Building a future-oriented communication foundation for digital power distribution

November 27, 2023 Editor

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The power distribution network is the ‘last mile’ of power grids that connects to users, having a direct impact on the quality and reliability of power supply.

With the construction of new power systems, medium and low voltage distribution networks are coming up against increased obstacles when it comes to supporting open and interactive service scenarios, including system operations, production technology and marketing.

With many sites to keep track of, distribution networks have to deal with numerous faults and laborious inspections. Therefore, it is imperative to build an intelligent power distribution network to put digital power distribution to work.

Communication is vital to power distribution network services

Power distribution communication networks are the foundation for digitalising power distribution. The traditional power system is mostly used in power distribution scenarios of 10kV or lower. Due to poor communication, most power distribution networks are controlled and adjusted blindly.

However, the new, real-time power system features stable, reliable, efficient and distributed performance, and enables massive access. Building a safe and reliable power distribution communication network with simplified O&M is the key to ensuring the stable running of power distribution services.

	Service	Latency	Single-link bandwidth
Production control	Differential protection	<10 ms	<2 Mbps
	Precise load control	<50 ms	48.1 kbps
	Power distribution automation	<2s	<2 kbps
	SCADA, AGC and AVC control of distributed energy stations	<2s	<10 kbps
Management information	Advanced metering (AMI)	Seconds	<10 kbps
	Distributed energy station load management	Seconds	<100 kbps
	VIP customer load management	Seconds	<5 kbps
	Automobile charging pile management	Seconds	<10 kbps
	Distribution device running status monitoring	Seconds	<10 kbps
	Distribution transformer monitoring	Seconds	<100 kbps
	Transmission line status monitoring	<1s	2 Mbps
	Video surveillance	300 ms	>2 Mbps
	Power transmission and transformation robot inspection	300 ms	>2 Mbps

Table: New power distribution network places higher requirements on power communication networks

The system provides ubiquitous access to power distribution devices via fibre and mature 3G/4G/5G wireless communication technologies.

The network architecture and coverage of distribution networks vary greatly in different scenarios, so selecting the right technology for the secure and stable operations of distribution communication networks is crucial for industry customers.

With more than 20 years of experience in ICT and electric power fields, Huawei continues to make efforts in the optical fibre and wireless fields. Huawei offers four networking modes for the power industry: the industrial switch ring network, FTTM (Fibre to the Mobile) ring network, wireless public network, and wireless private network.

In deployment, power companies can select one or more modes based on local conditions to meet the varying network construction requirements of different phases and services. All the networking modes support future evolution.

*Figure 1: Architecture of the power distribution communication network solution*

Huawei’s power distribution communication network solution supports multi-scenario access

Generally, core urban areas that require large-capacity transmission and high-speed communication like central business districts have high requirements for power supply quality and reliability. Core urban scenarios also have concentrated power facilities and massive amounts of service data. Therefore, high-bandwidth network access is required.

Since fibre pipelines have already been deployed in most urban areas, optical fibre laying is easy and the cost is low. As a result, optical fibres can be used as the main communication solution in urban areas, with wireless technologies as a backup.

In large suburban areas or old towns with scattered network devices, wired network construction may involve toilsome cable trench excavation and high cabling costs. In this case, technologies like wireless public or private networks are preferred.

Huawei has developed a power distribution communication network solution that delivers multiple communication modes, including that of optical fibre and wireless. This solution can lay a solid communication foundation for digital and intelligent power distribution services, promote the integration of marketing and distribution services, and facilitate service extension from the medium voltage side to the low voltage side.

Based on optical fibre links, Huawei’s power FTTM ring network solution uses the optical service units (OSUs) of the latest native hard pipe (NHP) technology to build a high quality communication network with simplified O&M for power distribution networks. One network can carry services in multiple zones. For instance, services like distribution automation and metering are carried on one network, and services in the production system are physically isolated.

Based on optical links, Huawei’s industrial switch ring network solution for the power industry uses CloudEngine S5735I-S-V2 DIN series switches. Based on the active optical network, the communication coverage and the number of communication network nodes are not restricted by optical power attenuation. This achieves a long-distance power distribution communication coverage of over 20km. Flexible GE access and GE/10GE uplink ports are provided. The ERPS protection protocol is used, and the self-healing time of a single-point failure is less than 50ms. The switches support an industrial grade operating temperature range as well as surge protection, and can be installed in outdoor cabinet environments even in harsh conditions. They also support guide rail installation, saving time and economising on space.

Huawei’s electric power wireless private network solution uses the mainstream 3GPP spectrum and features low latency, wide-coverage, multi-purpose networks, easy deployment and maintenance, open collaboration, and 5G-oriented evolution. The solution carries services such as distribution automation, precise load control, station environment monitoring, power quality monitoring, and video surveillance. This meets the security, reliability, latency, and access capacity requirements of intelligent power communication networks.

Huawei’s electric power wireless public network solution uses NetEngine AR630/AR502H series router gateways designed for industrial scenarios. These gateways integrate multiple functions, including routing, switching, VPN, security and wireless access. They support 4G and 5G access, which is ideal for power distribution facilities in remote areas. In addition, in the 5G public network area, 5G slices (such as dedicated UPFs and 5GCs for electric power) can be used to construct a 5GtoB power private network on the public network.

*Figure 2: Advantages and disadvantages of different networking modes for power distribution communication networks*

Scenario-based, phased construction of power distribution networks

In addition to selecting the best network construction solution for each set of circumstances, the construction of the distribution network should be done in phases. During the first phase, dual-operator radio links should be used in active/standby to quickly build networks, and IPsec should be used for security encryption and service isolation.

In the second phase, more reliable optical networks or wireless private networks should be deployed in core areas and those with insufficient carrier network coverage. In addition, smooth network evolution in the future must be considered to protect primary investments and reduce repeated expenditure. For example, the evolution from 4G to 5G must be considered during wireless private network construction. The CPE connected to carriers’ public networks must meet the requirements for fiber or private network access as forecasted down the line, not just for current standards.

Since the network construction cost is so high, it is recommended that customers develop value-added services to increase revenue. Customers should consider developing power bandwidth operations services and integrating distribution networks and home broadband services. This would mean that one optical fibre could transmit distribution network services and FTTH (Fibre to the Home) services simultaneously. As a result, the AMI and xTU of the power distribution network are interconnected, reducing capital expenditure. Home broadband service revenues will also help reduce investment pressure. Customers who are incapable of developing power bandwidth operations services can choose to cooperate with local ISPs.

In addition to deploying FTTH with the help of ISPs, they can lease optical access services from ISPs. They can access SFP-based ONUs and OLT slicing services through routers to obtain optical access services. In addition, routers use IPsec and bidirectional NAT to ensure security and isolation. Capable power companies can even share optical fibre resources with ISPs to build independent networks and select optical resources from multiple ISPs to protect links, deliver better service experiences, and cut optical fibre deployment costs.

Currently, power distribution communication network technology based on optical fibres and wireless networking is mainstream in the industry. Huawei’s power distribution communication network solution, which has been successfully deployed worldwide including in China, Indonesia, Türkiye, Spain, Colombia and Paraguay, builds upon and broadens the scope of this classic structure.

Looking into the future, Huawei will continue to help power companies build a reliable foundation for future-oriented, automated power distribution. In doing so, Huawei will pave a digital road to global energy transition and carbon neutrality.

About the company

Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. The company is committed to becoming the best transition partner for the global electric power industry. Laying a digital platform and establishing an ecosystem of industry partners — a strategy coined as platform + ecosystem — Huawei integrates innovative Information Communications Technology (ICT) and digital power platforms with best industry practices to build its solution system for the electric power industry. Up to now, Huawei has deeply cooperated with more than 190 power companies around the world and jointly built over 40 scenario-based solutions with ecological partners to pave a digital way for global energy transition and achieving carbon neutrality goals.

Visit the Huawei Electric Power platform here

About the Author

King Jinjin Qian, Senior Industry Solution Manager of Huawei Electric Power Digitalization BU, has more than 10 years of experience in ICT telecommunications and has held various roles, including R&D PoC engineer, IP solution sales in the public sector, CEB business and network solution director.