Solar RTU Power Saving Mode via DNP3 Periodic Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar power energized Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) face high energy consumption and costs due to the need for large solar panels and deep cycle batteries, which increases material and installation costs, especially in remote areas where power is not centrally available.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power saving mode in RTUs that selectively powers I/O modules to conserve energy by storing data in memory during non-transmission periods, using the DNP3 protocol to leverage history backfill functionality and disable I/O modules intermittently, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If I/O modules are continuously powered to transmit data in real-time, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling the RTU to alternate between active transmission modes and power-saving sleep modes. The system periodically wakes up to transmit accumulated data using DNP3 history backfill, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic operation pattern reduces average power consumption while maintaining data transmission efficiency through batched transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by accumulating data in memory before transmission periods. The RTU pre-processes and buffers data from field devices during sleep mode, then transmits accumulated data batches when activated. This preliminary data accumulation eliminates the need for continuous real-time transmission, reducing power consumption while maintaining productivity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If I/O modules are powered off to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but data transmission capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously accumulating and buffering data in memory even when I/O modules are powered off. This ensures no data is lost during sleep periods. When the RTU wakes up, it transmits the pre-accomulated data using DNP3 history backfill functionality, maintaining data transmission reliability without requiring continuous I/O module operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces memory as an intermediary between data sources and transmission channels. Data from field devices is first stored in memory, which acts as a buffer. This intermediary allows the system to decouple data collection from data transmission, enabling I/O modules to be powered off while data continues to be accumulated in memory, thus maintaining reliability while reducing power consumption.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If solar panel size is increased to provide continuous power, then power availability is improved, but material costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the RTU by implementing variable power states (active and sleep modes) instead of continuous operation. This parameter change allows the system to operate successfully with smaller solar panels and batteries, as the average power consumption is reduced. The system adapts its operation to match the limited power availability from smaller solar installations.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing periodic active and sleep cycles, the system reduces average power consumption to levels that can be sustained by smaller, more cost-effective solar panels and battery configurations. This periodic operation eliminates the need for oversized power generation components, reducing material costs and installation complexity while maintaining adequate power availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a control system and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU). The control system is configured to communicate data with one or more field devices via the RTU. The RTU is configured to transmit received data from the one or more field devices and the control system. The RTU is also configured to activate a power saving mode that selectively provides power to transmit the received data. The RTU is further configured to, while the power saving mode is activated, prevent power from being provided to transmit the received data, and store the received data in a memory of the RTU when the power is not provided to transmit the received data. The RTU is configured to, while the power saving mode is activated, provide power to transmit the received data after storing the received data in the memory of the RTU.