• Zhejiang Zhilu Transmission and Distribution Equipment Co., Ltd

Architecture Design and Key Technologies of Intelligent Photovoltaic Prefabricated Substations

1. Introduction

2. Architecture Design of Intelligent PV Prefabricated Substations

2.1 Layered System Structure

2.1.1 Perception Layer

• Function: Collects real - time data from electrical components, environmental sensors, and equipment status.

• Key Components:

• Electrical Sensors: Current/voltage transformers, power quality analyzers, and temperature sensors for monitoring transformers, circuit breakers, and cables.

• Environmental Sensors: Humidity, temperature, and gas sensors to detect internal enclosure conditions.

• Status Sensors: Position sensors for switchgear contacts and vibration sensors for mechanical health monitoring.

2.1.2 Network Layer

• Function: Facilitates data transmission between the perception layer and the control layer, ensuring reliable communication.

• Key Technologies:

• Wired Communication: Ethernet, RS485, and fiber - optic cables for high - speed, low - latency data transfer within the substation.

• Wireless Communication: 4G/5G, LoRa, and NB - IoT for remote data uploads and control commands, especially in distributed PV systems.

2.1.3 Control and Application Layer

• Function: Processes collected data, executes control strategies, and interfaces with the smart grid or central management platforms.

• Key Components:

• Intelligent Control Units: Edge computing devices (e.g., industrial PLCs, embedded computers) for local data analysis and real - time decision - making.

• Cloud - Based Management Systems: Platforms for remote monitoring, fault diagnosis, and system optimization, integrating machine learning algorithms for predictive maintenance.

2.2 Modular and Integrated Design

• Modularization: Divides the substation into functional modules (e.g., high - voltage switchgear, transformer, low - voltage distribution, and control systems), enabling flexible configuration and easy maintenance.

• Integration: Incorporates intelligent components (e.g., smart circuit breakers with built - in sensors, digital relays) to streamline data collection and control processes.

3. Key Technologies of Intelligent PV Prefabricated Substations

3.1 Intelligent Sensing and Monitoring

• Multi - Parameter Sensing: Integrates sensors for electrical parameters (voltage, current, power factor), thermal conditions, and mechanical vibrations. For example, distributed fiber - optic sensors can detect temperature variations along cables with high precision.

• Self - Diagnosis Technology: Embedded algorithms analyze sensor data to identify anomalies (e.g., partial discharge in switchgear, overheating in transformers) and predict potential failures.

3.2 Advanced Communication and Networking

• Edge Computing: Processes data locally at the substation level, reducing communication latency and bandwidth requirements. Edge devices can perform functions like fault isolation and power flow control autonomously.

• Protocol Standardization: Adopts open - source communication protocols (e.g., IEC 61850 for substation automation, MQTT for IoT data exchange) to ensure interoperability with various grid components.

3.3 Smart Control and Optimization

• Adaptive Power Management: Utilizes real - time PV power output, grid conditions, and load demands to optimize power flow. For instance, dynamic reactive power compensation can maintain grid voltage stability.

• AI - Driven Decision - Making: Applies machine learning algorithms (e.g., neural networks, reinforcement learning) to predict equipment failures, optimize maintenance schedules, and enhance overall system efficiency.

3.4 Cybersecurity Protection

• Secure Communication: Implements encryption techniques (e.g., SSL/TLS) for data transmission to prevent unauthorized access.

• Intrusion Detection Systems: Monitors network traffic for abnormal behavior, blocking cyberattacks targeting the substation's control systems.

4. Case Studies and Practical Applications

4.1 Large - Scale PV Power Plant

• Architecture: A 50MW PV power plant uses intelligent prefabricated substations with edge computing units for local control and 5G - based communication for remote monitoring.

• Key Achievements:

• Reduced maintenance costs by 30% through predictive analytics.

• Improved grid - connection reliability with real - time power quality optimization.

4.2 Distributed PV System in Smart Grids

• Technology Deployment: Distributed PV substations integrated with IEC 61850 - compliant communication networks, enabling seamless interaction with smart grid management systems.

• Benefits: Enhanced grid resilience by allowing distributed PV systems to participate in demand - response programs and voltage regulation.

5. Challenges and Future Trends

• Challenges:

• High initial investment costs for intelligent components and communication infrastructure.

• Ensuring cybersecurity in an increasingly connected environment.

• Future Trends:

• Integration of blockchain technology for secure data sharing and energy trading.

• Development of self - healing and self - optimizing substation systems using artificial intelligence.

6. Conclusion