Complex Power Line Networks: Mobile Machines
Douglas Carter
EtherNetNetwork
EtherNetNetwork
EtherNet link
Wi-Fi link
EtherNetNetwork
MV Cable
EtherNetNetwork
NetworkBridge
NetworkBridge
EtherNet link
Low-voltage PLC
Power Line Modem
PLC over MV
PLC Coupler
PowerCentre
PLCEtherNet
TunnellingMachine
PLCEtherNet
Up to 400 m
Past Present & Future
Bridged Protocol Serial EtherNet
Application Protocols Proprietary Internet: IP, web, etc.Streaming: VoIP, video, etc.Industrial: EtherNet/IP, etc.
Data Rate [bit/s] 10k 100k … 1M … 10M
Network Topology Point-to-point (P2P) P2P, star, mesh
Challenge 1: Complex network requirements
PowerCentre
PLCEtherNet
TunnellingMachine
?
?
Breaker/Feeder
Shuttle Car
PLCEtherNet
• > 2 nodes in the PLC network.
• No more master/slave.
• Nodes must coordinate to prevent collisions.
• Nodes must be addressable.
Adopt power line technology based on IEEE 1901.
PLC over MV
PLCEtherNet PLC
EtherNet
PLCEtherNet
PLCEtherNet
“PL network operates as a standard network switch”
• Inject PLC signal onto power conductors.
• Maintain isolation between LV and MV.
• Inductive
– Simple to install: core clamps over conductor.
• Capacitive
– Connected across two phases.
• Isolated from line voltage
• Available in current rating up to 650A
• Series (inline) injection onto line
• Single inlet to machine
• Current up to 600A
• Multiple outlets, current each 50A to 600A
• Single inlet, current is sum of outlets, > 1500A
• Outlets are supplied from common bus bars
• Where and how to couple?
• Isolated from line current
• Must be rated for line voltage
• Shunt injection between lines
Inductive Coupler
Couplingaffectedby load
here
Unevencoupling
Equalcoupling
Capacitive Coupler
PowerCentre
PLCEtherNet
PLC
TunnellingMachine
EtherNet
Breaker/Feeder
PLCEtherNet
Past Present & Future
Modulation “Traditional” OFDM
Noise immunity Poor to moderate Good
Channel optimisation None to moderate Excellent
Carrier Frequency 100 kHz 10 MHz
Transmission distance Good Moderate
Challenge 2: Maintain transmission distances
0
20
40
60
80
100
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
PH
Y D
ata
Rat
e [
Mb
ps]
Cable Length [m]
Reported Operation
up to 600 m
VerifiedOperation
Spitfire performance with capacitive coupler on u/g mining cable
Sub-Station
?
PLCEtherNet
TunnellingMachine
Power CentrePLC
EtherNet
Up to 1000 m
• Transfer over network 1, then over network 2
• Protocol must allow co-existing networks
Length each PLN segment < Max PLC range
Sub-Station
PLCEtherNet
TunnellingMachine
Power Centre
PLC PLC
EtherNet
PLCEtherNet
• Room and pillar tunnelling:
2x continuous miners feeding common conveyor
Operating out of line-of-sight
Affects production efficiency
• Required a signalling system to maintain alternate access to conveyor
PowerCentre
EtherNet
TunnellingMachine B
PLCEtherNet
TunnellingMachine A
PLC
PLC
PLCEtherNet
• Modern underground operations demand:
Higher data rates
Complex network topologies
Increased area coverage
• These can be met by state-of-the-art broadband PLC devices
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