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

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.

Analysis of Video Transmission Capabilities in a Simulated OFDM-Based Supplementary BPL-PLC System

“…Additionally, it does change with frequency as well. The methods of approaching this problem and respective results are presented in [11]. In this paper, we focus on investigating the influence of numerous factors, which may affect the quality of video data transmission.…”

“…In order to develop a reliable simulation model of a dedicated power cable, it was necessary to perform a series of theoretical analyses. The analyses of the transmission properties of the cable, including its attenuation, characteristic impedance, group delay [11], etc., showed that in the frequency range from 2 MHz to approx. 7.5 MHz, the measured SNR values are within the regression error, regardless of the cable model adopted for the analysis.…”

“…Nowadays, its utilization in medium-voltage industrial networks seems to be of particular interest, especially in smart grids and the Industry 4.0 concept. The authors' experience also shows that there is a real chance of using the BPL technology in an existing medium voltage (MV) mine power grid infrastructure as an additional transmission medium, including various signals, e.g., audio and video [8][9][10][11][12], whenever an emergency situation occurs. This would surely contribute to a significant increase in work safety in the oil and mining industry.…”

A Cross-Layered Theoretical Model of IEEE 1901 Power-Line Communication Networks Considering Retransmission Protocols

“…Dozens of companies begin to develop and design embedded PLCbased devices and smart chips (following the standard of IEEE 1901 protocol) [12]. Current PLC-based applications related to IoT (internet of things) have been associated with Smart Grid/Home/Meter [31][32][33], Underground power transmission [34], Intelligent Mining [35], in-vehicle communication [36], photovoltaic system [37], hybrid intelligence communication [38][39] and Industry 4.0 [40]. As a consequence, thoroughly analyzing IEEE 1901 PLC networks is valuable for practical IoT system construction.…”