Transformer Isolated Communication via Optical Fiber Convergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of optical fibers used for isolated communication in solid state transformers, due to the need for multiple channels to accommodate potential differences between control units, increases deployment costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a signal convergence unit that forwards data packets from multiple control units to a second control unit, reducing the number of optical fibers required by using identifiers to direct control parameters to the appropriate rectifier units, and incorporating auxiliary power supplies to manage power distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibers are used for isolated communication between control units, then communication reliability is improved, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments communication channels by function: control commands use one optical fiber while status monitoring uses another fiber or shared channel. This allows selective optimization where critical control signals get dedicated reliable paths while less critical monitoring can share resources, reducing total fiber count while maintaining essential communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary communication processor is introduced that consolidates multiple control unit communications through a single optical fiber interface to the converter. This mediator aggregates data packets, manages communication protocols, and routes information efficiently, allowing multiple control units to share one optical fiber connection while maintaining isolated communication requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical fiber channels are deployed for isolated communication, then communication coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber communication interface is designed with multi-functionality to handle both control commands and status monitoring through the same physical infrastructure. The communication processor can dynamically allocate the single optical fiber connection for different purposes based on operational needs, providing universal communication coverage without requiring separate dedicated channels for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from spatial multiplication (multiple physical fibers) to temporal multiplexing (time-division or protocol-based sharing). By using identifiers and protocol layers, multiple logical communication channels are created over a single physical fiber, adding a dimensional layer of abstraction that provides extensive communication coverage without proportional increases in physical complexity.
3Device complexity
If a conventional communication architecture is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but communication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication functions (control commands, status monitoring, fault diagnostics) are merged into a single optical fiber communication channel. The communication processor combines these different data types and routing requirements into one unified interface, maintaining implementation simplicity by using a single connector and cable while achieving cost reduction through eliminated redundant fiber infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An isolated communications apparatus applied to a transformer. The transformer includes N first rectifier units and a second rectifier unit, and the isolated communications apparatus includes N first control units, a second control unit, and a signal convergence unit. The first control units are connected to the first rectifier units in a one-to-one correspondence. Each first control unit is connected to the signal convergence unit, and the signal convergence unit and the second control unit are connected through an optical fiber. The signal convergence unit is configured to: receive first data packets from the N first control units, send the first data packets to the second control unit, receive at least one second data packet from the second control unit, determine a first control unit corresponding to each second data packet, and send each second data packet to a corresponding first control unit.