Power line carrier communication full-link simulation test method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a power line carrier communication full-link simulation test method and device, and relates to the technical field of power line carrier testing, and the method comprises the steps: combing a real transformer area line and a communication topology, selecting a node to be tested according to a rule, simplifying a topological structure, and collecting channel characteristic data; configuring parameters of a virtual transformer area, and generating a topological structure and a channel environment; starting a full-link communication test, receiving and answering a meter reading carrier signal by the communication module after passing through the master station, the remote communication module, the concentrator, the local communication module and the virtual station area channel environment, symmetrically turning back a power utilization information carrier signal, monitoring a full-link communication message by the monitoring equipment, and sending the full-link communication message to the remote communication module; the message and the electricity utilization information are gathered to a central computer for communication performance evaluation; and switching the channel environment, restarting the full-link communication test, and evaluating the influence of the channel environment on the communication performance. By adopting the method and the device, the problem that only point-to-point local communication is focused in the prior art can be solved, and full-link evaluation of the power line carrier communication system is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power line carrier testing technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for full-link simulation testing of power line carrier communication. Background Technology

[0002] Power line carrier (PLC) communication, a technology that uses power lines to transmit data, has become the mainstream solution for low-voltage distribution area communication in electricity information acquisition systems due to its maturity, economy, and convenience. Because the actual channel environment in low-voltage distribution areas is complex, it is necessary to build a PLC communication simulation test environment to verify whether the performance of PLC communication meets the requirements of the information acquisition system.

[0003] Existing power line carrier communication simulation testing methods mainly simulate the power line channel environment to achieve point-to-point carrier communication performance testing between communication modules, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the power line carrier communication simulation test system includes a channel characteristic data configuration unit, a channel characteristic simulation device, a master node carrier module, and slave node carrier modules. The system configures channel characteristic data such as noise, attenuation, and impedance through the channel characteristic data configuration unit and sends it to the channel characteristic simulation device. The channel characteristic simulation device simulates channel characteristics such as noise, attenuation, and impedance to establish a simulated channel. The master node carrier module sends carrier signals into the simulated channel, and the slave node carrier module detects signal changes, thereby testing the communication performance of the power line carrier under different channel characteristic data conditions.

[0004] The above-mentioned power line carrier communication simulation test method is mainly used for point-to-point communication performance testing of carrier communication modules in different channel environments. It can only simply reflect the performance parameters of the carrier communication module, lacks the restoration of the complex topology of the real transformer area, and lacks the full-link communication test of power line carrier communication from the main station task to data parsing and storage. Therefore, it cannot evaluate the actual communication bottlenecks at each level of the carrier communication system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention addresses the shortcomings and defects of existing technologies by providing a full-link simulation test method and apparatus for power line carrier communication, thereby solving the problem that existing power line carrier test methods only focus on point-to-point local communication, and thus realizing the full-link evaluation of power line carrier communication systems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of this invention discloses a full-link simulation test method for power line carrier communication, comprising the following steps: S1: The actual transformer area's lines and communication topology are sorted out, and a list of nodes to be simulated is obtained according to the node selection rules. The communication topology is simplified based on the list of nodes to be simulated to obtain the virtual transformer area's communication topology. Channel characteristic data is collected in time-division multiple times at the corresponding locations in the actual transformer area according to the simulation node list and stored in the virtual transformer area database.

[0007] S2: Import the virtual transformer area communication topology and virtual transformer area database into the central computer. The central computer controls the switching of the attenuator matrix according to the virtual transformer area communication topology to obtain an attenuator topology consistent with the virtual transformer area communication topology, thereby generating the virtual transformer area communication topology. The central computer sends the channel characteristic data in the virtual transformer area database to the corresponding attenuators and noise and impedance simulation devices to generate the virtual transformer area channel environment.

[0008] S3: The central computer initiates a full-link communication test. The master station receives the full-link test command and issues meter reading tasks to the virtual distribution area. The meter reading command passes through the transmission paths of the remote communication module, concentrator, and local communication module in sequence, and finally enters the virtual distribution area channel environment in the form of power line carrier. After receiving the meter reading command, the communication module reads the electricity data from the electricity meter, and then feeds the electricity consumption information into the power line. The electricity consumption information carrier signal symmetrically returns along the transmission path. The monitoring equipment synchronously monitors the full-link communication messages. The monitoring messages and electricity consumption information are summarized and sent to the central computer for communication performance evaluation.

[0009] S4: The central computer initiates channel environment switching, sending channel characteristic data from other times within the virtual station database to the corresponding programmable attenuators and noise / impedance simulation devices. The end-to-end communication test is restarted to test the impact of different channel environments on communication performance.

[0010] Furthermore, the line topology describes the connection methods and layout between various power devices within the transformer substation, while the communication topology describes the roles of communication modules, network connection forms, and network layers within the transformer substation.

[0011] Preferably, the node selection rules include the following: The terminal node of each branch in the line topology must be included. If there are several nodes that are close to each other, the node with a deeper communication level shall be selected first. All communication relay nodes in the communication topology must be included. Among all the child nodes of a relay node, the node with the farthest line distance must be included.

[0012] Furthermore, the communication relay node is a communication node that acts as a relay during the transmission of carrier signals.

[0013] Furthermore, the communication layer is the number of layers from the communication sub-node to the communication root node in the carrier communication topology.

[0014] Furthermore, the channel characteristic data includes channel attenuation, noise, and impedance data.

[0015] Furthermore, the attenuator matrix is ​​a device matrix composed of a triple switch and a programmable attenuator, with each triple switch and programmable attenuator forming a group, and each group of devices being connected in a cross shape by physical lines.

[0016] Furthermore, the triple switch is integrated with three sets of independent switches and a wireless communication module. Each switch can be remotely wirelessly controlled and locally manually controlled. The control logic between the switches does not interfere with each other, and each switch is responsible for opening and closing one branch.

[0017] Furthermore, the programmable attenuator is an adjustable attenuator whose attenuation parameters are configured via a control serial port.

[0018] Furthermore, the noise and impedance simulation devices are a noise playback device and a variable electronic load, respectively, and have a parameter configuration serial port, which can realize the playback of specific noise and the simulation of specific impedance characteristics.

[0019] Furthermore, the master station, remote communication module, concentrator, local communication module, electricity meter, and communication module are key metering and communication devices in the power line carrier communication system.

[0020] Furthermore, the listening device comprises a serial port listening unit and a carrier listening unit, which can monitor and read serial port communication messages and carrier communication messages respectively.

[0021] Accordingly, the second aspect of the present invention discloses a power line carrier communication full-link simulation test device, including a central processing module, a core module, a topology control module and a terminal module.

[0022] Furthermore, the central processing module includes a master station, a central computer, a gigabit switch, and server communication cabling. It is used to manage and control the test task process, configure virtual control area parameters, and summarize, exchange, process, and analyze monitoring messages.

[0023] Furthermore, the core module includes an isolated power supply, a concentrator, a remote communication module, a local communication module, a coupling unit, a shielding chamber, a carrier sensing unit, and a server communication harness. It is used for virtual area information management, test command forwarding, and message monitoring and reporting.

[0024] Furthermore, the topology control module includes an isolated power supply, a coupling unit, a switch, a programmable attenuator, a shielded enclosure, and a server communication harness. It is used for topology control and attenuation adjustment of the virtual station area.

[0025] Furthermore, the terminal module includes an isolated power supply, a coupling unit, a noise and impedance simulation device, an electricity meter, a communication module, a carrier sensing unit, a shielded enclosure, and a server communication harness. It is used for simulating channel characteristics such as noise and impedance in virtual distribution areas, collecting electricity consumption information, and monitoring and reporting messages.

[0026] Furthermore, the central computer is a high-performance computer that integrates task control and data analysis and processing, used to perform tasks such as issuing communication test tasks, configuring virtual station parameters, processing and analyzing monitoring messages, and evaluating communication performance.

[0027] Furthermore, the gigabit switch is a network device for data exchange within a local area network, used for transmitting virtual station parameters and monitoring messages.

[0028] Furthermore, the server communication harness is a communication cable used for data transmission between devices such as listening devices, attenuators, noise and impedance simulation devices in the virtual station and gigabit switchboards.

[0029] Furthermore, the isolated power supply is an independent power supply used to provide a clean, stable, and safe power supply for the virtual transformer area.

[0030] Furthermore, the coupling unit is a communication device that connects separate communication networks, used to connect the isolated parts of virtual stations to each other via communication networks.

[0031] Furthermore, the shielding chamber is an enclosed device that provides electromagnetic shielding space to protect the virtual station area from external electromagnetic interference.

[0032] The beneficial technical effects of this invention are as follows: On the one hand, this invention provides a full-link simulation test method for power line carrier communication. By sorting out the line and communication topology of a real transformer substation, selecting nodes that can describe the communication topology of the real substation according to specific rules, and collecting channel characteristic data at different times at the corresponding locations in the real substation, a virtual substation database is finally constructed. Furthermore, by introducing key communication equipment and nodes of the power line carrier communication system such as the master station, concentrator, and meter, a full-link process for power line carrier communication from master station task issuance to data parsing and database entry is established. This solves the problem that existing power line carrier testing methods only focus on point-to-point local communication, achieving dimensionality reduction and restoration of the real substation communication topology, as well as full-link evaluation of the power line carrier communication system, greatly improving the comprehensiveness of power line carrier communication system testing and reducing the economic cost and hardware complexity of the testing device. On the other hand, this invention provides a full-link simulation test device for power line carrier communication, which integrates functions such as test item control, virtual substation channel characteristic data configuration, and monitoring message processing through a central computer. It also constructs an attenuator matrix using switches and attenuators, and uses the central computer to remotely control the switching of the attenuator matrix to construct the virtual substation communication topology. Finally, a simulated transformer substation channel environment is constructed using attenuators and noise and impedance simulation devices. Channel characteristic data such as noise, impedance, and attenuation can be remotely configured via a central computer. This enables flexible configuration of the virtual substation topology, substation type, time slot, and service scenarios, significantly improving the automation level of power line carrier testing. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a full-link simulation test method for power line carrier communication according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the actual transformer substation line topology in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the actual communication topology of a transformer substation in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the virtual station communication topology in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of a full-link simulation test device for power line carrier communication according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0039] This invention provides a full-link simulation and testing method for power line carrier communication. Figure 1 A flowchart of a full-link simulation test method for power line carrier communication according to the present invention is shown, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the process includes the following steps: S1: Identify the actual transformer area's lines and communication topology. A schematic diagram of the actual transformer area's line topology is shown below. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the actual communication topology of the transformer substation is as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0040] According to the node selection rules, the terminal node of each branch in the line topology must be included. If there are several nodes that are close to each other, the node with a deeper communication level should be selected first. All communication relay nodes in the communication topology must be included. Among all child nodes of a relay node, the node with the farthest line distance must be included. The list of nodes to be simulated is 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.6, 3.1, and 4.4.

[0041] Based on the list of nodes to be simulated, the real transformer area communication topology is simplified to obtain a virtual transformer area communication topology. A schematic diagram of the virtual transformer area communication topology is shown below. Figure 4 As shown.

[0042] Based on the list of nodes to be simulated, channel characteristic data are collected in multiple sets at the corresponding locations in the real transformer area, and then stored in the virtual transformer area database.

[0043] S2: Import the virtual area communication topology and virtual area database into the central computer.

[0044] The central computer controls the switching of the attenuator matrix according to the virtual station area communication topology to obtain the attenuator topology structure that is consistent with the virtual station area communication topology.

[0045] The central computer distributes the channel characteristic data from the virtual station area database to the corresponding attenuators and noise and impedance simulation devices.

[0046] S3: The central computer initiates a full-link communication test, and the master station receives the full-link test command and issues the meter reading task.

[0047] Meter reading tasks are transmitted sequentially through the remote communication module, concentrator, and local communication module. Finally, the local communication module generates meter reading instructions, which are fed into the power line via a carrier wave.

[0048] The serial port listening unit listens to the interaction messages between the remote communication module, the local communication module and the concentrator in real time, the carrier listening unit listens to the carrier messages in real time, and the monitoring messages are packaged and sent to the central computer.

[0049] The meter reading carrier signal passes through the coupling unit and attenuator in sequence before being received by the communication module. The communication module executes the meter reading command to read the electricity data from the single-phase meter and feeds the electricity consumption information into the power line.

[0050] The carrier sensing unit listens to carrier messages in real time and sends monitoring messages to the central computer.

[0051] The carrier signal carrying electricity consumption information passes through the attenuator and coupling unit in sequence before returning to the concentrator side, where it is received by the local communication module.

[0052] The electricity usage information of each meter is transmitted sequentially through the local communication module, concentrator, and remote communication module, and is finally sent to the main station by the remote communication module.

[0053] The central computer analyzes monitoring messages and meter reading success rates to assess communication performance and identify communication bottlenecks.

[0054] S4: The central computer initiates channel environment switching, sending channel characteristic data from other times in the virtual station database to the corresponding programmable attenuator and noise and impedance simulation device.

[0055] Repeat step S3 to test the impact of different channel environments on communication performance.

[0056] This embodiment also provides a full-link simulation and testing device for power line carrier communication. Figure 5 The following is an architectural diagram of a full-link simulation test device for power line carrier communication according to the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the architecture includes the following modules: The central processing module 501 is used to manage and control the test task process, configure virtual station parameters, and summarize, exchange, process and analyze monitoring messages.

[0057] The central processing module 501 integrates functions such as test task management, virtual transformer area parameter configuration, and monitoring message processing and analysis by a central computer. After the central computer starts the test task, the master station sends test commands to the virtual transformer area. The virtual transformer area parameter configuration information and monitoring messages are exchanged between the central computer and the virtual transformer area simulation equipment and monitoring equipment through gigabit switches and server communication harnesses.

[0058] Core module 502 is used for virtual area information management, test command forwarding, and message monitoring and reporting.

[0059] The core module 502 is powered by an isolated power supply; the concentrator is used for virtual transformer area information management and internally stores transformer area files; the remote communication module provides remote communication support to the concentrator for receiving test tasks from the master station and uploading test results; the local communication module provides carrier communication support to the concentrator for forwarding test commands and uploading test results across the entire transformer area; the serial port listening unit listens for the interaction messages between the remote communication module, the local communication module, and the concentrator; the carrier listening unit listens for power line carrier messages; monitoring messages are transmitted to the central processing module through the server communication harness; the coupling unit realizes carrier signal coupling between the core module and the topology control module; and the shielding chamber isolates external electromagnetic radiation interference.

[0060] The topology control module 503 is used for topology control and attenuation value adjustment of the virtual transformer area.

[0061] The control module 503 is powered by an isolated power supply; the carrier signal is coupled to the power line by a coupling unit; an attenuation matrix is ​​formed by a switch and a programmable attenuator; the topology configuration information and attenuation value sent by the central processing module are received through the server communication harness; the three-way switch is automatically switched on and off; the programmable attenuator automatically adjusts the attenuation value to form the communication topology and channel attenuation of the virtual station area; a communication connection is established with the terminal module through the coupling unit; and external electromagnetic radiation interference is isolated by a shielding chamber.

[0062] Terminal module 504 is used for external interference filtering of virtual transformer substations, channel characteristic simulation such as noise and impedance, power consumption information collection, and message monitoring and reporting.

[0063] The terminal module 504 is powered by an isolated power supply; it is connected to the topology control module via a coupling unit for carrier communication; the noise and impedance simulation device receives noise and impedance information from the central processing module through the server communication harness and performs noise playback and impedance restoration to simulate channel noise and impedance characteristics; the electricity meter collects electricity consumption data and stores the data in an internal register; the communication module provides carrier communication support to the electricity meter, and after receiving a test command, the communication module reads the electricity consumption information from the electricity meter and sends the information to the power line in the form of a carrier wave; the carrier listening unit listens to the communication module's messages and transmits the monitoring messages to the central processing module through the server communication harness; and the shielding chamber isolates external electromagnetic radiation interference.

[0064] The above embodiments are descriptions of specific implementations of the present invention, and not limitations thereof. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention to obtain corresponding equivalent technical solutions. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions should be included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A full-link simulation test method for power line carrier communication, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: The actual transformer area's lines and communication topology are analyzed, and a list of nodes to be simulated is obtained according to the node selection rules. The communication topology is simplified based on the list of nodes to be simulated, and channel characteristic data is collected in multiple groups at the corresponding locations in the actual transformer area according to the simulation node list, and stored in the virtual transformer area database. The channel characteristic data includes channel attenuation, noise, and impedance data. S2: Import the virtual station area communication topology and virtual station area database into the central computer. The central computer controls the switching of the attenuator matrix according to the virtual station area communication topology to obtain the attenuator topology consistent with the virtual station area communication topology, so as to generate the virtual station area communication topology. The central computer sends the channel characteristic data in the virtual station area database to the corresponding attenuators and noise and impedance simulation devices to generate the virtual station area channel environment. S3: The central computer initiates a full-link communication test. The main station receives the full-link test command and sends the meter reading task to the virtual distribution area. The meter reading command passes through the transmission path of the remote communication module, concentrator, and local communication module in sequence, and finally enters the virtual distribution area channel environment in the form of power line carrier. After receiving the meter reading command, the communication module reads the electricity consumption data from the electricity meter and then feeds the electricity consumption information into the power line. The electricity consumption information carrier signal is symmetrically turned back according to the transmission path. The monitoring equipment synchronously monitors the full-link communication messages. The monitoring messages and electricity consumption information are summarized to the central computer for communication performance evaluation. S4: The central computer initiates channel environment switching, sends channel characteristic data from other times in the virtual station database to the corresponding programmable attenuator and noise and impedance simulation device, restarts the full-link communication test, and tests the impact of different channel environments on communication performance.

2. The full-link simulation test method for power line carrier communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The node selection rules are as follows: the terminal node of each branch in the line topology must be included; if there are several nodes that are close to each other, the node with a deeper communication level shall be selected first; all communication relay nodes in the communication topology must be included; and among all child nodes of a relay node, the node with the farthest line distance must be included.

3. The full-link simulation test method for power line carrier communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attenuator matrix includes a triple switch and a programmable attenuator. Each triple switch and programmable attenuator forms a group. Each group of devices is connected in a cross shape by physical lines. The connection mode of the attenuator matrix is ​​changed by controlling the on / off state of the branches through the triple switch.

4. The full-link simulation test method for power line carrier communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The programmable attenuator is an adjustable attenuator whose attenuation parameters are configured via a control serial port.

5. The full-link simulation test method for power line carrier communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The noise and impedance simulation devices are a noise playback device and a variable electronic load, respectively, and have a parameter configuration serial port, which can realize the playback of specific noise and the simulation of specific impedance characteristics.

6. The full-link simulation test method for power line carrier communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The entire communication link is a complete transmission path for power line carrier communication, including the main station, remote communication module, concentrator, local communication module, electricity meter, and communication module.

7. A power line carrier communication full-link simulation test device, based on the power line carrier communication full-link simulation test method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It includes a central processing module, a core module, a topology control module, and a terminal module, among which: The central processing module, including the main station, central computer, gigabit switch and server communication harness, is used to manage and control the test task process, configure virtual area parameters, and collect, exchange, process and analyze monitoring messages. The core modules, including isolated power supply, concentrator, remote communication module, local communication module, coupling unit, shielding compartment, carrier sensing unit and server communication harness, are used for virtual area information management, test command forwarding, and message monitoring and reporting. The topology control module, including an isolated power supply, coupling unit, switch, programmable attenuator, shielding chamber, and server communication harness, is used for topology control and attenuation value adjustment of the virtual station area. The terminal module includes an isolated power supply, coupling unit, noise and impedance simulation device, energy meter, communication module, carrier sensing unit, shielding chamber and server communication harness. It is used to filter out external interference of the virtual station area, simulate channel characteristics such as noise and impedance, collect electricity information and monitor and report messages.

8. The power line carrier communication full-link simulation test device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The central computer is a high-performance computer that integrates task control and data analysis and processing. It is used to perform tasks such as issuing communication test tasks, configuring virtual station parameters, processing and analyzing monitoring messages, and evaluating communication performance.

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