Optical cable fiber core health assessment and early warning method based on B-OTDR technology

Abstract

The invention discloses an optical cable fiber core health assessment and early warning method based on a B-OTDR technology, and relates to the technical field of optical cable monitoring. According to the method, a physical architecture comprising a B-OTDR monitoring host, an optical cable line and network equipment is constructed, the B-OTDR monitoring host is used for sending pump light to an optical cable and receiving backward Brillouin scattered light, and the Brillouin frequency shift is calculated based on the linear relation between the Brillouin frequency shift amount and temperature and stress. And respectively demodulating temperature and stress information of the optical cable fiber core through a temperature and stress decoupling algorithm. And performing data processing and analysis on the acquired information, constructing an optical cable fiber core health assessment model, performing real-time assessment on the health state of the optical cable fiber core according to the model, and sending out an early warning signal when an early warning condition is met. According to the invention, high-precision real-time monitoring of the stress and temperature of the optical cable fiber core can be realized, tiny damage and early failure hidden dangers can be found in time, the health state and residual life of the optical cable fiber core can be accurately evaluated through the health evaluation model, and a scientific basis is provided for maintenance and replacement of the optical cable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power communication technology, specifically to a method for assessing and warning the health of optical fiber cores based on B-OTDR technology. Background Technology

[0002] As a key transmission medium in power communication networks, optical cables carry core operations such as power grid dispatching, marketing, and production. Their stability and reliability directly affect the safe and efficient operation of the power system. In power systems, Fiber Optic Composite Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) cables are widely used because they simultaneously function as both power transmission line ground wires and communication optical cables. However, OPGW cables are typically laid overhead, exposed to complex and changing natural environments for extended periods. They face the effects of harsh factors such as wind, rain, snow, ice, lightning, and wildfires, while also enduring mechanical stress from their own weight and the risks of drastic temperature changes due to short-circuit current surges. This makes the performance of the fiber core prone to degradation and even outages, threatening the normal operation of the power communication network.

[0003] Currently, fiber optic cable monitoring primarily employs traditional methods. Conventional online monitoring equipment for fiber optic cables is mostly based on ordinary OTDRs (Optical Time Domain Reflectometers) using Rayleigh scattering, which locate fiber breakage or attenuation points by detecting backscattered light in the cable. Another method utilizes fiber Bragg grating (FBG) coding technology, inserting coded gratings into the cable splice closure to reduce fault location errors. While these existing technologies can achieve some fault location and performance monitoring in fiber optic cables, they still have many drawbacks. Ordinary OTDR technology has poor timeliness; it can only detect anomalies when the cable line experiences significant attenuation, indicating severe damage, making it difficult to promptly capture early signs of faults and insufficient support for preventative maintenance. While FBG coding offers higher location accuracy, retrofitting existing cables requires opening the existing splice closure, which not only poses significant engineering risks, potentially causing fiber core breaks, but also risks in sealing the splice closure after resealing, leading to new potential faults. Furthermore, existing monitoring methods mostly only address the location of routine faults in optical cables. They struggle to detect early fault characteristics such as minor damage and changes in fiber attenuation in a timely and accurate manner. They also cannot effectively assess the health status and remaining lifespan of the optical cable, failing to meet the requirements of intelligent operation and maintenance for power communication optical cables. The fundamental reason is that existing monitoring technologies lack the ability to monitor and comprehensively analyze key parameters such as fiber core stress and temperature in real time. This prevents a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the actual operating status and performance trends of the optical cable, thus hindering the provision of a scientific and effective basis for cable maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a method for optical fiber core health assessment and early warning based on B-OTDR technology, comprising the following steps:

[0005] S1. Construct the physical architecture, including the B-OTDR monitoring host, optical cable lines and network equipment. The B-OTDR monitoring host is deployed in the optical cable monitoring center. The optical cable lines include the OPGW optical cable to be monitored. The sensing optical fiber laid along the optical cable is tightly integrated with the optical cable core. The network equipment connects the B-OTDR monitoring host and the server of the monitoring center.

[0006] S2. Use the B-OTDR monitoring host to send pump light to the optical cable and receive backscattered Brillouin light. Based on the frequency shift of the backscattered Brillouin light and the pump light, demodulate the Brillouin frequency shift along the optical cable. Based on the linear relationship between the Brillouin frequency shift and temperature and stress, demodulate the temperature and stress information of the optical cable core through the temperature and stress decoupling algorithm.

[0007] S3. Process and analyze the acquired temperature and stress information, construct a health assessment model for optical fiber cores, assess the health status of optical fiber cores in real time based on the health assessment model, and issue an early warning signal when the early warning conditions are met.

[0008] S4. Build the software architecture, including the backend framework developed based on Spring Boot + MyBatis Plus and the frontend part using the Vue framework. Data flow is sent to the data interface of the system business flow entry through HTTP requests.

[0009] S5. Construct an application system, including a data acquisition module, a data processing module, a health assessment module, an early warning module, and a visualization display module, to realize the monitoring, assessment, early warning, and display functions of optical fiber cores.

[0010] Preferably, the temperature and stress decoupling algorithm effectively solves the problem of temperature and stress cross-sensitivity in Brillouin sensors by introducing a compensation mechanism and multi-parameter fitting, improves monitoring accuracy, and ensures accurate evaluation of optical fiber cores in complex environments.

[0011] Preferably, the health assessment model is based on a deep learning algorithm, which automatically learns from the historical monitoring data and actual operating conditions of the optical fiber core to achieve accurate assessment of the health status and life prediction of the optical fiber core, providing a scientific basis for the maintenance and replacement of the optical cable.

[0012] Preferably, the visualization module displays the health status, monitoring data, evaluation results, and early warning information of the optical fiber core through a GIS map, supports multiple display methods, and allows users to customize the display content and layout according to their needs, so as to conveniently and intuitively understand the operation of the optical fiber core and realize real-time monitoring and management of the optical fiber core.

[0013] Preferably, the B-OTDR monitoring host has high-precision signal processing capabilities and stable data transmission performance, enabling it to operate reliably for a long time in harsh natural environments, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of monitoring data. The network equipment adopts a redundant design and has an automatic switching function to ensure the continuity and reliability of data transmission in the event of equipment failure or network interruption, avoiding data loss and monitoring interruption.

[0014] Preferably, the data acquisition module supports multiple data acquisition methods, is compatible with different types of B-OTDR systems, and can monitor and evaluate different types of optical cables, thus having wide applicability and versatility.

[0015] Preferably, the early warning module has a dynamic adjustment function for the early warning threshold. Based on the health status of the optical fiber core and the actual operating conditions, it automatically optimizes the early warning threshold to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the early warning and reduce false alarms and missed alarms.

[0016] Preferably, the software architecture supports system expansion and upgrades, and is used to integrate new functional modules and algorithms to adapt to the continuous development of optical cable monitoring technology and changes in application requirements. The application system has user permission management functions, with different levels of users having different operating permissions, ensuring system security and data confidentiality, and preventing unauthorized access and operation.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are reflected in:

[0018] 1. This invention utilizes B-OTDR technology combined with a temperature and stress decoupling algorithm to achieve high-precision real-time monitoring of fiber optic cable core stress and temperature, enabling timely detection of minor damage and early-stage potential faults. This effectively solves the problems of poor timeliness and difficulty in capturing early signs of faults in existing monitoring technologies. For example, conventional OTDR technology can only detect anomalies after the fiber optic cable has been severely damaged, while this invention can issue early warnings in the initial stage of a fault or even in the potential fault stage, providing sufficient time for fiber optic cable maintenance and significantly improving the timeliness and accuracy of fiber optic cable monitoring.

[0019] 2. The constructed optical fiber core health assessment model, based on machine learning algorithms or data-driven methods, can comprehensively assess the health status and predict the lifespan of optical fiber cores. This overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies that cannot effectively assess the health status and remaining lifespan of optical fiber cores, avoiding over-maintenance or under-maintenance due to a lack of scientific assessment basis. Through accurate health assessment and lifespan prediction, maintenance and replacement plans can be rationally formulated, maintenance resource allocation can be optimized, optical cable maintenance costs can be reduced, and the reliability and operational efficiency of power communication networks can be improved.

[0020] 3. The software architecture and application system designed in this invention achieve efficient data processing, analysis, and visualization, providing a scientific basis for proactive operation and maintenance of optical cables. It supports system expansion and upgrades, and can easily integrate new functional modules and algorithms to adapt to the continuous development of optical cable monitoring technology and changes in application needs. This solves the problem that existing monitoring methods are insufficient to meet the requirements of intelligent operation and maintenance of power communication optical cables. For example, existing technologies cannot provide intuitive monitoring data and evaluation results. The visualization module of this invention, through a GIS map graphical method, allows users to intuitively understand the operating status of the optical cable cores, realizing real-time monitoring and refined management of the optical cable cores, and promoting the transformation of optical cable operation and maintenance mode from passive maintenance to proactive operation and maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the application system of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a graphical illustration of GIS in this invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature data curve of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the stress data curves of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber frequency offset curve of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall curves of the device port OTDR curve, temperature data, stress data, and fiber frequency deviation curve in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solution of the present invention and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0032] Example:

[0033] Figure 1-8 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a method for optical fiber core health assessment and early warning based on B-OTDR technology, including the following steps:

[0034] S1. Construct the physical architecture, including the B-OTDR monitoring host, optical cable lines and network equipment. The B-OTDR monitoring host is deployed in the optical cable monitoring center. The optical cable lines include the OPGW optical cable to be monitored. The sensing optical fiber laid along the optical cable is tightly integrated with the optical cable core. The network equipment connects the B-OTDR monitoring host and the server of the monitoring center.

[0035] S2. Use the B-OTDR monitoring host to send pump light to the optical cable and receive backscattered Brillouin light. Based on the frequency shift of the backscattered Brillouin light and the pump light, demodulate the Brillouin frequency shift along the optical cable. Based on the linear relationship between the Brillouin frequency shift and temperature and stress, demodulate the temperature and stress information of the optical cable core through the temperature and stress decoupling algorithm.

[0036] S3. Process and analyze the acquired temperature and stress information, construct a health assessment model for optical fiber cores, assess the health status of optical fiber cores in real time based on the health assessment model, and issue an early warning signal when the early warning conditions are met.

[0037] S4. Build the software architecture, including the backend framework developed based on Spring Boot + MyBatis Plus and the frontend part using the Vue framework. Data flow is sent to the data interface of the system business flow entry through HTTP requests.

[0038] S5. Construct an application system, including a data acquisition module, a data processing module, a health assessment module, an early warning module, and a visualization display module, to realize the monitoring, assessment, early warning, and display functions of optical fiber cores.

[0039] This method has been applied to the monitoring of OPGW optical cables in a power communication network. The functional effects are as follows in the specific application technical report:

[0040] On the homepage, GIS graphical display enables comprehensive collection, in-depth analysis, meticulous organization, and secure storage of fiber optic cable data, such as... Figure 3As shown in the image, this allows maintenance personnel to monitor the actual operating status of different types of optical cables in real time, eliminating the uncertainties inherent in previous work experience and achieving precise prevention beforehand, effective early warning during operation, and traceability afterward. Maintenance personnel can visually see the route, key parameters, and operating status of each optical cable on the map. Once an anomaly occurs in a particular cable, the system can immediately mark it on the map and issue an early warning signal. Maintenance personnel can quickly locate the fault and take timely measures to address it, effectively improving the efficiency and reliability of optical cable maintenance.

[0041] In terms of alarm statistics, the abnormal status of each sensing device is displayed in detail in the alarm center. Maintenance personnel can easily view device and historical data through the alarm center and check the operational status of related devices. When a temperature sensing device on a fiber optic cable segment detects an abnormal temperature increase, the alarm center will not only display the real-time data of the temperature anomaly but also the stress data, geographical location information, and operational status of other related devices for that segment. This allows maintenance personnel to comprehensively understand the fault situation, quickly analyze the cause of the fault, and formulate reasonable maintenance plans, greatly shortening fault handling time and improving the stability of fiber optic cable operation.

[0042] In the real-time curve function, such as Figure 4 As shown, the homepage map clearly displays the stress-temperature curve, allowing maintenance personnel to intuitively view the fiber optic cable's data. By observing the stress-temperature curve, maintenance personnel can understand the real-time trends of stress and temperature changes in the fiber optic cable under different time periods and environmental conditions. This helps maintenance personnel to promptly identify potential risks to the fiber optic cable, such as potential mechanical damage in areas of excessive stress or fire hazards in areas with abnormally high temperatures. Through the analysis of these real-time curves, maintenance personnel can take preventative and handling measures in advance, effectively avoiding faults and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the power communication network.

[0043] Regarding alarm cause management, the current alarm information is displayed by default in the bell icon position of the top menu bar. When maintenance personnel do not want the alarm information to pop up, they can confirm the action to temporarily hide the alarm information. Simultaneously, the system provides an interface for managing alarm causes, including operations such as adding, editing, and deleting all alarm data. Maintenance personnel can add alarm causes and handling measures for specific faults based on past fault handling experience, so that the system can quickly and accurately issue alarms and provide corresponding handling suggestions when similar faults occur again. This not only improves the work efficiency of maintenance personnel but also accumulates valuable maintenance experience, providing strong support for the long-term stable operation of optical cables.

[0044] The curve query function allows for convenient access to all curve data through a dedicated query interface, supporting search and historical data queries. This data not only provides a rich information foundation for fiber optic cable operation and maintenance but also offers crucial data support for statistical analysis of cable loss. Maintenance personnel can query the stress and temperature curves of a specific fiber optic cable over the past month, analyzing its performance changes under different weather conditions to assess the cable's health and remaining lifespan. Furthermore, through statistical analysis of historical curve data, maintenance personnel can accurately calculate cable loss, providing a scientific basis for cable maintenance and replacement, ensuring high-quality transmission performance of the power communication network.

[0045] In terms of decoupling analysis capabilities, the system can display temperature data curves, stress data curves, and fiber optic frequency offset curves separately, such as... Figure 5-7 Furthermore, it can integrate overall curves such as OTDR curves of display device ports, temperature data, stress data, and fiber optic frequency offset curves, for example... Figure 8 When analyzing fiber optic cable icing, maintenance personnel can accurately determine the extent of the icing's impact on the cable by observing changes in temperature and stress data curves and using decoupling analysis algorithms. This allows them to take timely de-icing measures to prevent cable breakage due to excessive ice buildup. Furthermore, by analyzing fiber optic frequency offset curves, maintenance personnel can gain a deeper understanding of the cable's physical state changes, identify potential fault points in advance, and provide strong technical support for refined fiber optic cable maintenance.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for optical fiber core health assessment and early warning based on B-OTDR technology, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Construct the physical architecture, including the B-OTDR monitoring host, optical cable lines and network equipment. The B-OTDR monitoring host is deployed in the optical cable monitoring center. The optical cable lines include the OPGW optical cable to be monitored. The sensing optical fiber laid along the optical cable is tightly integrated with the optical cable core. The network equipment connects the B-OTDR monitoring host and the server of the monitoring center. S2. Use the B-OTDR monitoring host to send pump light to the optical cable and receive backscattered Brillouin light. Based on the frequency shift of the backscattered Brillouin light and the pump light, demodulate the Brillouin frequency shift along the optical cable. Based on the linear relationship between the Brillouin frequency shift and temperature and stress, demodulate the temperature and stress information of the optical cable core through the temperature and stress decoupling algorithm. S3. Process and analyze the acquired temperature and stress information, construct a health assessment model for optical fiber cores, assess the health status of optical fiber cores in real time based on the health assessment model, and issue an early warning signal when the early warning conditions are met. S4. Build the software architecture, including the backend framework developed based on Spring Boot + MyBatis Plus and the frontend part using the Vue framework. Data flow is sent to the data interface of the system business flow entry through HTTP requests. S5. Construct an application system, including a data acquisition module, a data processing module, a health assessment module, an early warning module, and a visualization display module, to realize the monitoring, assessment, early warning, and display functions of optical fiber cores.

2. The method for optical fiber core health assessment and early warning based on B-OTDR technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature and stress decoupling algorithm incorporates a compensation mechanism and multi-parameter fitting.

3. The method for optical fiber core health assessment and early warning based on B-OTDR technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The health assessment model is based on a deep learning algorithm and automatically learns from historical monitoring data and actual operating conditions of optical fiber cores.

4. The method for optical fiber core health assessment and early warning based on B-OTDR technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The visualization module displays the health status, monitoring data, evaluation results, and early warning information of the optical fiber core through a GIS map. It supports multiple display methods, and users can customize the display content and layout according to their needs.

5. The method for optical fiber core health assessment and early warning based on B-OTDR technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The B-OTDR monitoring host has high-precision signal processing capabilities and stable data transmission performance. The network equipment adopts a redundant design and has an automatic switching function to ensure the continuity and reliability of data transmission in the event of equipment failure or network interruption.

6. The method for optical fiber core health assessment and early warning based on B-OTDR technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data acquisition module supports multiple data acquisition methods and is compatible with different types of B-OTDR systems.

7. The method for optical fiber core health assessment and early warning based on B-OTDR technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The early warning module has a dynamic adjustment function for the early warning threshold, which automatically optimizes the early warning threshold based on the health status of the optical fiber core and the actual operating conditions.

8. The method for optical fiber core health assessment and early warning based on B-OTDR technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The software architecture supports system expansion and upgrades, and is used to integrate new functional modules and algorithms. The application system has user permission management functions, with different levels of users having different operating permissions, ensuring system security and data confidentiality, and preventing unauthorized access and operations.

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