Distribution network modeling for power line communication applications

Abstract

Power line communication (PLC) is a rapidly evolving technology, aiming to use electrical power lines for the transmission of data. The used signal is high frequency and in the range of 1 to 30 MHz. For PLC applications, this paper presents the modeling of the high frequency distribution network that includes overhead or underground cables and the MV/LV transformer by ATP/EMTP software. Impacts of several factors on the PLC attenuation such as frequency and line length are investigated. A method, that permits to evaluate the influence of 50 Hz power signal on the attenuation of PLC transmission, is proposed as well.