analyze communication messages to thoroughly diagnose the root cause of the outage, achieving a fundamental solution and preventing recurrence.

[0031] Resolving issues on-site by maintenance personnel has significant drawbacks: First, the process is time-consuming, often taking several hours or even longer from the occurrence of a fault to personnel arrival and resolution. The State Grid Corporation of China has extremely strict assessment criteria for communication outages in distribution automation systems, with outage times accurate to the minute. Equipment outages directly place enormous performance pressure on power supply departments. Second, the system cannot automatically detect and notify frontline maintenance personnel immediately after a communication outage; the lack of a real-time alarm mechanism makes it impossible to require or guarantee timely response from maintenance personnel. This exacerbates the burden on maintenance work and increases performance risks, creating a double burden.

[0032] After being connected to the distribution equipment, this device can detect abnormal states in real time the instant a communication failure occurs. The device has a built-in intelligent monitoring module that, through a preset delay mechanism (e.g., 30 seconds), automatically performs a 10-second power-off and restart operation on the faulty end (e.g., GPRS module or distribution terminal) after confirming that the device itself cannot recover. This process efficiently achieves self-healing or temporary self-healing of approximately 80% of communication failures in the field, allowing maintenance personnel ample time to analyze the root cause and perform thorough repairs, thus significantly reducing the performance pressure caused by communication outages. Simultaneously, the device's greatest value lies in ensuring the continuous reliability of power distribution, preventing power outages from affecting user services, and providing strong support for the high-quality and stable operation of the power distribution automation system.

[0033] The device of this invention has now entered the pilot-scale testing phase and has been put into trial operation in several pilot areas. Operational data shows very significant results: the self-healing rate for communication faults has stabilized at over 80%, and the average downtime has been reduced by more than 60%. Power supply departments have consistently praised and highly recognized the device, believing it significantly improves operational efficiency and system stability, representing a major innovation in the field of power distribution automation.

[0034] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication online fault self-healing device for power grid distribution automation terminals, characterized in that: The self-healing device is an external device that can be installed while the power equipment is running and the distribution terminal is operating normally. It is connected in series between the distribution terminal and its matching GPRS wireless communication module. After installation and operation, the device can automatically detect the wireless communication status between the distribution terminal and the GPRS wireless communication module, as well as between the distribution terminal and the distribution station. It can automatically identify the fault points that occur during communication operation and power off and restart them to achieve automatic recovery of operation in case of unexpected communication disconnection.

2. The power grid distribution automation terminal wireless communication online fault self-healing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device is divided into an output control section, a communication and interaction section, a human-machine interface maintenance section, and a power supply and CPU motherboard section.

3. The power grid distribution automation terminal wireless communication online fault self-healing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The CPU motherboard collects and analyzes message information during communication to determine whether the device has failed or gone offline. At the same time, the communication section identifies the faulty area and outputs the control section to power off and restart the corresponding faulty device. The power supply provides power to the device.

4. The power grid distribution automation terminal wireless communication online fault self-healing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, During normal operation, when the terminal device sends data information to the distribution self-station via the GPRS wireless communication module, the self-healing device analyzes the interactive messages between the two parties to confirm the content and status of the device communication process and monitor whether the distribution terminal and the GPRS wireless communication module are both in normal operation and interaction.

5. The power grid distribution automation terminal wireless communication online fault self-healing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the master station sends communication information to the self-connecting terminal, the self-healing device confirms the content and status of the communication interaction between the GPRS and the self-connecting terminal after the GPRS receives the information, and monitors whether the GPRS wireless communication module and the self-connecting terminal are in normal operation and interaction.

6. The power grid distribution automation terminal wireless communication online fault self-healing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When a communication failure is detected, the self-healing device's CPU will detect the disconnection information, analyze and locate the fault point originating from the GPRS wireless communication module or the terminal it is paired with. After a delay, the output control section will control the faulty device to cut off power, and then power it back on after ten seconds to restart it; thus achieving self-healing of the device's software fault and enabling online communication to resume in the shortest possible time.

7. The power grid distribution automation terminal wireless communication online fault self-healing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The self-healing device includes two output control loops; The output control circuit goes through the 12V relay output and is connected to the positive power supply via the 1K1 2 contact. The K12 1 contact is connected to the GPRS wireless communication module to power the GPRS wireless communication module and enable it to operate normally. The relay is connected to the CPU via resistor R30, and the CPU controls the operation of the output circuit relay. The second output control circuit is connected to the positive power supply through the 12V relay output via the 1K1 2 contact and the K12 1 contact to the distribution terminal, supplying power to the distribution terminal and enabling it to operate normally.

8. The power grid distribution automation terminal wireless communication online fault self-healing device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The power circuit input is DC24 V, which is stepped down to DC12 V by DC / DC converter to provide power to the circuit; DC5 V is used to power the communication circuit; and DC3 V is used to power the CPU. The communication interaction section consists of a communication inlet component and a communication outlet component. The communication inlet component is connected to the CPU through the isolation chip ADUM1201, and outputs pin 7 TXD3 and pin 8 RXD3 to the GPRS wireless communication module through the S23 chip SP323 to collect the data information transmitted by the GPRS wireless communication module during operation. The communication output component is connected to the CPU through the isolation chip ADUM1201, and outputs pin 7 (TXD3) and pin 8 (RXD3) to the terminal via the S23 chip SP323 to collect the data information transmitted by the terminal during operation.

9. The power grid distribution automation terminal wireless communication online fault self-healing device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The human-machine interface is powered by a DC 3V power supply from the power module and outputs to the CPU via pins 2 (RXD2) and 3 (TXD2) of the S232 chip; pins 7 (RXD2) and 8 (TXD2) are externally connected to the computer as the human-machine interface, thus enabling human-machine maintenance. The CPU motherboard serves as the CPU module's connection point for the output control section, communication interface section, power module, and output control loop, and it also contains the device's running program.

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