BR102014030937A2 - remote sensing equipment system using a switched array of directional antennas for data transfer between an operating center and remote controlled automotive devices - Google Patents

Abstract

remote equipment sensing system utilizing a switched array of directive antennas for data transfer between an operating center and remotely controlled automation devices. This patent describes a switched, smart antenna array for supervisory control and data acquisition systems, providing reliable radio communication between the integrated operation - coi, with remote controlled automation devices, used for protection in power distribution networks. The proposed system controls the direction of the main lobe of the array radiation diagram by varying the phase of the individual antenna feeds, increasing the gain of transmitted power, thus preventing repeater stations from being installed between the coi and the target device. Scada systems are typically used in utilities that distribute power, gas, water, and others that need to use telemetry to connect equipment over long distances.

Description

REMOTE EQUIPMENT SENSING SYSTEM USING A KEY ARRANGEMENT OF DATA TRANSFER DIRECTIONS BETWEEN AN OPERATING CENTER AND AUTOMATION DEVICES

FIELD OF INVENTION FIELD

[001] The present invention describes a remote sensing equipment system utilizing a switched antenna array for data transfer between an operating center and remotely controlled automation devices. More specifically, it comprises a smart, switched antenna array for Supervisor / Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) type supervision systems, providing reliable radio communication between the Integrated Operation Center (IOC) with remote control automation devices used for protection in power distribution networks, thus preventing repeater stations from being installed between the IOC and the target device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] In telemetry operations, the connection between the equipment separated by long distances is made through SCADA Systems, typically used in utilities of distribution of energy, gas, water, among others. In these systems, software is used to monitor and supervise the variables and devices of control systems connected through specific controllers.

[003] Due to communication difficulties between the Integrated Operation Center (IOC) and radio-controlled automation devices, the IOC is no longer sending web signals and receiving remotes, contributing to the reduction of Quality of Service (QoS). Quality of Service), Scheduled or unplanned power outages associated with failure to communicate from the Operation Center with the reigger switches located in the region lead to increased time to restore normal power supply conditions. electricity, causing losses to the distribution company and consumers.

When radio-controlled automation devices are located in areas where vegetation, buildings or other obstacles may impair communications with the IOC, a state-of-the-art solution for effective communication is to use dial-up, cellular, satellite or fiber optic. However, the first three alternatives have a fixed monthly cost, as telecommunication concession services must be used. Fiber optic placement is a high cost prohibitive start-up solution for accessing a single target device.

[005] A second solution is the deployment of repeater stations to transmit the signal to the target device. However, this solution requires a cost-effective study to take into account the topology and ground availability for the repeater station.

[006] In Brazil, all utilities use SCADA systems, with communication via radio link in less developed regions and not supplied by optical fibers.

Document PI0617129 describes a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data in a wireless communication system having smart antennas comprising a series of wireless transmitting and receiving units and at least one access point.

[008] Document PIÜ511368 describes a method and system for using smart antennas in the return network establishment, where each smart antenna is configured to generate a series of directional beams.

However, state-of-the-art alternatives still present interference and interruption of the signal or shadow area, strongly affecting the communication between the IOC and the target device and, consequently, the dealer's quality of service (QoS), measured by indicators (a) Average Service Time (TMA), which reflects the average time a given utility spends to restore power after a malfunction occurs; (b) Equivalent Duration per Consumer (DEC), which reflects the average time spent by each consumer in a certain group without electricity; and (c) Equivalent Frequency per Consumer (FEC), which expresses the number of interruptions, on average, that each consumer suffered.

The distance, relief, vegetation, and constructions in the pathway between the devices and the base can all impair radio communication, leaving these devices in shady regions. An increase in signal strength is often sufficient to overcome the various obstacles in the course and restore communication by eliminating the shadow regions. However, the radios used in both the base and the devices are already operating at full power. In addition, it is desired to avoid the installation of new signal repeater stations.

Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention a remote sensing equipment system using directional antennas for data transfer between an operating center and radio-controlled automation devices, establishing reliable and secure communication between the center. and automation devices in the shadow regions, directly impacting the improvement of Average Time of Attendance (TMA), Equivalent Duration by Consumer (DEC) and Equivalent Frequency by Consumer (FEC). An array of directional antennas thus allows you to control the direction of the main lobe of your radiation diagram. Thus, the signal transmission range becomes much larger, which does not require the installation of signal repeater stations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows the schematic representation of the switching system of smart antennas making the communication between the IOC and the automation devices.

[0013] Figure 2 shows the block diagram of the smart antenna switching system in communication between the IOC and an automation device.

Figure 3 shows the schematic representation of the smart antenna system.

Figure 4 shows the flowchart of the antenna array control method.

[0016] Figure 5 shows the seven element Yági-Uda directive antenna reproduced in the graphic environment of the CST STUDIO SUITE 3D EM software and Figure 5A shows the simulated seven element Yági-Uda directive antenna radiation pattern in the software. CST STUDIO SUITE 3D EM, [0017] Figure 6 shows the simulated array radiation diagram for 81 = 03 = 0o and 02 = 04 = -180 °.

[0018] Figure 7 shows the Simulated Array Radiation Diagram for 01 = 04 = 0o, 02 = -120 ° and 03 = -240 °, [0019] Figure 8 shows the Simulated Array Radiation Diagram for 01 = 0o , 02 = -60 °, 03 = -120 ° and 04 = -180 °.

Fig. 9 shows the radiation diagram of the simulated arrangement for 01 = 02 = 03 = 04 = 0 °.

Figure 10 shows the radiation diagram of the simulated array for 01 = 0 °, 02 = 60 °, 03 = 120 ° and 04 = 180 °.

[0022] Figure 11 shows the simulated array radiation diagram for 01 = 84 = 0 °, 02 = 120 °, 03 = 240 ° Detailed Description of the Invention [0023] The equipment remote sensing system using a switched antenna array for data transfer between an operating center and remotely controlled automation devices, object of the present invention, comprises smart antennas (A) currently aimed at radars and mobile communications, for remote sensing of remotely controlled automation devices (DA ^ DA2, ..). .DAn) arranged in a region, used for both protection and measurement, said system that controls the direction of the main lobe of the antenna radiation diagram (A), increasing the transmission range and raising the signal power level, dispensing with. the installation of repeater stations, [0024] The system object of the present invention is application oriented in the automation of transmission systems. electricity distribution / transmission, preferably, but applicable to gas and water distribution companies, said telemetry systems that require a reliable digital data communication system between automation devices and the Integrated Operation Center (IOC) to provide service to consumers, meeting the required performance indices which, in the case of electricity, may be cited: maximum and minimum voltage levels, number of supply interruption and duration of supply interruption.

The system consists of a base station (RB) that communicates with all remote controlled automation devices (DA-i, DA2, ... DAn) in the region, concentrates the information and sends it to the operating center ( As shown in Figure 1.

At base station (RB) a collinear dipole type antenna (A) is normally used with omni-directional radiation diagram and maximum gain around 6 dBi.

In automation devices (DA) preferably antenna (A) of the directive type is employed.

The smart antenna switching system (A) allows control in the direction of signal radiation, providing a much wider transmission range compared to the system currently used - adaptive system, where the weighting of the phases and feeding amplitudes of the antennas It is performed dynamically, with the intelligent system deciding based on various variables what the weighting is required to perform beam direction control.

The proposed switching system consists of an array of directive antennas (A), digitally controlled phasers (def), a divider / combiner (div) and a microcontroller (mic) as shown in Figure 2.

The antenna array comprises directive type antennas (A) having reflective element (Ref), exciter (Exc) and directors (dir). The antennas (A) are positioned laterally, with a spacing between two consecutive quarter-wavelength antennas of the center frequency of the operating band.

Circulators (C) allow the system to operate in both directions of communication, ie transmission from the base station (RB) to the re-key (Crelig) and reception [from the relay key (Creltg) to the base (RB) ].

Each circulator (C) has operating frequency range 400 to 470 MHz, typical isolation greater than 15 dB, typical VSWR less than 1.5: 1, typical insertion loss less than 1 dB, maximum operating power greater than 100 W, with the connectors being N-female (50 ohms) or SMA-female (50 ohms) type connectors.

The amplifiers (amp) are responsible for adjusting the signal gain in the direction of transmission and reception. Each amp should have an operating frequency range of 400 to 470 MHz, output power greater than 5 W and gain greater than 20 dBi.

The phasers (def) allow digital control of the phase of the antennas supply currents (A) and must be bidirectional devices, ie both ports must function as input or output. Each phaser (def) has an operating frequency range from 400 to 470 MHz, insertion loss less than 11 dB, VSWR less than 2: 1, 500 ns switching speed, 100 mW operating power, maximum input power (peak) 1 W and number of bits 8.

The divider / divider operates in the UHF range and has 4 balanced outputs / inputs, ie divides the input signal into 4 equal parts, or combines 4 input signals to form only one.

The divider / combiner (div) has an operating frequency range of 400 to 470 MHz, 1: 4 (6 dB) split factor, VSWR less than 1.5: 1, insertion loss less than 1 dB . total loss on each output port less than 7 d8, isolation between output ports greater than 15 dB and operating power on each port greater than 10 W.

UHF (Ruhf) radio is responsible for radio frequency modulation / demodulation during the communication process between the base station (RB) and the recloser switches (Crelig).

The microcontroller (mic) interprets the target device and generates the digital control to be sent to the phasers (def), said memory-equipped microcontroller (mic), internal 16 MHz oscillator; 10-bit AD converters; analog comparators and DA converters.

The Antenna Array Controller (CAT) has the function of providing digital outputs to the phasers (def) (8 bits each output), used in the beam format, based on the analysis of the key destination address, which is obtained through the DNP 3.0 frame, as shown in figure 4. After the lobe formed by the antenna array (A) is directed to the destination key contained in the analyzed address, the table with the information sent by the IOC is transmitted towards the recloser switch. (Crelig) After receiving the DNP3 frame with the information, the recloser switch (Crelig) sends the response (another DNP3 frame) to the Operation Center (IOC). This same frame will go through the Antenna Arrangement Control (CAT), going to the Operation Center (COI). The system will act as a repeater of the information passed by the key.

For the simulation of the antenna array radiation diagram the CST STUDIO SUITE 3D EM software was used. A 7-element Yági-Uda antenna was reproduced in the software's graphic environment and its radiation diagram was simulated as shown in figure 5. Antenna (A) is positioned with its elements upright and their orientation relative to the diagram. The polar pole of Fig. 5A is 90 °. Still in Fig. 5A it can be seen that the simulated arrangement has a directivity of 10.8 dBi and a half power angle of 51.8 ° for a frequency of 426.475 MHz.

Four identical antennas were positioned laterally with a spacing between two consecutive half wavelengths of the center frequency of the operating band (426.475 MHz) to form the array. Keeping the antenna amplitudes constant and equal, varying only the phases, it is possible to point the main beam of the array in seven different directions. Denoting the power phase of the first array antenna of 91, the second of 92, the third of 93, and the fourth of 94, and simulating the CST radiation diagram for 91 = 93 = 0o and 92 = 94 = -180o, we get the result of Fig. 6, which shows a radiation diagram with two main lobes, each with a gain of 9.3 dBi and a half power angle of 27.8 °, the first one has a direction of 16 ° and the second 164 °.

Now doing 91 = 94 = 0 °, 92 = -120 ° and 93 = -240 °, and simulating the CST array radiation diagram, we get the result from Fig. 7. This result has a main lobe. with 11.1 dBi directivity, 21 ° half power angle and 45 ° direction.

Simulating the CST radiation diagram for Θ1 = 0 °, Θ2 = -60 °, Θ3 = -120o, and Θ4 = -180 ° gives the result of Fig. 8. The radiation diagram of the arrangement of Fig. 8 presents a main lobe with directivity of 15.6 dBi, half power angle of 23.3 ° and direction of 75 °.

Performing the CST simulation of the array radiation diagram for Θ1 = Θ2 = Θ3 - Θ4 = 0o gives the result shown in Fig. 9. This arrangement diagram shows a main lobe with gain of 16.9 dBi, half power angle 23.7 ° and 90 ° direction Now simulating for is? 1 = 0o, Θ2 = 60 °, 03 = 120 ° and 04 = 180 °, the diagram is obtained. This simulation result has a main lobe with a gain of 15.6 dBi, a half power angle of 23.3 ° and a direction of 105 °.

And lastly, making Θ1 = 0 °, 02 = 60 °, 03 = 120 ° and 04 = 180 ° gives the result of Fig. 11 for the array radiation diagram. Figure 11 shows a main lobe with 11.1 dBi gain, 21 ° half power angle and 135 ° direction.

The simulation performed shows that, by varying only the feeding phases of the array antennas, it is possible to point the main lobe of the smart antenna system in seven different directions (16 °, 45 °, 75 °, 90 ° 105 °, 135 ° and 164 °) with a directivity of at least 3 dB greater than the directivity of the collinear antenna array commonly used in base stations. This means that if there were 7 automation devices located in these directions, the intelligent antenna system proposed would be able to communicate with high gain and mastery over the orientation of the main lobe of radiation. The worst cases are in the 16 ° and 164 ° directions, which had a gain of 9.3 dBi, but still 3 dB greater than the gain of the commonly used 6 dBi collinear antenna array.

Claims (6)

1. REMOTE EQUIPMENT SENSING SYSTEM USING A KEY ARRANGEMENT OF DATA TRANSFER DIRECTIONS BETWEEN A OPERATING CENTER AND AUTOMATION DEVICES characterized by: (a) an operating center (IOC) transmitting a DNP3 switchboard recloser (Crelig); (b) a recloser switch (Crelig) which sends a DNP3 response frame to the operation center (IOC); c) remote controlled automation devices (DA) preferably provided with directive antenna (A); d) a base station (RB) with antenna (A) preferably of collinear dipole type bent with omni-directional radiation diagram and maximum gain around 6 dBi which communicates with automation devices (DA1 (DA2) ... DAn ) concentrates the information and sends it to the operating center (IOC); e) an array of directive type antennas (A) having reflective element (Ref), exciter (Exc) and directors (dir), said laterally positioned antennas (A), spaced between two consecutive quarter-quarter antennas. wavelength of the center frequency of the operating band; f) circulators (C) transmitting the base station (RB) to the recloser switch (Crelig) and receiving the recloser key (Crelig) to the radio base (RB); g) a UHF radio (Ruhf) responsible for radiofrequency modulation / demodulation of the data during the communication process between the base station (RB) and the king keys (Crelíg); h) amplifiers (amp) for adjusting signal gain towards data transmission and reception during the communication process between the base station (RB) and the king keys (Crelig); i) bidirectional phasers (def) for digital control of the phase of the antenna supply currents (A) j) a splitter / combiner (div) k) a microcontroller (mic) that interprets the automation device (DA) of and generates the digital control to be sent to the phasers (def), 1) an Antenna Array (CAT) controller that provides digital outputs to the phasers (def) based on parsing of the key destination address. 2. REMOTE EQUIPMENT SENSING SYSTEM USING A KEY ARRANGEMENT ARRANGEMENT FOR TRANSMITTING DATA BETWEEN A OPERATING CENTER AND REMOTE AUTOMATION DEVICES according to claim 1, characterized in that the frequency band (C) has 400 to 470 MHz operation, typical isolation greater than 15 dB, typical VSWR less than 1.5: 1, typical insertion loss less than 1 dB, maximum operating power greater than 100 W, with N-type connectors female (50 ohms) or SMA-female (50 ohms). 3. REMOTE EQUIPMENT SENSING SYSTEM USING A KEY ARRANGEMENT OF DATA TRANSFER DIRECTIONS BETWEEN A OPERATING CENTER AND TELECOMMUNICATION AUTOMATION DEVICES according to claim 1, characterized in that the amplifier (amp) has a frequency range of 400 to 470 MHz operation, output power greater than 5 W and gain greater than 20 dBi. 4. REMOTE EQUIPMENT SENSING SYSTEM USING A KEY ARRANGEMENT ARRANGEMENT FOR TRANSMITTING DATA BETWEEN A OPERATING CENTER AND REMOTE AUTOMATION DEVICES, according to claim 1, characterized in that the frequency shifters (def) have 400 to 470 MHz operation, insertion loss less than 11 dB, VSWR less than 2: 1, 500 ns switching speed, 100 mW operating power, 1 W maximum input power and number of bits of 8. 5 REMOTE EQUIPMENT SENSING SYSTEM USING A KEY ARRANGEMENT ARRANGEMENT ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN A OPERATING CENTER AND REMOTE AUTOMATION DEVICES according to claim 1, characterized in that the splitter / combiner (div) operates in the UF range and have 4 balanced outputs / inputs, with operating frequency range 400 to 470 MHz, 1: 4 (6 dB) split factor, VSWR less than 1.5: 1, insertion loss less than 1 dB, total on each output port less than 7 dB, isolation between output ports greater than 15 dB and operating power on each port greater than 10 W.