1. Introduction
In thermal power plants, train samplers play a vital role. They can quickly and accurately sample bulk materials such as coal and ore transported by train, providing a reliable basis for quality inspection and control.
With the continuous advancement of science and technology, the application of power line communication technology in train samplers has become increasingly widespread, bringing many advantages to sampling work. This article will introduce in detail the application advantages of power carrier in train samplers, and demonstrate its outstanding performance in improving sampling efficiency, accuracy and reliability through actual cases.
2. Overview of train samplers
Train samplers are a type of equipment specifically used for sampling bulk materials transported by trains. It is usually installed next to the railway track and can sample materials while the train is moving or stationary. The main components of the train sampler include sampling head, conveying system, sample preparation system and control system. The sampling head is responsible for collecting material samples from the train carriage, and the conveying system transports the samples to the sample preparation system for crushing, reduction and other processing, and finally obtains samples that meet the inspection requirements. The control system monitors and operates the entire sampling process.
3.Introduction to Power Line Communication Technology
Power Line Communication (
Plc) is a communication technology that uses power lines as a communication medium. It achieves data transmission and communication by loading high-frequency signals onto power lines. Power Line Carrier technology has the following characteristics:
(1) It uses existing power lines for network signal transmission without the need for additional wiring, saving costs and time.
(2) It has a long communication distance and stable and reliable signal transmission.
(3) It has strong anti-interference ability and can adapt to complex power environments.
(4) It is easy to install and maintain, and does not require professional communication technicians.
4. Solve the pain points
4.1 No need for additional wiring, reducing costs
In traditional train samplers, communication lines usually need to be laid separately. Even if optical fibers are laid, they are easy to break, which not only increases costs, but may also be limited by the on-site environment. The power carrier technology uses the power lines where the train samplers are located for communication, without the need for additional wiring, which greatly reduces costs.
Especially for some old train sampler renovation projects, the use of power carrier technology can avoid large-scale renovation of existing lines and reduce construction difficulty and time.
4.2 Long communication distance and stable signal Train samplers usually need to perform sampling work on longer railway lines, and the communication distance is long. Power carrier technology uses power lines as communication media, and the signal transmission distance is long, which can meet the communication needs of train samplers. At the same time, the stability of power lines is high, and signal transmission is not easily affected by external interference, ensuring the reliability of communication.
4.3 Strong anti-interference ability
The working environment of the sampler is complex, and there are various electromagnetic interferences. Power carrier technology uses advanced modulation and demodulation technology and anti-interference algorithms, which can effectively resist interference from power systems and other equipment, and ensure the accuracy and stability of communication.
4.4 Real-time monitoring and remote control
Using power carrier technology, the train sampler can achieve real-time monitoring and remote control. The operator can understand the working status of the sampler in real time through the monitoring system, including sampling location, sampling progress, equipment operating parameters, etc.
At the same time, the operator can also operate the sampler through the remote control function, such as starting sampling, stopping sampling, adjusting sampling parameters, etc. This not only improves work efficiency, but also reduces the labor intensity and safety risks of operators.
4.5 Easy to expand and upgrade
Power line technology has good scalability and upgradeability. With the continuous increase in the functions of the train sampler and the continuous advancement of technology, the system can be easily upgraded and transformed through software upgrades and hardware expansions.
For example, new sensors and actuators can be added to achieve more intelligent sampling control; communication protocols and software systems can also be upgraded to improve the performance and stability of the system. Further improve the anti-interference ability.
5.Case Description
Project Background
Xuzhou China Resources Power Co., Ltd. has multiple dedicated railway lines, and needs to sample and inspect the quality of a large number of train-transported coal every year. Since optical fiber transmission is easy to break, and wireless communication is used in thermal power plants, which have strong electromagnetic induction and a lot of transmission signal data, the operation is unstable. In order to improve the sampling efficiency and accuracy, it was decided to upgrade the existing train sampler and introduce power line technology.
System Design
This upgrade uses the power carrier communication module and power carrier dedicated isolator of Kunshan Network Power. The power carrier communication module loads various sensor data and control signals of the sampler onto the power line to achieve real-time communication with the monitoring center. The power carrier dedicated isolator is used to isolate the interference of other harmonics on the power line to the carrier transmission signal.
Implementation Process
During the implementation process, the existing train sampler was first comprehensively inspected and evaluated to determine the parts that needed to be modified. Then, the power carrier communication module and the power line dedicated filter were installed, debugged and tested.
During the debugging process, the signal strength, stability and anti-interference ability of the communication module were tested to ensure the reliability of communication. At the same time, the automation function of the control system was tested, including the positioning of the sampling head, the control of the sampling depth, the start and stop of the conveying system, etc.
After multiple debugging and optimization, the stability of the power line product was confirmed, and the sampling accuracy was effectively guaranteed.
Application effect
After nearly three months of operation, the application effect of the power line technology in the train sampler has been fully reflected.
Under the condition of long-term certification test, the communication delay is still stable within 5 milliseconds, and no signal disconnection occurs. Therefore, the stability and feasibility of the power carrier technology solution are confirmed.
The operator can understand the working status of the sampler in real time and find and solve problems in time. Secondly, the sampling efficiency and accuracy are greatly improved, which provides strong support for the quality inspection and control of the enterprise. In addition, the remote control function enables the operator to operate the sampler in the monitoring center, reducing the labor intensity and safety risks of the on-site operators.
6. Conclusion
The application of power carrier technology in the train sampler has many advantages, such as no need for additional wiring, long communication distance, strong anti-interference ability, real-time monitoring and remote control, easy expansion and upgrade, etc. Through the description of actual cases, we can see that the application of power line carrier technology can significantly improve the performance and efficiency of train sampling machines, bringing huge benefits to the production and quality control of enterprises. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, the application of power line carrier technology in train sampling machines will become more and more extensive, providing more reliable technical support for industrial production and logistics transportation.
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