Complex Power Line Networks: Mobile Machines

Douglas Carter

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

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.

• 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

PowerCentre

PLCEtherNet

PLC

TunnellingMachine

EtherNet

Breaker/Feeder

PLCEtherNet

Sub-Station

?

PLCEtherNet

TunnellingMachine

Power CentrePLC

EtherNet

Up to 1000 m

Sub-Station

PLCEtherNet

TunnellingMachine

Power Centre

PLC PLC

EtherNet

PLCEtherNet

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