BPL-PLC Voice Communication System for the Oil and Mining Industry

Grzegorz Debita,Grzegorz Wiśniewski,Jan Wandzio,Przemysław Jedlikowski,Agnieszka Waniewska,Przemysław Falkowski-Gilski,Bartosz Polnik,Marcin Habrych,Bogdan Miedziński

doi:10.3390/en13184763

Abstract

Application of a high-efficiency voice communication systems based on broadband over power line-power line communication (BPL-PLC) technology in medium voltage networks, including hazardous areas (like the oil and mining industry), as a redundant mean of wired communication (apart from traditional fiber optics and electrical wires) can be beneficial. Due to the possibility of utilizing existing electrical infrastructure, it can significantly reduce deployment costs. Additionally, it can be applied under difficult conditions, thanks to battery-powered devices. During an emergency situation (e.g., after coal dust explosion), the medium voltage cables are resistant to mechanical damage, providing a potentially life-saving communication link between the supervisor, rescue team, paramedics, and the trapped personnel. The assessment of such a system requires a comprehensive and accurate examination, including a number of factors. Therefore, various models were tested, considering: different transmission paths and types of coupling (inductive and capacitive), as well as various lengths of transmitted data packets. Next, a subjective quality evaluation study was carried out, considering speech signals from a number of languages (English, German, and Polish). Based on the obtained results, including both simulations and measurements, appropriate practical conclusions were formulated. Results confirmed the applicability of BPL-PLC technology as an efficient voice communication system for the oil and mining industry.

Highlights

In recent years, the use of power line communication (PLC) technology has become increasingly common
This cable line was a part of an underground power grid with a total length of over 2.5 km, on which broadband over power line-power line communication (BPL-PLC) implementation works were carried out
The analysis, considering high-frequency signal propagation in the cable medium, had shown that the most useful method to provide quality parameters of broadband over power line (BPL)-PLC transmission, in hazardous areas with the use of the mining cable, is the method related with a variation of all electrical quantities of the cable with the signal frequency

Summary

Introduction

The use of power line communication (PLC) technology has become increasingly common. PLC technology was introduced many years ago, it is still being developed and successfully used in various areas, including both low and medium voltage scenarios. An example of this may be its wide use in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems for various types of electrical measurements, as well as for remote control of electricity consumption by end-users [1,2,3,4,5,6]. It should adapt to the current technical conditions and operation restrictions of these networks

Methods

Results

Conclusion