Apparatus for switching power of remote terminal unit
The RTU power switching device addresses single-point failures in SCADA systems by duplicating power supply and automating switching, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORP
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-29
AI Technical Summary
Conventional RTUs in SCADA systems face operational challenges due to single-point failures in their main power units, leading to disruptions in power system operations.
An RTU power switching device with a control module, interface unit, and backplane module that duplicates the main power supply and automatically switches to a normal power unit in case of failure, ensuring seamless operation without interruptions.
Enhances power system reliability by duplicating the main power supply and enabling seamless switching between power units, maintaining uninterrupted operation and facilitating maintenance without device shutdown.
Smart Images

Figure R1020230074856_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an RTU power switching device. Background Technology
[0002] The SCADA system monitors and controls power facilities. The SCADA system includes a dispatching substation system for monitoring and controlling power facilities, and RTUs (Remote Terminal Units) installed in substations and connected to power facilities.
[0003] RTUs are primarily used for SCADA systems to collect information from remote field instruments, and after data processing, transmit the collected information to a central server using various communication channels, such as wired and wireless.
[0004] RTUs for SCADA systems are equipped with two main power units to ensure operational reliability. However, conventionally, if a failure occurs in one of the main power units, only some of the RTUs are operational, which has resulted in a problem where remote operation of the power system cannot be carried out smoothly.
[0005] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2020-0072168 (June 22, 2020), titled ‘Method for diagnosing RTU operating status and RTU monitoring and diagnosis device using the same’. The problem to be solved
[0006] The present invention was devised to improve upon the aforementioned problems, and an objective according to one aspect of the present invention is to provide an RTU power switching device that improves power system operation reliability by duplicating the main power supply of an RTU for a SCADA system and switching the DC power of the main power supply according to whether the main power supply is functioning normally. means of solving the problem
[0007] An RTU power switching device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a control module; an interface unit that receives a DC voltage from a plurality of main power units and outputs a DC voltage to an RTU (Remote Terminal Unit); and a backplane module that switches to a DC voltage input from any one of the main power units through the interface unit and outputs it through the interface unit, wherein the control module controls the backplane module according to whether there is an abnormality in the DC voltage input from each of the main power units to switch to a DC voltage input from a main power unit in a normal state.
[0008] The control module of the present invention is characterized by being manufactured in a card type and detachably mounted on the backplane module.
[0009] The control module of the present invention is characterized by being electrically separated from the interface unit and the backplane module.
[0010] The control module of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a controller that switches to a DC voltage input from a main power supply unit in a normal state depending on whether there is an abnormality in the DC voltage input from each main power supply unit; and a switching switch that inputs a control command to the controller for switching the DC voltage automatically or manually.
[0011] The control module of the present invention is characterized by further including a main power supply that supplies a DC voltage according to a control signal of the controller, and a display unit that indicates the switching status of the DC voltage.
[0012] The display unit of the present invention is characterized by being provided for each DC voltage input from the main power unit and displaying the switching status for each DC voltage.
[0013] The controller of the present invention is characterized by switching the DC voltage to a preset speed or lower to supply a normal state DC voltage to the RTU without interruption.
[0014] The control module of the present invention is characterized by further including a switching switch for automatically or manually switching the DC voltage.
[0015] The backplane module of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a motherboard that receives a DC voltage from the interface unit; and a switching unit that switches the DC voltage input from the main power unit through the motherboard.
[0016] The switching unit of the present invention is characterized by supplying a DC voltage to the RTU through the interface unit in the event of a failure or removal of the control module. Effects of the invention
[0017] An RTU power switching device according to one aspect of the present invention improves power system operation reliability by duplicating the main power supply of an RTU for a SCADA system and switching the DC power of the main power supply depending on whether the main power supply is normal.
[0018] An RTU power switching device according to another aspect of the present invention enables seamless replacement without the need to turn off the remote unit, thereby improving the operational reliability of the SCADA system. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0019] FIG. 1 is an example diagram of the installation of an RTU power switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an RTU power switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an RTU power switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an interface section according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the shape of a motherboard and a control module detachably mounted on the motherboard according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a switching unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a control module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a controller according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are drawings illustrating examples of operation during automatic switching and manual switching according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0020] Hereinafter, an RTU power switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intention or convention of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.
[0021] FIG. 1 is an example diagram of the installation of an RTU power switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the first main power supply unit (100) converts a DC 125V or DC 220V voltage into at least one of DC 54V, DC 48V, and DC 24V and supplies it to the RTU power switching device (300).
[0023] The second main power supply unit (200) converts a voltage of DC 125V or DC 220V into at least one of DC 54V, DC 48V, or DC 24V and supplies it to the RTU power switching device (300).
[0024] Here, the first main power supply unit (100) and the second main power supply unit (200) supply DC power separately to the MPD, FPD (DI), FPD (DO), and IAPD, thereby providing a load distribution effect.
[0025] The RTU power switching device (300) receives at least one of DC 54V, DC 48V, and DC 24V from each of the first main power supply unit (100) and the second main power supply unit (200).
[0026] When at least one of DC 54V, DC 48V, and DC 24V is input from the first main power supply unit (100), the RTU power switching device (300) checks whether there is an abnormality in these DC voltages supplied from the first main power supply unit (100), and switches the corresponding DC voltage according to the abnormality to supply the DC voltage of the second main power supply unit (200) to the RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) (10).
[0027] When at least one of DC 54V, DC 48V, and DC 24V is input from the second main power supply unit (200), the RTU power switching device (300) checks whether there is an abnormality in these DC voltages supplied from the second main power supply unit (200), and switches the corresponding DC voltage according to the abnormality to supply the DC voltage of the first main power supply unit (100) to the RTU (10).
[0028] The RTU power switching device (300) can be manufactured as a card-type detachable type with a 1U shelf structure for each voltage (DC 54V, DC 48V, DC 24V).
[0029] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an RTU power switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of an RTU power switching device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, an RTU power switching device (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an interface unit (310), a backplane module (320), and a control module (330).
[0031] The interface section (310) provides an interface between the first main power supply section (100) and the second main power supply section (200) and the RTU (10).
[0032] The interface unit (310) receives DC voltage from the first main power unit (100) and the second main power unit (200) and outputs DC voltage to the RTU (10).
[0033] For example, the interface unit (310) receives DC 54V, DC 48V, and DC 24V from the first main power unit (100), and receives DC 54V, DC 48V, and DC 24V from the second main power unit (200).
[0034] The interface unit (310) supplies DC 54V, DC 48V, and DC 24V input from either the first main power unit (100) or the second main power unit (200) to the RTU (10).
[0035] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an interface section according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, the interface section (310) may be a 2IN / 2OUT 8PIN terminal block.
[0037] The interface unit (310) receives DC voltage from each of the first main power unit (100) and the second main power unit (200) and outputs it to the RTU (10). To this end, the interface unit (310) may include a plurality of connection terminals, for example, a DCA input terminal (①), a DCB input terminal (②), a DCA output terminal (③), a DC output terminal (④), and a monitoring DRY contact 6 terminal (⑤).
[0038] Here, DCA is the voltage of the first main power supply unit (100), and DCB is the voltage of the second main power supply unit (200).
[0039] The backplane module (320) switches to a DC voltage input from either the first main power supply unit (100) or the second main power supply unit (200) through the interface unit (310) and outputs it through the interface unit (310).
[0040] FIG. 5 is a shape diagram of a motherboard and a control module detachably mounted on the motherboard according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a switching unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 5, the backplane module (320) includes a motherboard (322) and a switching unit (324).
[0042] The motherboard (322) receives a DC voltage from the first main power supply unit (100) and the second main power supply unit (200) through the interface unit (310).
[0043] Meanwhile, the control module (330) is formed in a card shape and can be attached to and detached from the motherboard (322).
[0044] The switching unit (324) switches the DC voltage input from the first main power unit (100) or the second main power unit (200) through the motherboard (322).
[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, the switching unit (324) is equipped with an A switching relay and a B switching relay for each voltage (DC 54V, DC 48V, DC 24V) in order to switch the DC voltage as described above.
[0046] A switching relay and B switching relay each receive the DC voltages of the first main power supply unit (100) and the second main power supply unit (200) in parallel, and selectively output the DC voltage of the first main power supply unit (100) and the DC voltage of the second main power supply unit (200) through relay control.
[0047] Accordingly, each A switching relay and B switching relay outputs a DC voltage under normal conditions, and when there is a power abnormality in the first main power supply unit (100), the A switching relay operates so that the DC voltage of the second main power supply unit (200) is supplied through the A switching relay.
[0048] Based on this, the switching unit (324) switches the input voltages of DC 54V, DC 48V, and DC 24V of the first main power unit (100) to DC 54V, DC 48V, and DC 24V of the second main power unit (200), or switches the input voltages of DC 54V, DC 48V, and DC 24V of the second main power unit (200) to DC 54V, DC 48V, and DC 24V of the first main power unit (100). That is, the switching unit (324) can switch the DC 54V of the first main power unit (100) to the DC 54V of the second main power unit (200), switch the DC 484V of the first main power unit (100) to the DC 48V of the second main power unit (200), or switch the DC 244V of the first main power unit (100) to the DC 24V of the second main power unit (200). Additionally, the switching unit (324) can switch the DC 54V of the second main power unit (200) to the DC 54V of the first main power unit (100), switch the DC 484V of the second main power unit (200) to the DC 48V of the first main power unit (100), or switch the DC 244V of the second main power unit (200) to the DC 24V of the first main power unit (100).
[0049] In addition, the switching unit (324) can continuously supply DC voltage even when the control module (330) fails or is detached. Since the switching relay uses basic N and C contacts, it does not affect the output of the first main power unit (100) and the second main power unit (200). That is, because the backplane module (320) is functionally separated from the card-type detachable control module (330), the switching unit (324) can normally supply DC voltage even when the control module (330) fails or is detached.
[0050] The control module (330) controls the backplane module (320) according to whether there is an abnormality in the DC voltage input from each of the first main power supply unit (100) and the second main power supply unit (200), and switches to the DC voltage input from the main power supply unit in a normal state (either the first main power supply unit (100) or the second main power supply unit (200)).
[0051] The control module (330) is manufactured in a card form and can be detachably mounted on the motherboard (322) of the backplane module (320).
[0052] The control module (330) is electrically isolated from the interface unit (310) and the backplane module (320).
[0053] The control module (330) includes a controller (332), a display unit (336), and a switching switch (334).
[0054] The controller (332) switches to the DC voltage input from the main power supply unit (either the first main power supply unit (100) or the second main power supply unit (200)) in a normal state depending on whether there is an abnormality in the DC voltage input from each of the first main power supply unit (100) and the second main power supply unit (200).
[0055] That is, the controller (332) switches to the second main power supply (200) in the event of a DC 54V, 48V, or 24V failure of the first main power supply (100), so that the RTU (10) can be operated without interruption.
[0056] The controller (332) switches to the first main power supply (100) in the event of a DC 54V, 48V, or 24V failure of the second main power supply (200), so that the RTU (10) can be operated without interruption.
[0057] In this case, when the fault state is restored to a normal state, the control module (330) automatically restores the switching state to ensure safety. That is, when the first main power supply (100) returns to normal while in a state switched to the second main power supply (200), the controller (332) switches to the DC voltage of the first main power supply (100). When the second main power supply (200) returns to normal while in a state switched to the first main power supply (100), the controller (332) switches to the DC voltage of the second main power supply (200).
[0058] The controller (332) switches the DC voltage at a preset speed, for example, 30ms or less, and supplies the normal state DC voltage to the RTU (10) without interruption.
[0059] The switching switch (334) inputs a control command to the controller (332) to switch the DC voltage automatically or manually.
[0060] The display unit (336) displays the main power supply unit (either the first main power supply unit (100) and the second main power supply unit (200)) that supplies DC voltage according to the control signal of the controller (332), and the switching status of the DC voltage. The display unit (336) may be an LED (Light Emitting Diode).
[0061] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a control module according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 7, the display unit (336) is provided for each DC voltage input from the first main power unit (100) and the second main power unit (200) and displays the switching status between the first main power unit (100) and the second main power unit (200) for each DC voltage.
[0063] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a controller according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] In FIG. 8, the first main power supply unit (100) is designated as input voltage A (DCA), and the second main power supply unit (200) is designated as input voltage B (DCB).
[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, the controller (332) includes an input voltage B monitoring unit (322a, 322f), a mode conversion unit (322b, 322g), a mode switching unit (322c, 322h), an input voltage A monitoring unit (322d, 322i), and a relay control unit (322e, 322j). These are provided separately for input voltage A and input voltage B.
[0066] First, the input voltage B monitoring unit (322a, 322f) inputs a voltage (+) to the anode portion of the photocoupler and limits the current by a resistor to activate the photocoupler. When the input voltage drops by 10~20%, the collector of the photocoupler becomes high, and at this time, the mode switching unit (322b, 322g) activates the switching relay to switch the power supply.
[0067] The mode conversion unit (322b, 322g) returns to the previous state if a power abnormality is detected, even while in manual mode. That is, the mode conversion unit (322b, 322g) is normally used as DCA power in the mode switching unit (322c, 322h), but if there is a power abnormality in DCB power while it is manually switched to DCB power due to a power abnormality or operation of the switching switch (334), it switches to DCA power at high speed. That is, even while in manual mode, it returns to the original state if a power abnormality is detected.
[0068] The mode switching unit (322c, 322h) switches between automatic mode and switching mode.
[0069] In automatic mode, under continuous monitoring of input voltages A and B, the system automatically switches to a suitable voltage if the DC voltage drops below the set voltage, and automatically restores the system when the abnormal voltage returns to normal. Automatic mode operates as the default mode, supplying power to each system via DCA and DCB. In automatic mode, a green LED lights up, and each power supply indicates a normal status.
[0070] The switching mode, also known as the manual mode, is a mode in which the user switches due to reasons such as inspection or power abnormalities. In the switching mode, a red LED is lit, and the switching relay of the switching unit (324) switches at high speed to one of the DCA and DCB power supplies power in less than 30ms. In addition, if a power abnormality occurs in the switching mode, it is automatically restored to ensure safety. This is operated by the input voltage B monitoring unit (322a, 322f) and the mode conversion unit (322b, 322g) according to the input voltage, regardless of the switching switch.
[0071] The input voltage A monitoring unit (322d, 322i) monitors the voltage of the DCA. The input voltage A monitoring unit (322d, 322i) is activated by the principle that when the input voltage drops by 10~20%, the collector of the photocoupler becomes high, and at the same time, the TR gate of the relay control unit (322e, 322j) operates and the switching relay of the switching unit (324) is activated to activate the main voltage relay, thereby switching the main power input / output load voltage from DCA to DCB and from DCB to DCA.
[0072] The relay control unit (322e, 322j) activates the main voltage relay and operates by monitoring the voltage of the DCA. At this time, the red LED LEMP (DCB switching) lights up to indicate that the voltage switching has been completed.
[0073] In automatic mode, 54VA is input through SW1 (automatic mode), and a minimum current of 25mA flows from the anode to the cathode of the U1 IC, turning on the LED2 (green) lamp. At this time, the photocoupler of U1 is activated, and a 12V voltage flows between the collector and emitter of the secondary side of U1 through R2 toward GND. At this time, a LOW voltage is input to the base of Q1 through R3, causing voltage to flow from the base to the collector of the Q1 transistor. Consequently, the MRC2 of the main power relay (LS1) of CRC2 becomes active high, and the LS1 relay does not operate, supplying power from 54VA in to out. At this time, the LED3 red lamp is off, indicating that the power supply is functioning properly.
[0074] In switching mode, the 54VA is disconnected via SW1 (switching mode), preventing the minimum current from flowing from the anode to the cathode of the U1 IC, causing the LED2 (green) lamp to turn off. At this time, the photocoupler of U1 is deactivated, preventing the 12V voltage from flowing between the collector and emitter on the secondary side of U1, causing current to flow through R2 toward R3. Consequently, a high voltage is applied to the base of Q1 via R3, causing voltage to flow from the collector to the emitter across the Q1 transistor. Consequently, the voltage at CRC2 becomes active, causing the MRC2 of the main relay (LS1) to enter an active low state. The LS1 relay operates to supply power from LS2 54VB in to LS1 out. At this point, the LED3 red lamp is illuminated, and the power supply is disconnected.
[0075] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are drawings illustrating examples of operation during automatic switching and manual switching according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an example is shown in which at least one input voltage of DC 54V, DC 48V, or DC 24V is switched from the first main power supply unit (100) to the second power supply unit or from the second main power supply unit (200) to the first main power supply unit (100) in various states during manual switching and automatic switching modes.
[0077] In this way, the RTU power switching device (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention can improve the reliability of power system operation by duplicating the power supply of the remote station for the SCADA system and eliminate the inconvenience for the manager for maintenance.
[0078] In addition, the RTU power switching device (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention enables seamless replacement without the need to turn off the remote device, thereby improving the operational reliability of the SCADA system.
[0079] The implementations described herein may be implemented, for example, as methods or processes, devices, software programs, data streams, or signals. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the discussed features may also be implemented in other forms (e.g., devices or programs). Devices may be implemented in appropriate hardware, software, and firmware, etc. Methods may be implemented in devices such as processors, which generally refer to processing devices including, for example, computers, microprocessors, integrated circuits, or programmable logic devices. Processors also include communication devices such as computers, cell phones, portable / personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), and other devices that facilitate the communication of information between end-users.
[0080] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims below. Explanation of the symbols
[0081] 10: RTU 100: 1st main power supply 200: 2nd main power supply 300: RTU Power Transfer Switch 310: Interface section 320: Backplane Module 322: Motherboard 324: Disruption 330: Control Module 332: Controller 334: Toggle switch 336: Display unit
Claims
Claim 1 A control module; an interface unit that receives DC voltage from a first main power supply and a second main power supply and outputs DC voltage to a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU); and a backplane module that switches to a DC voltage input from either the first main power supply or the second main power supply through the interface unit and outputs it through the interface unit, wherein the control module controls the backplane module according to whether there is an abnormality in the DC voltage input from each of the first main power supply and the second main power supply to switch to a DC voltage input from either the first main power supply or the second main power supply in a normal state, and the backplane module includes a motherboard that receives DC voltage from the interface unit; The RTU power switching device comprises a switching unit that switches the DC voltage input from the first main power unit and the second main power unit through the motherboard, wherein the control module is manufactured in a card type and is detachably mounted on the motherboard, and the switching unit is equipped with an A switching relay and a B switching relay, wherein the A switching relay and the B switching relay receive the DC voltages of the first main power unit and the second main power unit, respectively, in parallel, and selectively output the DC voltage of the first main power unit and the DC voltage of the second main power unit through relay control. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 The RTU power switching device according to claim 1, wherein the control module comprises: a controller that switches to a DC voltage input from either the first main power supply or the second main power supply in a normal state depending on whether the DC voltage input from each of the first main power supply and the second main power supply is abnormal; and a switching switch that inputs a control command to the controller for switching the DC voltage automatically or manually. Claim 5 An RTU power switching device according to claim 4, wherein the control module further comprises a main power supply that supplies a DC voltage according to a control signal of the controller, and a display unit that indicates the switching status of the DC voltage. Claim 6 In claim 5, the RTU power switching device is characterized in that the display unit is provided for each DC voltage input from the first main power unit and the second main power unit, and displays the switching status for each DC voltage. Claim 7 In claim 4, the RTU power switching device is characterized in that the controller switches the DC voltage to a preset speed or lower and supplies a normal state DC voltage to the RTU without interruption. Claim 8 An RTU power switching device according to claim 4, wherein the control module further includes a switching switch for automatically or manually switching the DC voltage. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 An RTU power switching device according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit supplies a DC voltage to the RTU through the interface unit in the event of a failure or removal of the control module.