Low-Voltage Transformer Topology Identification Using PLC Delay Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying the topology of a power line low-voltage transformer area are either costly and have poor universality, as they require disturbance currents or dual-mode PLC and RF communication, which interfere with the power environment and are inaccurate under varying load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method where a primary node obtains characteristic data, such as delay data or channel quality data, between secondary nodes with direct connections, using existing PLC communication modules, allowing for accurate topology identification without the need for disturbance currents or dual-mode communication, and independent of power grid load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If disturbance currents are generated at nodes to identify topology, then topology identification can be achieved, but costs increase and power environment is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical disturbance current method with a communication-based method. PLC communication modules transmit identification signals through the power line, and nodes respond with their status information. This substitution eliminates the need for actual disturbance currents while achieving the same topology identification goal, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and harmful factors.
2Measurement precision
If PLC and RF dual-mode communication modules are installed at each node, then topology identification can be achieved, but costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the RF communication functionality from the system, retaining only the PLC communication modules that are already present at each node. By taking out the unnecessary RF component, the system achieves topology identification using only existing PLC infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity and costs while maintaining identification accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric energy indication value and active power data are used for identification, then topology can be identified, but identification accuracy decreases when load is similar or absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces PLC communication signals as an intermediary medium for topology identification. Instead of directly using electric energy indication values and active power data that are affected by load conditions, the system uses communication signals transmitted through the power line as a mediator. These signals provide reliable node identification information independent of load conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces costs, improves universality, and enhances identification accuracy and reliability by using common PLC communication modules, enabling accurate topology identification even under low or no load conditions without interfering with the power environment.
Implementation Method 1
A power line carrier (power line carrier, PLC) communication and radio frequency (radio frequency, RF) communication module is installed at each of the nodes
Implementation Method 2
A power line carrier (power line carrier, PLC) communication and radio frequency (radio frequency, RF) communication module is installed at each of the nodes
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to a method and an apparatus for identifying a topology of a power line low-voltage transformer area. The method may include: A primary node obtains characteristic data, where the characteristic data includes: first characteristic data between any two secondary nodes that have a direct connection relationship in a plurality of secondary nodes in the low-voltage transformer area. The primary node identifies the topology of the low-voltage transformer area based on the characteristic data, where the characteristic data includes at least one of delay data or channel quality data, the delay data is a first delay for transmitting information on a power line between the two nodes that have a direct connection relationship, and the channel quality data is quality of a power line channel between the two nodes that have a direct connection relationship.