Power Line Transmission (PLT) Research
Access to information is a vital factor in the economic growth of a country.
The Internet is an important source of information, particularly in science and engineering. But efficient use of the Internet demands higher data rates than can be provided over ordinary telephone lines. Communications through the power distribution system may offer an economic solution to the last-mile transmission problem; known to telecommunications operators as the local loop. There are also advantages to be gained , for electricity suppliers and customers, from the ability to communicate with and within customer's electrical installations. The potential benefits include better billing through the use of remote meter reading, cheaper tariffs through the use of load control, and customer alarm and quality of supply monitoring. For the system operator, the detailed knowledge of the load profiles that can be offered by half hourly metering can result in improvements in network design, leading to economies for customers and suppliers alike. Within buildings, the mains offers a means of interconnecting computing or entertainment equipment, or for networking domestic appliances.
Mains wiring is ubiquitous, providing a ready installed infrastructure within houses of all ages, and linking all electricity consumers to the power distribution company. This wiring is seen as an alternative to the installation of separate communications cables, to eliminate the inconvenience and cost that would be incurred by in installing extra cables to provide the additional communications services.
There are four basic types of mains communications system:
- Waveform modification systems, providing very slow speed communications using the power current as the signalling medium
- Very low frequency injection 'ripple' control systems, used mainly for street lighting control
- Low frequency carrier systems, used on LV distribution systems for remote meter reading and control or in-house control and monitoring systems and on EHV systems for power system protection signalling
- High frequency systems, used for broadband Internet access or in-house LAN and entertainment applications
Please contact us for more information. |
