U.S. patent application number 09/752705 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-08 for inductive coupling of a data signal to a power transmission cable.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ambient Corporation. Invention is credited to Cern, Yehuda, Kaplun, George.
Application Number | 20020105413 09/752705 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25027443 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020105413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cern, Yehuda ; et
al. |
August 8, 2002 |
INDUCTIVE COUPLING OF A DATA SIGNAL TO A POWER TRANSMISSION
CABLE
Abstract
There is provided an apparatus for enabling communication of a
data signal via a power transmission cable. The apparatus comprises
(a) a first winding for coupling the data signal via a conductor of
the power transmission cable, and (b) a second winding, inductively
coupled to the first winding, for coupling the data signal via a
data port.
Inventors: |
Cern, Yehuda; (Brookline,
MA) ; Kaplun, George; (Jerusalem, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charles N.J. Ruggiero
Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero & Perle, L.L.P.
One Landmark Square
Stamford
CT
06901-2686
US
|
Assignee: |
Ambient Corporation
|
Family ID: |
25027443 |
Appl. No.: |
09/752705 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60173808 |
Dec 30, 1999 |
|
|
|
60198671 |
Apr 20, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/538.16 ;
307/3; 340/310.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 3/56 20130101; H04B
2203/5487 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/310.01 ;
340/310.06 |
International
Class: |
H04M 011/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for enabling communication of a data signal via a
power transmission cable, comprising: a first winding for coupling
said data signal via a conductor of said power transmission cable;
and a second winding, inductively coupled to said first winding,
for coupling said data signal via a data port.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conductor is a first
neutral conductor of said power transmission cable.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first winding is
connected in series between said first neutral conductor and a
ground.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first winding is
connected in series between said first neutral conductor and a
second neutral conductor of said power transmission cable.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said data signal is driven
differentially through said first neutral conductor and said second
neutral conductor.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a core having: a
first region adjacent to said first neutral conductor; and a second
region adjacent to said second neutral conductor, wherein said
second winding is wound around a portion of said core, and wherein
said second winding induces a first current in said first neutral
conductor in a first direction, and induces a second current in
said second neutral conductor in a second direction that is
opposite of said first direction.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said core is topographically
configured as a figure "8" with no contact at the crossing point of
the "8".
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said first region comprises a
first loop of said figure "8", wherein said first conductor is
routed through said first loop, wherein said second region
comprises a second loop of said figure "8", and wherein said second
conductor is routed through said second loop.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said first region comprises a
first gap in a first loop of said figure "8", wherein said first
conductor is routed through said first gap, wherein said second
region comprises a second gap in a second loop of said figure "8",
and wherein said second conductor is routed through said second
gap.
10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said first neutral conductor
and said second neutral conductor are substantially parallel to one
another in said power transmission cable.
11. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a core, wherein
said first winding comprises: a grounded center tap; a first
portion connected to said first neutral conductor, wound in a first
direction around said core, and connected to said grounded center
tap; and a second portion connected to said second neutral
conductor, wound in a second direction around said core, and
connected to said grounded center tap.
12. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said power transmission cable
has a plurality of neutral wires that are substantially parallel to
one another, with individuals of a first subset of said plurality
of neutral conductors alternating with individuals of a second
subset of said plurality of neutral conductors, wherein said first
neutral conductor comprises said first subset of said plurality of
neutral conductors, and wherein said second neutral conductor
comprises said second subset of said plurality of neutral
conductors.
13. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a magnetic toroid
core disposed around a portion of said power transmission cable,
wherein said first neutral conductor and said second neutral
conductor are connected to a common terminating member downstream
of said magnetic toroid core, and p1 wherein said first winding is
connected to said first and second neutral conductors upstream of
said magnetic toroid core.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said first and second
windings are disposed within a balun transformer.
15. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an open magnetic
core having: a first leg positioned proximate and perpendicular to
said first neutral conductor; a second leg positioned proximate and
perpendicular to a second neutral conductor of said power
transmission cable; and a third leg, located between said first leg
and said second leg, having said first winding wound
thereabout.
16. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a first magnetic
toroidal core having a gap through which said first neutral
conductor is routed; a second magnetic toroidal core having a gap
through which a second neutral conductor of said power transmission
cable is routed, wherein said first winding is wound around a
portion of said first magnetic toroidal core and a portion of said
second magnetic toroidal core.
17. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a third winding
for coupling said data signal via a second neutral conductor of
said power transmission cable; and a fourth winding, inductively
coupled to said third winding, for coupling said data signal via
said data port, wherein said data signal travels in a first path
via said first neutral conductor, said first winding and said
second winding, and in a second path via said second neutral
conductor, said third winding and said fourth winding, and wherein
said first path is in parallel with said second path.
18. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said data signal is a first
data signal, and wherein said apparatus further comprises: a third
winding for coupling a second data signal via a second neutral
conductor of said power transmission cable; and a fourth winding,
inductively coupled to said third winding, for coupling said second
data signal to a second data port.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conductor is a phase
conductor of said power transmission cable.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said phase conductor is part
of a medium voltage grid of the power distribution system.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a core through
which said phase conductor is routed, wherein said second winding
is wound around a portion of said core.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said core has an air
gap.
23. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a capacitor in
series between said second winding and a ground.
24. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a surge protector
connected in parallel with said second winding.
25. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first modem
having a first port coupled to said data port of said second
winding, and having a second port for further coupling of said data
signal; and a second modem having a first port coupled to said
second port of said first modem, and having a second port for
further coupling of said data signal.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said first modem and said
second modem are configured back-to back.
27. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising a data router
interposed between said first modem and said second modem.
28. A data communication network implemented over a power
distribution system having a power transmission cable with a phase
conductor, comprising: an inductive coupler for coupling a data
signal via said phase conductor, and having a data port for further
coupling of said data signal; and a capacitive coupler, connected
between said phase conductor and a ground, proximate to an end of
said power transmission cable, for absorbing reflections of said
data signal.
29. The data communication network of claim 28, wherein said
inductive coupler is located proximate to a distribution
transformer of said power distribution system, wherein said
distribution transformer has a power line output, and wherein said
data communication network further comprises a capacitor for
coupling said data signal between said data port and said power
line output.
30. The data communication network of claim 28, wherein said phase
conductor is part of a medium voltage grid of said power
distribution system.
31. The data communication network of claim 28, wherein said end of
said power transmission cable is at a medium voltage output
terminal of a high voltage to medium voltage transformer of said
power distribution system.
32. The data communication network of claim 28, further comprising
a node, located between said capacitive coupler and said ground,
for coupling said data signal between said phase conductor and a
second data port.
33. The data communication network of claim 28, wherein said
inductive coupler comprises a current transformer having a winding
coupled to said data port.
34. The data communication network of claim 33, wherein said
current transformer further comprises a core through which said
phase conductor is routed, and wherein said winding is wound around
a portion of said core.
35. The data communication network of claim 34, wherein said core
has an air gap.
36. The data communication network of claim 33, further comprising
a capacitor in series with said winding and said data port.
37. The data communication network of claim 33, further comprising
a surge protector connected in parallel with said winding.
38. The data communication network of claim 28, wherein said
capacitive coupler comprises: a capacitor; a high frequency
isolation transformer; a fuse; a bleeder resistor; and a
termination resistor having a resistance approximately equal to a
characteristic impedance of said power transmission cable.
39. A data communication network implemented over a power
distribution system having a first segment with a first neutral
conductor, and having a second segment with a second neutral
conductor, comprising: a first coupler for inductively coupling a
data signal via said first neutral conductor, and having a data
port for further coupling of said data signal; and a second coupler
having a data port coupled to said data port of said first
inductive coupler, and for inductively coupling said data signal
via said second neutral conductor.
40. The data communication network of claim 39, wherein said first
segment comprises a first power distribution cable on a first side
of a power distribution transformer, and wherein said second
segment comprises a second power distribution cable on a second
side of said power distribution transformer.
41. The data communication network of claim 40, wherein said power
distribution transformer has an output power line, and wherein said
data communication network further comprises a capacitor between
said data port of said first inductive coupler and said output
power line, for coupling said data signal to said output power
line.
42. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising: a first modem
having a first port coupled to said data port of said first
coupler, and having a second port for further coupling of said data
signal; and a second modem having a first port coupled to said
second port of said first modem, and having a second port for
further coupling of said data signal.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said power distribution
transformer has an output power line, and wherein said data
communication network further comprises a capacitor between said
second port of said second modem and said output power line, for
coupling said data signal to said output power line.
44. A data communication network implemented over a power
distribution system having a power transmission cable with a phase
conductor, comprising: an inductive coupler having a first port for
coupling a data signal via said phase conductor, and having a
second port for further coupling of said data signal.
45. The data communication network of claim 44, wherein said
inductive coupler is a radio frequency (RF) transformer.
46. The data communication network of claim 44, wherein said data
communication network further comprises a capacitor connected in
series with said first port and said phase conductor.
47. The data communication network of claim 46, wherein said power
distribution system includes a voltage step-down transformer,
wherein said inductive coupler is located proximate to a secondary
winding of said voltage step-down transformer, and wherein said
data communication network further comprises a component having an
impedance that when reflected through said inductive coupler is
approximately equal to a characteristic impedance of said power
transmission cable.
48. The data communication network of claim 47, wherein said
component is a modem.
49. The data communication network of claim 44, wherein said power
distribution system includes a transition between an overhead cable
and an underground cable, wherein said underground cable has a
characteristic impedance that is lower than that of said overhead
cable, and wherein said inductive coupler is located on said
overhead cable, proximate to said transition.
50. The data communication network of claim 44, wherein said
inductive coupler induces a first current in said phase conductor
in a first direction, wherein said data communication network
further comprises a second inductive coupler for coupling said data
signal via a second phase conductor of said power transmission
cable, and wherein said second inductive coupler induces a second
current in said second phase conductor in a direction opposite of
said first current.
51. The data communication network of claim 44, wherein said
inductive coupler is located on a line that feeds a primary winding
of a distribution transformer of said power distribution
system.
52. The data communication network of claim 44, wherein said power
distribution system includes a component between said phase
conductor and a ground, wherein said component has a characteristic
impedance of less than that of said power transmission cable, and
wherein said data communication network further comprises a choke
in series with said component.
53. The data communication network of claim 52, wherein said
component is selected from the group consisting of a power factor
correction capacitor, and a power line communications (PLC)
capacitor.
54. The data communication network of claim 52, wherein said choke
comprises a magnetic core disposed around a length of a wire that
connects said component to said phase conductor.
55. The data communication network of claim 44, wherein said
inductive coupler induces a first current in said first phase
conductor via a first winding, wherein the data communication
network further comprises a second inductive coupler for coupling
said data signal via a second phase conductor of said power
transmission cable, wherein said second inductive coupler induces a
second current in said second phase conductor via a second winding,
and wherein said first winding and said second winding are in
parallel with one another.
56. A data communication network implemented over a power
distribution system having a phase conductor with a first segment
on a first side of a switch and a second segment on a second side
of said switch, comprising: a first capacitive coupler for coupling
a data signal via said first segment, and having a data port for
further coupling of said data signal; and a second capacitive
coupler having a data port coupled to said data port of said first
capacitive coupler, and for coupling said data signal via said
second segment, wherein a transmission of said data signal between
said first segment and said second segment is maintained when said
switch is opened.
57. A method for identifying one of a plurality of neutral wires of
a power transmission cable, comprising: applying a signal to a
selected neutral wire, at a first point on said power transmission
cable; sensing a relative magnitude of said signal on each of said
plurality of neutral wires at a second point on said power
transmission cable that is remote from said first point; and
identifying said selected neutral wire from said relative
magnitudes.
58. The method of claim 57, wherein said identifying step
identifies said selected neutral wire as said one of said plurality
of neutral wires having a greatest relative magnitude.
59. The method of claim 57, wherein said applying step comprises
inductively coupling said signal to said selected neutral wire.
60. The method of claim 57, wherein said sensing step comprises
inductively coupling said signal from said selected neutral
wire.
61. A system for identifying one of a plurality of neutral wires of
a power transmission cable, comprising: a receiver for sensing a
signal from a selected neutral wire of said power transmission
cable; and an indicator of a magnitude of said signal, wherein said
signal is applied to said selected wire at a first point on said
power transmission cable, and said receiver senses said signal at a
second point on said power transmission cable that is remote from
said first point.
62. The system of claim 61, further comprising: a ferrite toroid
having a radial slot through which said selected neutral wire is
routed; and a winding that is wound around a portion of said
ferrite toroid and connected to an input of said receiver, wherein
said signal is inductively coupled from said selected neutral wire
via said ferrite toroid.
63. The system of claim 61, further comprising an inductive coupler
through which said signal is applied to said selected neutral wire
at said first point.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is claiming priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/173,808, filed on Dec.
30, 1999, and Serial No. 60/198,671, filed on Apr. 20, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to communication of a data
signal over a power distribution system, and more particularly, to
a use of an inductive coupler for coupling a data signal via a
conductor in a power transmission cable.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Low voltage (LV) power lines within the confines of a home
or business have been used as a medium for point to point or
network communications using so called "carrier" systems in which a
data signal is modulated onto a high frequency (HF) carrier and
transmitted over the power lines. Internet access, which requires
"last mile" connectivity between the Internet data trunk and each
domicile, would greatly enhance the utility of such networks.
[0006] A medium voltage (MV) typically 4-66 kV is reduced to a low
voltage (LV) typically 100-500 volts, through an MV-LV distribution
transformer. A medium voltage power distribution grid feeds many
homes and businesses via distribution transformers. If data is
present on the medium voltage power grid, it would be desirable to
couple broadband data streams from transformer substations to
entire sections of a neighborhood, but the distribution
transformers effectively block high frequency energy and thus block
the data from getting to the LV drop lines.
[0007] In countries using nominal low voltages of 125 volts or
less, such as in North America, drop lines from the distribution
transformer to the electrical load in the home or business are
usually kept shorter than about 50 meters, so as to minimize
voltage drop across the lines and to preserve adequate voltage
regulation. Typically, only one to ten homes or businesses are
supplied from each distribution transformer. For such a small
number of potential users, it is not economical to procure an
expensive high data rate feed, such as fiber or T1, and couple it
via power line communications devices to the low voltage side of
the transformer. Accordingly, in order to exploit the medium
voltage distribution grid as a data backhaul channel, a device is
required to bypass the distribution transformer.
[0008] In a power distribution system, a high voltage (HV)
typically 100-800 kV, is stepped-down to a medium voltage through
an HV-MV step-down transformer at a transformer substation. The
high frequency blocking characteristics of distribution
transformers isolate the medium voltage power distribution grid
from high frequency noise present on both the low voltage and the
high voltage (HV) lines. The medium voltage grid is thus a
relatively quiet medium, ideal for communicating high speed data as
a data distribution system or "backhaul line."
[0009] The above-mentioned transformers block practically all
energy in the megahertz frequency range. In order to couple high
frequency modulated data from the MV lines to the LV lines, a
bypass device must be installed at each transformer site. Devices
are presently available and used for low frequency, low data rate
data coupling applications. Such applications are often termed
Power Line Communications (PLC). These devices typically include a
high voltage series coupling capacitor, which must withstand a
Basic Impulse Loading (BIL) voltage, typically above 50 kV. Such
devices are thus expensive, bulky, and have an impact on overall
power grid reliability. Furthermore, in some cases, during their
installation they require disconnecting power from the
customers.
[0010] In countries having a nominal low voltage in the 100-120
volt range, such as Japan and the US, the number of distribution
transformers is especially large. This is because the MV-LV
distribution transformers are placed relatively close to the load
to keep the feed resistance low. Low feed resistance is desired to
maintain reasonable level of voltage regulation, that is, minimal
variation in supply voltage with varying load currents. LV feed
lines for distances much in excess of 50 meters would require
impracticably thick wires.
[0011] For a data coupler to be effective, it must be considered in
the context in which it operates in conjunction with the high
frequency characteristics of the MV power lines and with other
components connected to these lines, such as transformers, power
factor correction capacitors, PLC coupling capacitors, and
disconnect switches. These components operate at different voltages
in different countries and regions. The operating voltage level has
a direct impact on the geometry of the construction of medium
voltage power devices and the terminal impedance of these devices
at Megahertz frequencies. Other factors affecting high frequency
signals on MV power lines include the geometry of the network,
e.g., branching, the use of very low impedance underground cables
that connect to high impedance overhead lines, and the possibility
of a splitting of a network into sub-networks due to an actuation
of a disconnect switch. Therefore, the suitability of an MV-LV
coupler device must be considered in the context of the specific
characteristics of the equipment used in each country and the MV
voltage level.
[0012] Overhead transmission lines are characterized by two or
mores wires run at essentially constant spacing, with air
dielectric between them. Such lines have a characteristic impedance
in the 300 to 500 ohms range, and very low loss. Coaxial
underground cables comprise a center conductor surrounded by a
dielectric, over which are wound neutral conductors. Such cables
have a characteristic impedance in the range of 20 to 40 ohms, and
display loss for Megahertz signals that may be as low as 2 dB per
hundred-meter length, depending on the loss properties of the
dielectric.
[0013] An MV-LV distribution transformer, whether designed for
operation from single phase to neutral or from phase to phase in a
three phase grid, has a primary winding on the MV side that appears
as having an impedance in the 40 to 300 ohm range for frequencies
above 10 MHz. Power factor correction capacitors have large nominal
capacitance values (e.g. 0.05-1 uF), but their high frequency
impedance is primarily determined by series inductance inherent in
their construction. PLC coupling capacitors have lower nominal
capacitances, for example, 2.2-10 nF, but may have high frequency
impedances that are relatively low relative to the power cable's
characteristic impedance. Any of the aforementioned devices may
produce a resonance in the megahertz range, i.e., the imaginary
part of a complex impedance becomes zero ohms, but the devices do
not have high Q factors at these frequencies, and so the magnitude
of the impedance typically does not approach zero for a series
resonance or an extremely high value for a parallel resonance.
[0014] Another device used on MV grids, especially in Japan, is a
remotely controlled three phase disconnect switch. When a data
signal is transmitted over a phase line that passes through such a
switch, continuity of the data needs to be maintained even when the
phase line is opened through the switch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved coupler for coupling a data signal to a conductor in a
power transmission cable.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such a coupler that is inexpensive and has a high data rate
capacity.
[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a coupler that can be installed without interrupting service
to power customers.
[0018] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide such a coupler using only passive components that have a
virtually unlimited service life.
[0019] These and other objects of the present invention are
achieved by an apparatus for enabling communication of a data
signal via a power transmission cable, comprising (a) a first
winding for coupling the data signal via a conductor of the power
transmission cable, and (b) a second winding, inductively coupled
to the first winding, for coupling the data signal via a data
port.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a typical underground coaxial
medium voltage distribution cable, showing a neutral wire being
used as a communication medium, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 2A is an illustration of an arrangement of a
single-ended transmission line using a single neutral wire for data
communication, in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2B is a schematic representation of the arrangement of
FIG. 2A.
[0023] FIG. 3A is an illustration of a power transmission cable in
which two neutral wires are used as a transmission line for
communication of a data signal, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of the arrangement
shown in FIG. 3A.
[0025] FIG. 3C is a schematic representation of an alternative to
the arrangement shown in FIG. 3A using a plurality of neutral wires
to form a data transmission line.
[0026] FIG. 3D is an illustration of a technique for implementing
the arrangement shown in FIG. 3C.
[0027] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate embodiments of a magnetic core
topology for a coupler for use with a pair of neutral conductors
that are differentially driven with a data signal.
[0028] FIG. 5A is an illustration of an arrangement of a cable
having a high impedance introduced by placement of a magnetic
toroid core.
[0029] FIG. 5B is a schematic representation of the arrangement of
FIG. 5A.
[0030] FIGS. 6A-6C are illustrations of several arrangements of a
balanced transmission line using two neutral wires and magnetic
induction, in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 6D is a schematic representation of the arrangements of
6A-6C.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a balanced transmission line using
a magnetic induction, in accordance with the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present
invention using multiple transmission lines with multiple sets of
neutral wires.
[0034] FIG. 9A is a schematic of a system for identifying one of a
plurality of wires of a power transmission cable.
[0035] FIG. 9B is an illustration of a system for identifying one
of a plurality of wires of a power transmission cable.
[0036] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematics of portions of a data
communication network implemented over a power distribution system,
where the data is carried on a phase conductor of the power
distribution system, in accordance with the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 11A is an illustration of an embodiment of an inductive
coupler for coupling data via a phase conductor, in accordance with
the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 11B is a schematic representation of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 11A.
[0039] FIG. 12 is a schematic of a portion of a network having
back-to-back modems at an inductive coupler.
[0040] FIG. 13 is a schematic of a technique for passively coupling
modulated data between segments of a power grid, in accordance with
the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 14 is a schematic of a technique for coupling modulated
data between segments of a power grid using back-to-back
modems.
[0042] FIG. 15 is a schematic showing several techniques for
coupling data to a phase conductor of a power distribution system
in an implementation of a data communication network, in accordance
with the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 16A is a schematic for a capacitive coupler for
terminating a transmission line dead end, in accordance with the
present invention.
[0044] FIG. 16B is a schematic using a capacitive coupler for
connecting a modem to a transmission line dead end, in accordance
with the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 16C is a schematic of an arrangement of a capacitive
coupler for maintaining continuity of a data signal across a grid
disconnect switch, in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] Overhead and underground medium voltage transmission lines
may be used for the bi-directional transmission of digital data.
Such transmission lines cover the path between a power company's
transformer substation and one or more MV-LV distribution
transformers placed throughout a neighborhood. The MV-LV
distribution transformers step the medium voltage power down to low
voltage, which is then fed to homes and businesses.
[0047] The present invention relates to a use of a coupler in a
medium voltage grid. The coupler is for enabling communication of a
data signal via a power transmission cable. It has a first winding
for coupling the data signal via a conductor of the power
transmission cable, and a second winding, inductively coupled to
the first winding, for coupling the data signal via a data
port.
[0048] One embodiment of the present invention is employed with a
power transmission cable having one or more neutral wires, i.e.,
conductors, wrapped around an outer layer of the cable, similarly
to a coaxial cable. One or more of the neutral wires of the power
transmission cable serves as a conductor for one or more data
signals.
[0049] Another embodiment is employed with a phase conductor of a
power transmission cable. In this case, the phase conductor of the
power transmission cable serves as a conductor for one or more data
signals.
[0050] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a typical underground coaxial
medium voltage distribution cable 100 with an inductive coupler
coupled thereto, in accordance with the present invention. Cable
100 has a multiplicity of N neutral conductors 105 wrapped spirally
around a core insulator 120, which surrounds a phase conducting
wire 115. For example, in a Pirelli Cable X-0802/4202/0692 TRXLPE
25KV 260 mils 1/0 A WG Al cable, which is available from Pirelli
Cavi e Sistemi S.p.A., Viale Sarca, 222, Milano, Italy 20126, there
is a phase conducting wire surrounded by insulation around which
are wound 8 strands of 2.8 mm diameter copper. Cables having 12 to
16 neutral conductors are also common.
[0051] Neutral conductors 105 are separated and insulated from each
other in a cable segment. At an end of cable 100, a strand of each
neutral conductor 105 is exposed and wrapped tangentially, forming
a ring of copper wire 125 a short distance from the end of the
cable, to form a terminus. These strands are gathered together into
a single stranded wire 130 and connected to a grounding post at an
MV-LV distribution transformer.
[0052] A coupler 140 is already insulated from phase conductor 115,
the latter certified to withstand both the steady state and
transient voltages for which the cable is rated. Exploiting
existing insulation obviates the expense of providing it again for
the coupler. The coupler can be packaged with ordinary plastic
materials.
[0053] Coupler 140 includes a first winding (not shown in FIG. 1)
and second winding (not shown in FIG. 1). The first winding is
provided by the cable itself while the second winding can comprise
one or two turns of stranded, small diameter hookup wire, with
minimal insulation.
[0054] In an underground cable, such as cable 100, the use of
inductive coupler 140 is particularly cost effective, as it takes
advantage of the existing insulator 120 to provide isolation from
the medium voltage lines.
[0055] An inductive coupler in accordance with the present
invention is also suitable for use with an overhead power
transmission cable. The inductive coupler is generally less
expensive than a capacitive coupler, as increasing the thickness of
the inductive coupler's insulation does not substantially degrade
the coupler performance, while increasing the insulation thickness
in the capacitor directly decreases its capacitance per unit area,
and necessitates a larger plate area. Therefore, in comparison to a
capacitive coupler, the inductive coupler is considerably less
expensive to manufacture.
[0056] There are several alternative embodiments of the invention.
For underground cable, one can enlist one or more of the neutral
wires of the underground cable, which can form high frequency
transmission lines, while the power conduction function of the
selected neutral wire(s) is preserved.
[0057] FIG. 2A is an illustration of an arrangement of a
single-ended transmission line using a single neutral wire for data
communication, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2B is
a schematic representation of the arrangement of FIG. 2A. A cable
200 includes a multiplicity of neutral conductors 205, e.g. wires,
that can be considered as a flat data transmission line, wrapped in
a gentle spiral around a high voltage insulator 240 and a center
phase conductor 245.
[0058] One selected strand of neutral conductors 205, i.e., neutral
conductor 202, is isolated to act as a data transmission line
conductor for a data signal, and the remaining neutral conductors
205, mainly two neutral conductors 205 that are adjacent to neutral
conductor 202, serve as a second data transmission line conductor.
For the cross section of the Pirelli cable described above, the
characteristic impedance is estimated to be about 95 ohms with
respect to signals in a frequency range of 1-50 MHz, a subrange of
which is typically used in a transmission of data.
[0059] To implement the arrangement of FIG. 2A in an
already-installed underground cable, neutral conductor 202 is
selected out of the several neutral conductors 205, and cut in an
exposed section 210 at each end of cable 200. A lead 215 of neutral
conductor 202 remains connected to a ring 250 at each end of cable
200. Neutral conductor 202 and lead 215 are connected to a first
winding 225 of a coupler 220. First winding 225 is thus connected
in series between neutral conductor 202 and ground. A second
winding 235 of coupler 220 is coupled to a port 255 through which
data is transmitted and received. Thus, cable 200 is enlisted for
use as a high frequency transmission line, which can be connected
to communications equipment such as a modem (not shown), via
coupler 220.
[0060] Electrically speaking, coupler 220 is a transformer. The
impedance across the primary, i.e., first winding 225, of such a
transformer is negligible at the frequencies used for conducting
power. First winding 225, which is attached to neutral conductor
202 and lead 215, should be wound with a wire at least as thick as
that of neutral conductor 202. Under these circumstances, the
selected data-carrying neutral conductor 202 has essentially the
same impedance as all of the other neutral wires. It would carry
essentially the same current as each of the other neutral wires,
and the total ampacity and surge current capacity of the neutral
circuit would not be degraded.
[0061] In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the neutral current of the single
neutral conductor 202 passes through coupler 220. For a 200 Amp
cable with eight neutral wires, the data-carrying wire would carry
a maximum steady state current of 25 Amps rms. The maximum
steady-state current through a single neutral conductor is less for
a smaller ampacity cable and for a cable with a larger number of
neutral conductors. Coupler 220 must be capable of handling the
flux generated by this current, without magnetic core saturation,
in order to carry out its data coupling function.
[0062] Neutral conductor 202 carries current in a first direction
for a high frequency data signal. The other neutral conductors 205
carry the data signal's return current in the opposite direction,
tending to cancel and thus greatly decrease an intensity of the
radiated magnetic field due to the modulated data signal. This
arrangement also provides an electrostatic shielding effect against
noise coupling from an external electric field.
[0063] FIG. 3A is an illustration of a power transmission cable 300
in which two neutral wires are used as a transmission line for
communication of a data signal, in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of the arrangement
shown in FIG. 3A.
[0064] A coupler 307, for example, a high frequency transformer, is
installed in series with two adjacent neutral wires 302, 305.
Neutral wires 302, 305, which are preferably in parallel and
adjacent to one another, are cut just before a point where they
attach to neutral connecting ring 330.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 3B, the leads of neutral wires 302, 305
extending from cable 300 are connected to a first winding 310 of
coupler 307. First winding 310 is thus connected in series between
neutral conductor 302 and neutral conductor 305. First winding 310
includes a center-tap 312 and a magnetic core 315. Center-tap 312
is connected to neutral connecting ring 330.
[0066] A portion 310A of first winding 310 is connected to neutral
wire 302 and wound in a first direction around core 315, and a
second portion 310B of first winding 310 is connected to neutral
wire 305 and wound in the opposite direction around core 315.
Portions 310A and 310B are made of wires of slightly larger
diameter than the power cable neutral wires, and are therefore
capable of carrying steady state and surge currents at least as
well as the unselected neutral conductors. Each of portions 310A
and 310B may itself be considered a winding.
[0067] The arrangement of FIG. 3A ensures that only a negligible
impedance is inserted in series with two neutral wires 302, 305,
and does not disturb the essentially equal division of power
frequency current among all of the neutral wires. For the Pirelli
cable described earlier, the characteristic impedance of the
parallel wires 302 and 305 acting as a parallel wire transmission
line is estimated to be approximately 130 ohms. Also, at power
frequency, the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B results in flux
cancellation due the neutral currents' flowing in opposite
directions in windings 310A and 310B, resulting in a negligible net
flux through core 315.
[0068] Another winding 320 is connected to a port 350 through which
data is transmitted and received. Winding 320 is insulated from the
power circuit neutral 325, thus avoiding a ground loop that could
induce spurious noise and fault surges into the data circuits.
[0069] Cable 300 can be thought of as a high frequency transmission
line, which can be connected to communications equipment via
coupler 307. In this configuration, a data signal is driven
differentially through neutral conductors 302, 305. Such a
transmission line should emit even lower electromagnetic radiation
than the singe-ended arrangement described in FIG. 2A, for a given
drive power level.
[0070] FIG. 3C is a schematic representation of an alternative to
the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B using a plurality of
neutral wires to form a data transmission line. Cable 300 has a
plurality of neutral wires 330 that are substantially parallel to
one another, with individuals of a first subset 330A of the
plurality of neutral wires 330 alternating with individuals of a
second subset 330B of the plurality of neutral wires 330. The first
subset 330A is collectively regarded as a first neutral conductor
and joined together to form a first stranded lead 332 to a coupler
307A. The second subset 330B is collectively regarded a second
neutral conductor and joined together to form a second stranded
lead 333 to coupler 307A. Preferably, the plurality of neutral
wires 330 is configured as N/2 transmission lines connected in
parallel, where N is the number of neutral wires 330, and N/2 is
the number of neutral wires in each of subsets 330A and 330B. The
effect of such a parallel connection is to reduce the attenuation
produced by cable 300 by a factor of approximately N/2 , and to
lower the characteristic impedance by the same factor.
[0071] FIG. 3D is a diagram showing how the arrangement of FIG. 3C
may be conveniently implemented. To facilitate the attachment of
first subset 330A to first stranded lead 332, a first insulating
ring 335 is placed over all neutral conductors, i.e., first subset
330A and second subset 330B, proximate to a point where coupler
307A will be located. First subset 330A is wrapped over first
insulating ring 335 and joined together to form first stranded lead
332. Likewise, second subset 330B is wrapped over a second ring
345, which may be insulating or not insulating, and joined together
to form second stranded lead 333. The improved geometrical symmetry
of the current flow and reduced voltage levels should further
reduce electromagnetic radiation, relative to that emitted with the
two-wire implementation of FIG. 3A.
[0072] An electric utility company might object to cutting two
neutral wires and reconnecting them through a coupler. In
accordance with the present invention, it is possible to "wind" a
magnetic core around the two selected neutral wires in a manner
that is topologically and magnetically equivalent to the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0073] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate embodiments of a magnetic core
topology for a coupler for use with a pair of neutral conductors
that are differentially driven with a data signal. Such a core has
a first region adjacent to a first neutral conductor, and a second
region adjacent to a second neutral conductor. The coupler includes
a winding wound around a portion of the core. Through the core, the
winding induces a first current in the first neutral conductor in a
first direction, and induces a second current in the second neutral
conductor in a second direction that is opposite of the first
direction.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 4A, a core 400 may be visualized as a
figure "8", with no contact at the crossing point. The figure "8"
forms a topological "twist". A first region comprises a first loop
405 of the figure "8". A first neutral conductor 410 is routed
through first loop 405. A second region comprises a second loop 415
of the figure "8". A second neutral conductor 420 is routed through
second loop 415. Core 400 is effectively a contiguous one-window
core through which conductors 410 and 420 are passed in opposite
directions, thus canceling the flux due to power frequency
currents. A winding 425 induces oppositely-phased high frequency
signal currents in neutral wires 410 and 420.
[0075] The figure "8" topology can be implemented on the surface of
a cable, without cutting the neutral conductors. As shown in FIG.
4B, a core comprising core segments 400A and 400B is configured
with a first gap 430 in the first loop 405 and a second gap 435 in
the second loop 415. Neutral conductor 410 is routed through first
gap 430 and neutral conductor 420 is routed through second gap 435.
By placing cores 400A and 400B against the insulation 440 of
neutral conductors 410 and 420, neutral conductors 410 and 420 are
placed within the path of magnetic flux.
[0076] Another method for avoiding the physical cutting of the
neutral wires is to insert a high impedance for high frequencies in
series with them without cutting the wires. The present invention
accomplishes this by surrounding the entire cable with one or more
magnetic toroid cores.
[0077] FIG. 5A is an illustration of an arrangement of a cable
having a high frequency high impedance introduced by placement of a
magnetic toroid core over the cable. FIG. 5B is a schematic
representation of the arrangement of FIG. 5A.
[0078] One or more magnetic toroid cores 502 are disposed around a
portion of a power transmission cable 500. A first winding 530
(FIG. 5B) of a coupler 515 is connected between a first neutral
conductor 510 and a second neutral conductor 512, inwards of cable
500 relative to magnetic toroid cores 502. A second winding 532 of
coupler 515 provides a data path to a modem port 520.
[0079] First and second neutral conductors 510, 512 are two of a
plurality of neutral conductors 505 within cable 500. Each of
neutral conductors 505 will effectively see a choke 502A (FIG. 5B)
just prior to a neutral collection ring 525. Thus, magnetic toroid
cores 502 insert an isolating reactance between each of neutral
wires 505 and ground, preferably on the order of magnitude of a few
micro-Henries.
[0080] Magnetic toroid cores 502 may be configured as a split core
of two halves, with a mechanical package provided to mate the core
halves accurately, and fasten the core to cable 500. The advantage
of this embodiment is that none of the neutral wires 505 need be
cut during installation of magnetic toroid cores 502.
[0081] A data signal can be transmitted to and received from a
modem (not shown) connected across a port 520 of coupler 515 and
coupled to neutral conductors 510, 512 upstream of magnetic toroid
cores 502. Cable 500 can be thought of as a high frequency
transmission line with connection end points 535 and 540 partially
isolated from ground by toroids acting as chokes.
[0082] At power frequency, the net current passing through the
magnetic toroid cores 502 is essentially zero, since the phase
current of a central conductor 517 flowing in one direction is
balanced by the oppositely directed neutral current flowing through
the multiplicity of neutral wires 505, all passing through magnetic
toroid cores 502. Core saturation is thus obviated. Power current
distribution among the neutral wires 505 is remain unchanged by the
presence of magnetic toroid cores 502, as a very small reactance is
induced by the choking effect of magnetic toroid cores 502, which
affect all neutral wires equally.
[0083] FIGS. 6A-6C are illustrations of several arrangements of a
balanced transmission line using two neutral wires and magnetic
induction, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6D is a
schematic representation of the arrangements of 6A-6C. Again, the
advantage obtained is the avoidance of cutting or manipulating the
neutral wires, for circuits that may or may not be energized.
[0084] Each of the embodiments of FIGS. 6A-6D uses two neutral
wires as a transmission line. Signal current is magnetically
induced in the sections of the neutral wires, adjacent to a
grounded collection ring. An open magnetic core (such as an "E"
core) is positioned proximate and perpendicular to the two neutral
wires.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 6A, an open magnetic core 605 has a first
leg 606 positioned proximate and perpendicular to a first one of
two neutral wires 602 of a cable 600, a second leg 607 positioned
proximate and perpendicular to a second one of neutral wires 602,
and a third leg, i.e., common leg 610, located between first leg
606 and second leg 607. Common leg 610 has a winding 608 wound
thereabout.
[0086] Winding 608 is wound around common leg 610, which is
positioned between the two neutral wires 602 of cable 600. This
arrangement induces currents in the individuals of neutral wires
602 in opposite directions from each other. A segment 615 (FIG. 6B)
of neutral wires 602 terminating together in a grounded collection
ring 625 (FIG. 6B) may alternatively be considered a one turn coil
passing through the gap between the pole faces of legs 606 and 610,
and between the pole faces of legs 607 and 610. Thus, a signal
current in winding 608 will induce signal current in the two
neutral wires 602, launching a differential signal down the
transmission line formed by those two neutral wires 602.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 6C, to reduce the size of the relatively
large air gap between the legs in standard core shapes (e.g., "E"
core), and to increase the coupling coefficient, a pair of magnetic
toroidal cores 620 can be used, with gaps 627 provided through
which neutral wires 602 are routed. A winding 630 is wound around a
portion of each of magnetic toroidal cores 620, e.g., a common leg
632.
[0088] The equivalent circuit of the embodiments of FIGS. 6A-6C is
shown in FIG. 6D. The sections of neutral wires 602 in which the
flux is induced act as two oppositely phased windings 635 connected
together at collection ring 625. A winding 645 provides a port 640
for a connection to a modem (not shown).
[0089] Power frequency magnetomotive force (MMF) is canceled in the
common leg of the core, but appears in full on each side leg.
However, the air gap, which must be larger than the diameter of a
neutral wire, would usually prevent these side legs from becoming
saturated.
[0090] The advantage of the embodiments of FIGS. 6A-6D is an
avoidance of both interruption and physical contact with the
neutral wires 602. Current distribution among the neutral wires at
power frequency would remain essentially unchanged, as the very
small reactance induced by the core's choking affect would
introduce a negligible reactance compared to the overall neutral
wire impedance over the entire cable segment. Cable 600 can be
thought of as a high frequency transmission line, connected at each
terminus via a coupler, to communications equipment.
[0091] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a balanced transmission line using
a magnetic induction, in accordance with the present invention.
This embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 6D, but instead of a
single magnetic core or pair of toroids coupling to one pair of
neutral wires, it couples to all neutral wires, organized as pairs.
For a cable with an odd number of wires, one wire would be left
unused. To achieve this, any of the embodiments of FIGS. 6A-6D may
be employed, with the number of couplers equaling the number of
neutral wire pairs, and the windings of the couplers connected
together. For minimum radiation, alternate neutral wires should be
oppositely phased.
[0092] Similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 6A-6D, the embodiment of
FIG. 7 includes a coupler having a first winding 720 for coupling a
data signal via a first neutral conductors 702 of a power
transmission cable 700 and a second winding 740, inductively
coupled to first winding 720, for coupling the data signal via a
data port 760. Generally, the embodiment of FIG. 7 enhances this to
include a third winding 725 for coupling the data signal via a
second neutral conductor 705 of power transmission cable 700, and a
fourth winding 745, inductively coupled to third winding 725, for
coupling the data signal via data port 760. The data signal travels
in a first path via first neutral conductors 702, first winding 720
and second winding 740, and in a second path via second neutral
conductor 705, third winding 725 and fourth winding 745. The first
path is in parallel with the second path.
[0093] FIG. 7 illustrates the use of all pairs of neutral wires,
according to the embodiment of FIG. 6D. Wire pairs 702, 705, 710
and 715 all perform as transmission lines, in a manner similar to
the selected pair 600 of FIG. 6D. The segments of the neutral wires
passing through the magnetic flux of the cores act as windings 720,
725, 730 and 735, and drive the neutral wire pairs as transmission
lines. Windings 740, 745, 750 and 755 may be connected in parallel,
as shown, or in any series or parallel combination providing
consistent phasing, to provide a data signal to a port 760. Since a
central phase conductor 715 of power cable 700 is exposed to equal
and oppositely phased flux from the coupling coils, phase conductor
715 does not affect the signal transmission.
[0094] Some of the advantage of the embodiment of FIG. 7 are (a)
the installation of a coupler can be performed without selecting a
pair of neutral conductors, and therefore without identifying those
conductors at the far end of the segment (note that a phase
inversion is possible here, but would not affect data flow, as
modems can tolerate phase inversion of the entire signal), (b) data
transmission is possible, even if cable 700 is damaged during its
run, and some of the neutral wires are accidentally grounded, (c)
better cancellation of external fields and lower radiation, and (d)
lower path loss over the cable segment.
[0095] FIG. 8 is a schematic of an embodiment of the present
invention using multiple transmission lines with multiple sets of
neutral wires. This embodiment utilizes any of the embodiments
represented in FIGS. 6A-6D, but instead of a single signal path, it
exploits a multiplicity of neutral wire transmission lines 802,
805, 810, 815 to provide multiple independent transmission
channels. FIGS. 8 shows four transmission channels.
[0096] Similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 6A-6D, the embodiment of
FIG. 8 includes a coupler having a first winding 820 for coupling a
data signal via a first neutral conductor 802 of a power
transmission cable 800 and a second winding 825, inductively
coupled to first winding 820, for coupling the data signal via a
data port 830. Generally, the embodiment of FIG. 8 enhances this to
include a third winding 835 for coupling a second data signal via a
second neutral conductor 805 of power transmission cable 800, and a
fourth winding 840, inductively coupled to third winding 835, for
coupling the second data signal to a second data port 845.
[0097] Such a multiplicity may be exploited for achieving (a) full
duplex transmission of data on one or more channels, (b) multiple
unidirectional or bi-directional channels, thus increasing overall
bandwidth, (c) redundant transmission of data to minimize errors,
(d) implementing multi-wire interfaces that have separate clock,
strobe and data lines, and (e) use of one channel for supervisory
commands, error notification, or other data useful in network
management.
[0098] For each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, and for
the enhancements shown in FIGS. 3-8, selection of one or two
neutral wires at one end of a cable implies that the same wires
must be identified at the distal end of the cable.
[0099] FIG. 9A is a schematic, and FIG. 9B is an illustration, of a
system 900 for identifying one of a plurality of wires of a power
transmission cable. System 900 includes a receiver 902 for sensing
a signal from a selected neutral wire of the power transmission
cable, and an indicator 905 of a magnitude of the signal. The
signal is applied to a selected wire 925 at a first point 926 on
the power transmission cable. Receiver 902 senses the signal at a
second point 927 on the power transmission cable that is remote
from the first point.
[0100] System 900 also includes a ferrite toroid 915 having a
radial slot 920 through which the selected neutral wire 925 is
routed, and a winding 930 that is wound around a portion of ferrite
toroid 915 and connected to an input 935 of receiver 902. The
signal is inductively coupled from the selected neutral wire 925
via the ferrite toroid 915. The signal is applied to the selected
neutral wire 925 at first point 926 via an inductive coupler
924.
[0101] At the first cable end to be connected, the wire(s) are
selected, and a coupler attached. FIG. 9A shows a pair of neutral
wires being selected. The coupler is driven by a low power, high
frequency oscillator, typically in the MHz range. This causes high
frequency current to flow most strongly in the wire(s)
selected.
[0102] At the distal end, radio receiver 900 is tuned to the same
frequency. This radio receiver is special in that it is equipped
with a signal strength meter 905 and manual or automatic gain
control 910 for optimizing the gain. In addition, the receiver's
antenna comprises a ferrite toroid 915 with a radial slot 920
slightly greater than the diameter of the neutral wire 925, and a
coil wound on the toroid 915 connected to the receiver's antenna
input terminals 935. Preferably, toroid 915 is fixed-mounted onto
the receiver case.
[0103] The installer holds the receiver so as to orient the slot to
be in line with and proximate to neutral conductor 925 and observes
the reading on the signal strength meter 905. The installer then
moves the receiver tangentially around the cable, sensing each wire
in turn. The wire(s) producing the maximum reading on the signal
strength meter will be those directly excited at the other end of
the cable.
[0104] Accordingly, a method for identifying one of a plurality of
neutral wires of a power transmission cable, comprises the steps of
(a) applying a signal to a selected neutral wire, at a first point
on the power transmission cable, (b) sensing a relative magnitude
of the signal on each of the plurality of neutral wires at a second
point on the power transmission cable that is remote from the first
point, and (c) identifying the selected neutral wire from the
relative magnitudes. The identifying step identifies the selected
neutral wire as the one of the plurality of neutral wires having a
greatest relative magnitude. The applying step comprises
inductively coupling the signal to the selected neutral wire, and
the sensing step comprises inductively coupling the signal from the
selected neutral wire.
[0105] Thus far, the present invention has been described in the
context of a cable with multiple, separate, mutually insulated
neutral wires. However, many power distribution networks do not use
cables with mutually insulated neutral wires, but rather have their
neutral wires in the form of a mesh or multiple wires connected
together with conducting copper tape. FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B
and their associated descriptions, relate to an application of the
present invention for other common medium voltage power girds, such
as those carried on overhead wires and those carried on
pseudo-coaxial underground cables with a single neutral
conductor.
[0106] A coupler that avoids physical contact with a medium voltage
phase conductor is desirable in that such a coupler would not need
to withstand steady state and surge voltages of the phase
conductor, thus simplifying construction and reducing cost of the
coupler. However, the use of the currently proposed inductive
coupler presupposes a circuit continuity through which current may
flow, whilst the medium voltage circuits may include either
physically open circuits at their ends, or be connected to
transformer windings whose high impedance at radio frequencies may
approximate the effect of an open circuit termination. In
accordance with the present invention, inductive couplers can be
used in a medium voltage data backhaul network when high frequency
terminations are added using capacitive-coupled ports at the ends
of the cable, and, in a large distribution network, also at a one
or more intermediate positions. The phase conductors of underground
power transmission lines can be used as data transmission lines
when they are equipped with load terminations effective at the high
frequencies used for communications for coupling data signals to
and from the transmission lines.
[0107] In power distribution systems, the medium voltage grid is
attached to devices that present an impedance much higher than the
cable's characteristic impedance to signals at high frequencies.
Such devices effectively appear as open circuits to high frequency
signals. Coupling modulated data packets onto such an
open-circuited cable would result in a large fraction of a coupled
wave being reflected from the ends of the cable, and possibly being
interpreted by data receivers as new packets. A further undesirable
feature of such reflections would be to mislead the data receivers
into concluding that new packets are occupying the cable, and
"carrier sense" types of shared networks would suffer a loss of
available transmission time.
[0108] For cables and wires with significant high frequency losses,
these reflections would quickly dissipate, and not cause problems.
However, for both overhead lines and some underground
pseudo-coaxial lines, the losses are low, and strong reflected
signals may interfere with the direct signals.
[0109] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematics of portions of a data
communication network implemented over a power distribution system,
where the data is carried on a phase conductor of the power
distribution system. The present invention uses a combination of
inductive and capacitive couplers. As explained below, the network
includes (a) an inductive coupler for coupling a data signal via
the phase conductor, and having a data port for further coupling of
the data signal, and (b) a capacitive coupler, connected between
the phase conductor and ground, proximate to an end of the power
transmission cable, for absorbing reflections of the data signal
and optionally serving as a data port for coupling of the data
signal.
[0110] Inductive couplers 1002 are used at intermediate nodes 1005
proximate to a distribution transformer 1010. Each inductive
coupler 1002 provides a port 1015 for connection to a modem (not
shown) over a low voltage network being powered from the secondary
of each distribution transformer 1010. Capacitive couplers 1020 are
connected between an end of a wire or cable and a local ground, to
both absorb reflections and provide signal coupling nodes 1025.
That is, a signal coupling node 1025 is located between a
capacitive coupler 1020 and ground, for coupling the data signal
between the phase conductor and for providing another data port for
the data signal.
[0111] The "end of the wire or cable" includes a point 1018 where
power is fed into the cable from a high voltage to medium voltage
transformer. In loop topologies, the cable returns to this location
but reaches a dead end. Capacitive couplers 1020 are included at
such "dead ends". Should a T-branch 1030 produce a stub 1035 in the
power network, a capacitive coupler 1020 is used to terminate the
distal end of stub 1035.
[0112] FIG. 11A is an illustration of an embodiment of an inductive
coupler 1102 for coupling data via a phase conductor, in accordance
with the present invention. FIG. 11B is a schematic representation
of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A.
[0113] An inductive coupler 1102 includes a first winding 1104 for
coupling the data signal via a phase conductor 1110, and a second
winding 1115, inductively coupled to first winding 1104, for
coupling the data signal via a data port 1145. Inductive coupler
1102 includes a core 1105 through which phase conductor 1110 is
routed. This configuration of phase conductor 1110 through core
1105 serves as first winding 1104, i.e., a winding of a single
turn. Second winding 1115 is wound around a portion of core
1105.
[0114] Inductive coupler 1102 is a current transformer in which
core 1105 is placed over a segment of phase conductor 1110.
Inductive coupler 1102 can also be used with an underground cable
by placing core 1105 over a segment of an underground cable that is
not also covered by a neutral conductor sheath, with the power
cable phase wire passing through core 1105 as a one-turn
winding.
[0115] Core 1105 is made of ferrite or other soft magnetic material
with substantial permeability and relatively low loss over the
frequency range required for the modulated data. Core 1105 has an
air gap 1120 sufficient to allow operation of the inductive coupler
1102 without saturation, even when current through phase conductor
1110 is as high as the maximum current for which conductor 1110 is
rated, e.g. 200 amps rms.
[0116] Inductive coupler 1102 has a primary magnetization
inductance sufficient to present appreciable high frequency
impedance to a modem transmitter over a relevant frequency range,
but negligible impedance at power distribution frequencies.
Inductive coupler 1102 has both a leakage inductance and a
reflected-primary impedance much lower than the characteristic
impedance of the transmission line of which phase conductor 1110 is
a component, over the relevant frequency range.
[0117] Inductive coupler 1102 has a high voltage capacitor 1125 in
series with second winding 1115 and data port 1145, and connected
to a low voltage output, i.e. power line output, of a distribution
transformer 1130, to prevent second winding 1115 from short
circuiting a low voltage power circuit 1135. Thus capacitor 1125
couples a data signal between second winding 1115 and the power
line output.
[0118] Inductive coupler 1102 also has a surge protector 1140
connected in parallel with second winding 1115, to protect the low
voltage circuit 1135, and any electronic communications equipment
attached to thereto, from being affected by a high amplitude pulse
that might appear on phase conductor 1110 and be coupled by
inductive coupler 1102 onto the low voltage lines.
[0119] Note that while only one LV phase line 1150 and LV neutral
line 1155 are connected to coupler 1102, the other phase line 1160
will receive a slightly attenuated signal via capacitive and
inductive coupling, over the length of the LV drop lines.
[0120] An important consideration, and a desirable objective, is a
minimization of electromagnetic radiation from the wires and cables
used for transmission of data. These lines could radiate
electromagnetic interference, even if buried a few feet
underground. Spurious resonances might also prevent transmission
over certain narrow frequency bands.
[0121] One or more techniques should be employed to minimize
radiation, tolerate resonances, and provide a robust and reliable
data channel. Options for minimizing radiation include:
[0122] (A) Using spread spectrum modulation in the modems
connecting to and from the medium voltage grid. Spread spectrum
modulation employs a relatively low spectral power density (e.g.
-55 dBm/Hz).
[0123] (B) Minimizing the power level of the modulated data. The
power level should to be high enough to overcome any noise on the
line, and any self-generated equipment noise, e.g., internal noise,
amplifier noise, etc. By exploiting the relative isolation of the
medium voltage line from the noisy low voltage and high voltage
grids, line noise can be minimized. This can be accomplished by
placing back-to-back modems at each inductive coupler. Back-to-back
modems are for the purpose of regenerating a bit stream and
remodulating the data transmission over an additional medium.
[0124] FIG. 12 is a schematic of a portion of a network having
back-to-back modems at an inductive coupler. A first modem 1202 has
a first port 1225 coupled to a data port of a second winding of an
inductive coupler 1102 for sending and receiving a modulated data
signal, and a second port 1210 for further coupling of the digital
data. A second modem 1205 has a first digital data port 1230
coupled to the second port 1210 of first modem 1202, and a second
port 1235 for further coupling of the modulated data signal.
Optionally, a router 1220 may be interposed between first modem
1202 and second modem 1205.
[0125] The advantages of the above arrangement are:
[0126] A) The noise of the LV grid does not reach the MV grid.
Isolation can further be enhanced by optical isolators in series
with the data connection 1210.
[0127] B) A spread spectrum or other modem, which uses different
technology or parameters than the MV modem, can be optimized for LV
grids. The inductive couplers introduce additional series impedance
at the coupling nodes that is small relative to the wire or cable's
characteristic impedance, thus minimizing both reflections and
power absorption. In this case, the modulated data may traverse a
large number of intermediate nodes successfully. Preferably, the
magnetization and leakage inductances are small enough to minimize
impedance disturbance but large enough to provide sufficient
coupling. Implied here is an intentional impedance mismatch between
the modem and the impedance presented by the coupler.
[0128] C) Routers and other networking equipment 1220 can be
employed for mediating between the home and external network.
[0129] One parameter at issue for minimizing radiation is an
attenuation of signal level in a direction between line and
coupler, as the signal level on the medium voltage power line must
be strong enough to overcome this attenuation. Attenuation in the
direction between coupler and line may be easily overcome without
additional radiation by applying more power to the coupler driving
the line so as to establish the maximum permissible transmitted
power level consistent with compliance to maximum allowed radiation
levels.
[0130] For example, if each coupler is designed for a 10 dB
coupling loss, then the transmitted power may be increased by 10 dB
to compensate, and only the second coupler's 10 dB is deducted from
the modem's loss budget.
[0131] FIG. 13 is a schematic of a technique for passively coupling
modulated data between segments of a power grid, in accordance with
the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a data communication network
1300 implemented over a power distribution system having a first
segment 1302 with a first neutral conductor 1320, and a second
segment 1303 with a second neutral conductor 1330. Network 1300
includes a first coupler 1306 for inductively coupling a data
signal via first neutral conductor 1320, and having a data port
1335 for further coupling of the data signal, and a second coupler
1307 having a data port 1340 coupled to data port 1335 of first
inductive coupler 1306, and for inductively coupling the data
signal via second neutral conductor 1330.
[0132] First segment 1302 includes a first power distribution cable
1315 on a first side of a power distribution transformer 1345.
Second segment 1303 includes a second power distribution cable 1325
on a second side of power distribution transformer 1345. Power
distribution transformer 1345 has an output to power line 1350.
Network 1300 further comprises a capacitor 1310 between data port
1335 of first inductive coupler 1306 and output power line 1350,
for coupling the data signal to output power line 1350.
[0133] Each transformer-to-transformer segment becomes a separate
link in a multi-link chain. A coupler is attached to each cable
termination, thus requiring two couplers per transformer, except
for the last transformer on a dead end segment.
[0134] Passive chaining of segments is achieved by connecting the
data ports 1335 and 1340 of the two couplers on either side of a
transformer to each other. A passive connection to the
communications devices attached to LV line 1350 is made through
series coupling capacitors 1310. Similar modems would be attached
at both the networks feed point, such as the power substation, and
at low voltage outlets at the users' premises.
[0135] FIG. 14 is a schematic of a technique for coupling modulated
data between segments of a power grid using back-to-back modems.
FIG. 14 shows a data communication network 1400 implemented over a
power distribution system having a first segment 1402 with a first
neutral conductor 1420, and a second segment 1403 with a second
neutral conductor 1430. Network 1400 includes a first coupler 1406
for inductively coupling a data signal via first neutral conductor
1420, and having a data port 1435 for further coupling of the data
signal, and a second coupler 1407 having a data port 1440 coupled
to data port 1435 of first inductive coupler 1406, and for
inductively coupling the data signal via second neutral conductor
1430.
[0136] A first modem 1460 includes a first port for modulated data
signals 1465 coupled to data port 1435 of first coupler 1406, and
having a second port for digital data 1470 for further coupling of
the data signal. A second modem 1480 has a first port for digital
data 1475 coupled to second port 1470 of first modem 1460, and a
second port 1485 for further coupling of the modulated data
signal.
[0137] The power distribution system includes a power distribution
transformer 1445 having an output power line 1450. Network 1400
further comprises capacitors 1410 between second port 1485 of
second modem 1480 and output power line 1450, for coupling the
modulated data signal to output power line 1450.
[0138] A medium voltage cable may include a long cable segment,
such as from a substation to the first distribution transformer in
a loop. For ease of installation and service, the long section may
be segmented, with access manholes at each node. At these points,
the cable segments might be terminated in medium voltage connectors
(for center conductor), along with neutral wire collector rings
that are grounded. This introduces a discontinuity in the data
transmission line, which is carried on one or more neutral wires.
To bypass this discontinuity, a pair of couplers can be installed,
one on either side of the ground, with their primaries connected to
each other, creating a bridging connection.
[0139] The present invention also provides for implementing a data
communication network using a phase conductor across segments of a
power distribution system.
[0140] FIG. 15 is a schematic showing several techniques for
coupling data to a phase conductor of a power distribution system
in an implementation of a data communication network 1500, in
accordance with the present invention.
[0141] A capacitive coupler is placed on overhead lines fed by an
HV-MV step-down transformer. The transformer secondary impedance is
of the same order of magnitude as that of overhead lines or larger.
A terminator-coupler, e.g., a capacitive coupler with a data port,
may be used here that both (a) is used to couple a modem to the
line, and (b) terminates the line with a resistance approximately
equal to the characteristic impedance of the power transmission
cable (as a modem or dummy resistor impedance is reflected through
its transformer). Accordingly, FIG. 15 shows that the power
distribution system includes a substation HV-MV voltage step-down
transformer 1502. A capacitive coupler 1535, i.e., a
terminator-coupler, is located proximate to a secondary winding of
voltage step-down transformer 1502. A component, such as modem
1525, has an impedance that when reflected through capacitive
coupler 1535 is approximately equal to a characteristic impedance
of the power transmission cable.
[0142] In systems such as in Japan, where the custom is to run a
very low impedance coaxial underground cables for lengths up to
hundreds of meters to the beginning of an overhead grid, the
preferred location for inductive couplers is at the overhead side
of the underground-overhead transition point. Here, the low
impedance of the underground cable acts like a short circuit at the
end of the overhead line, and a closed current loop is formed.
Thus, the power distribution system includes a transition 1545
between an overhead cable 1515, 1516 and an underground cable 1510,
in which underground cable 1510 has a characteristic impedance that
is much lower than that of overhead cable 1515. One or more
inductive couplers 1540, 1541 are located on overhead cable 1515,
1516, proximate to transition 1545.
[0143] The placement of inductive couplers 1540, 1541 on the three
phase overhead cable 1515, 1516 may be done symmetrically with each
member of a coupler pair driven with oppositely phased current.
Such a drive will substantially cancel the far field
electromagnetic radiation, and ease compliance with any regulatory
standards. Accordingly, network 1500 may include a pair of
inductive couplers 1540, 1541 such that a first inductive coupler,
e.g., 1540, of the pair induces a first current in the phase
conductor, e.g., 1515, in a first direction, and a second inductive
coupler, e.g., 1541, of the pair induces a second current in the
second phase conductor, e.g., 1516, in a direction opposite of the
first current.
[0144] Alternatively, a single phase may be driven, with equal and
opposite currents being induced in the other phases, at a distance
exceeding one wavelength from an inductive coupler, again canceling
much of the far field radiation. For example, one inductive coupler
1540 may be used, and transmission line induction effects may be
relied on to balance the currents, after one wavelength down the
line.
[0145] Inductive couplers may also be placed on the lines feeding a
distribution transformer primary, since the transformer primary
impedance of some types of distribution transformers may be of the
same order of magnitude as that of the overhead lines, and a closed
loop is formed. Since this loop carries relatively low
power-frequency currents, typically in the 2-8 Ampere range, there
is little tendency for core saturation, and coupler cores may be
built with little or no air gap. As shown in FIG. 15, an inductive
coupler 1550 is located on a line that feeds a primary winding 1555
of a distribution transformer of the power distribution system.
[0146] Since the magnitude of the circuit impedance seen by the
inductive coupler 1550 may be as high as hundreds of ohms, and
modems 1560 along the length of the transmission line attached to
inductive coupler 1550 would typically have a 50 ohm impedance,
there may be a substantial impedance mismatch.
[0147] As shown in FIG. 15, power distribution system 1500 may
include a PLC capacitor and/or a power factor correction capacitor,
e.g., capacitor 1565, between a phase conductor, e.g., 1516 and
ground. Capacitor 1565 may have an impedance lower than that of the
power transmission cable 1516. PLC and power factor capacitors may
have a high RF impedance, in which case they will not significantly
disturb HF signals passing over the power grid. For those devices
having an RF impedance whose magnitude is of the same order of
magnitude or lower than the characteristic impedance of the power
line, such as capacitor 1565, a series choke 1570 may be inserted
in series with capacitor 1565. Series choke 1570 may comprise an
existing lead wire 1575 to capacitor 1565 by placing one or more
snap-on split magnetic cores over lead wire 1575.
[0148] The power-frequency current is relatively low, so core
saturation will not be a problem. The micro-Henry magnitude of
these chokes' inductive impedances will not affect the capacitors'
power frequency functioning. Lossy cores may also be used, for they
simply increase the high frequency impedance of the choke, and add
to the isolation of the capacitor.
[0149] The effects of transmission line reflections must be
considered as they produce echoes that might introduce errors in
the data stream. Spread spectrum modulation is the most likely
candidate for such echo-laden transmission, as it is tolerant of
narrow band frequency absorption and narrow-band noise, and
minimizes emitted electromagnetic radiation due to its low spectral
power density. For spread spectrum modems, reflected intra-packet
signals that are 6-10 dB or more below the direct signal level will
not affect the data reception. Intra-packet reflected signals are
defined as reflections that arrive during the direct reception of
the original packet.
[0150] Impedance disturbances on the power lines may be caused by
(a) distribution transformers, with or without the addition of
inductive coupler impedance, (b) line terminations, which are
typically designed to be fairly well matched to line impedance, (c)
T-branches, and (d) PLC or power factor correction capacitors. The
reflection coefficient of these impedance discontinuities will
generally not exceed 0.5, and the reflected signal is subject to
outbound and return loss of the lines themselves, i.e., absorptive
loss and radiation loss, so it is expected that the amplitude of
reflected signals will be weaker than direct signals by more than
6-10 dB. Thus, the reflected signals that arrive during a data
packet will appear as low amplitude noise, and will not prevent the
intended data signals from being correctly received.
[0151] For couplers placed at low impedance feed points to high
impedance lines, such as transition 1545, the loss and reflections
due to impedance mismatch are not desirable. Since the very heavy
power wires cannot be wound around the coupler core, the secondary
can have no more than one turn, and the primary can have no less
than one turn. Therefore, the impedance reflected onto the power
lines will be equal to the modem impedance, one quarter of that, or
less, depending on the turns ratio. For modems with 50-ohm terminal
impedance, this reflected impedance is much lower than their
characteristic impedance. One solution to improving impedance match
is to build modems with an output impedance of a few hundred
ohms.
[0152] Another solution is to connect a phase-antiphase pair of
couplers with their primaries in parallel. The secondaries (MV
lines) are necessarily in series. Thus, a 50-ohm modem impedance is
transformed into a 100 ohm reflected impedance by the
phase-antiphase inductive coupler pair. This principle can be
carried further, by using multiple couplers with their primaries
paralleled, achieving a series connection of transformer (coupler)
windings on the power line side, and a parallel connection on the
modem side.
[0153] For example, FIG. 15 shows a first inductive coupler 1540
and a second inductive coupler 1541. First inductive coupler 1540
induces a first current in a first direction in phase conductor
1515 via a first winding 1540A, and second inductive coupler 1541
induces a second current in the opposite direction in phase
conductor 1516 via a second winding 1541A. First winding 1540A and
second winding 1541A are in parallel with one another. In FIG. 15,
first winding 1540A and second winding 1541A are marked with dots
to show this phase relationship.
[0154] The inductive coupler at the overhead feed point must be
designed to withstand the effects of the total feed current, which
may reach hundreds of Amperes. Since even a one-turn coil carrying
such current will saturate the core of currently available magnetic
materials appropriate for high frequency operation, this "main
line" coupler must generally include an air gap in its magnetic
circuit. To achieve sufficient magnetization inductance, such
couplers will need a multiplicity of cores forming the equivalent
of one core that is very thick in the direction of the power
wire.
[0155] FIGS. 16A-16C are schematics representing several uses of
capacitive couplers in a communication network implemented over a
power distribution system. These capacitive couplers are used at
nodes in the network where inductive couplers might not be
effective, e.g., at points where there is an effective open circuit
to RF current.
[0156] A capacitive coupler 1020, such as used in FIGS. 10A and
10B, is shown in FIG. 16A, marked there as capacitive coupler 1600.
Capacitive coupler 1600 should be capable of continuously
withstanding the working voltage supplied by the phase conductor
and a series of BIL pulses, e.g., 125 kV for a 15 kV working
voltage, as per IEEE Specification 386. Capacitive coupler 1600
should also be constructed so as to eliminate corona breakdown as
per the above specification.
[0157] Capacitive coupler 1600 connects to the MV lines via high
voltage capacitors 1620, e.g., 10 nF, whose impedance at the lowest
relevant frequency is a fraction of the characteristic impedance of
the power transmission cable. Optionally, capacitive coupler 1600
may include a safety fuse 1625 in series with capacitor 1620, to
avoid faulting the medium voltage line should in case of a
short-circuit.
[0158] High resistance bleeder resistors 1605 are connected in
parallel with each capacitor 1620 to discharge them when they are
not connected to energized circuits. Charged capacitors would be a
hazard to personnel. To further isolate the data port 1630 from the
MV lines, a high frequency isolation transformer 1615 is used, with
an optional non-unity turns ratio, if needed, for impedance
transformation.
[0159] To protect devices that are connected to data port 1630, a
surge protector 1632, such as an metal oxide varistor (MOV) may be
connected across the terminals of data port 1630 to limit the
amplitude of pulses that might otherwise be coupled from the MV
lines to the devices.
[0160] Preferably, in the network in which the capacitor is
installed, one terminal of capacitive coupler 1600 is connected to
a medium voltage phase line, and the other terminal connected to
neutral (for single phase lines) or to a second phase line (for
multiphase lines).
[0161] When used to terminate a dead end of a transmission line,
capacitive coupler 1600 may be used, together with a termination
resistor 1635, connected to data port 1630, to match the power
transmission cable's characteristic impedance.
[0162] FIG. 16B illustrates the use of capacitive coupler 1600 for
coupling a modem 1636 onto a dead end of a power transmission
cable. Modem 1636 is connected to data port 1630.
[0163] FIG. 16C is a schematic of an arrangement of capacitive
couplers for maintaining continuity of a data signal across a grid
segmentation switch. FIG. 16C shows a power distribution system
having a phase conductor with a first segment 1601 on a first side
of a switch 1602 and a second segment 1603 on a second side of
switch 1602. A first capacitive coupler 1650 couples a data signal
via first segment 1601, and has a data port 1635 for further
coupling of the data signal. A second capacitive coupler 1660 has a
data port 1665 coupled to data port 1635 of first capacitive
coupler 1650, and couples the data signal via second segment 1603.
Thus, a transmission of the data signal between first segment 1601
and second segment 1603 is maintained when switch 1602 is
opened.
[0164] The present invention employs a variety of network protocols
to extend physical range and improve reliability. After passing
through inductive couplers and encountering impedance mismatches,
tee junctions, and radiation loss, the amplitude of the signal
available to the modem's receiver may become very weak. Whether
this weakness is relative to a modem's internal noise or to ambient
electrical noise on the medium voltage lines, there will be a
physical point beyond which the signal cannot be detected and
demodulated into data with an acceptably low error rate.
[0165] Bi-directional modems may be added to regenerate and
strengthen the signal if high impedance chokes are also used to
isolate the medium voltage grid into independent segments.
[0166] The data communication network can employ communication
protocols that include the passing of data tokens from node to
node. At each node, the token, which provides signaling or control,
or includes a data packet as payload, is stored, interpreted, and
routed to either the modem's local data user or else to the next
node on the network. The time required to store, interpret and
retransmit a token will reduce considerably the effective net data
rate of such a network, if each node is always on-line.
[0167] In accordance with the present invention, only certain nodes
are programmed to be active at any given moment, namely the node to
which the token is addressed and a minimum fixed subset of nodes
distributed along the network that are required to maintain a
minimum signal amplitude for all points on the network. When this
subset of nodes is active, there will be an advantageous tradeoff
of time delay and reduced net data rate in return for increased
physical range and improved error rate.
[0168] The determination of identity of the permanently active node
members can be achieved by manual measurements of the attenuation
between all nodes of the medium voltage network. Preferably, the
modems are equipped with circuits that measure the voltage
amplitude and/or signal to noise ratio, and are interrogated by a
network media access control layer. The nodes should also be
programmed to accept a command that keeps them in a permanently
active relaying mode, even for tokens or packets that are not
addressed to them.
[0169] An algorithm can then be implemented that determines which
nodes should be set permanently active, and issues a stream of
commands to all nodes to set the appropriate nodes permanently
active. The algorithm is run each time the configuration of the
medium voltage grid is changed, but this is a relatively rare
event.
[0170] Closely spaced nodes will enjoy a data rate equal to the
maximum network rate while more distant nodes will still be
serviced by reliable, low error rate service, albeit at a lower
data rate. In principle, it is claimed that the described
arrangement removes all distance limits from medium voltage
communications.
[0171] The transmission line formed by the selected conductor and
its neighbors is inherently a wide bandwidth, low loss, and low
dispersion medium. For overhead lines, the losses would be due to
skin effect and radiation, the latter being relatively ineffective
since the lines are not resonant at most frequencies. For
underground lines, the losses would be due to skin effect and the
insulation's lossiness, e.g., outer layer of plastic and inner
layer of semiconducting material.
[0172] The present invention produces a low electromagnetic
emission and has a low susceptibility to external noise, especially
when used with spread spectrum techniques. Power levels may also be
kept low, because of low cable-to-coupler loss. Susceptibility to
external noise sources would be proportional to radiation, with the
modes having the lowest electromagnetic interference (EMI) also
being those most resistant to external noise reception, based on
the reciprocity principle.
[0173] For single-ended mode (see FIG. 2A), the two neighbors of
the selected conductor act in anti-phase to the central conductor
for both electrical and magnetic radiation modes. An observer at
distance would see substantial cancellation of fields.
[0174] For balanced modes, there would be both far-field
cancellation and a shielding affect of the grounded neighbors. For
transformer termination (See FIG. 2B), the coupling loss would be
lowest, and drive power levels could be kept relatively low, giving
the lowest EMI levels. For choke termination, drive power levels
would be slightly higher.
[0175] If the modems act as repeaters, then drive power levels can
be held to the minimum required for a single segment, further
reducing radiation.
[0176] A data communication network in accordance with the present
invention offers a capacity for very high data rates, e.g.,
exceeding 10 Mbps. The couplers are all magnetic and electrostatic
devices with bandwidths that can reach at least tens of megahertz
if high frequency magnetic and dielectric materials are used.
Transmission lines that are not too lossy and that have minimal
dispersion could conduct frequencies exceeding 20 MHz. Such
frequencies could be used for modems using various modulation
schemes, and even at one bit per Hertz, would yield high data
rates.
[0177] Baseband signaling can also be employed if the data coding
eliminates long strings of all-1's and all-0's. With inter-segment
connections that include regeneration (repeaters), the bandwidth
would be much larger than obtainable with passive linking of
segments.
[0178] The couplers of the present invention can be installed with
little or no interruption of power service to customers.
Installation can also be accomplished without exposure to high
voltages. Employing gloved linemen, the authorities may allow
placing an inductive coupler around a cable, while the cable is in
service. Even if the authorities insist that workmen not work on
energized cables, the loop architecture of neighborhood medium
voltage grids allows disconnecting a single cable segment, without
interrupting service to customers. For the relatively few
capacitive couplers, a single short power outage might be
needed.
[0179] The present invention permits continued operation of a data
communication network even during power outage. Operation continues
even during interruptions in medium voltage power.
[0180] The present invention poses little or no impact on
reliability of electrical grid. Inductive couplers have no fault
modes that would affect power flow. The few capacitive couplers,
with their fuses, would also not cause a line fault.
[0181] For the embodiments of FIGS. 2A and 2B, winding the coupler
with a thicker wire would preclude its failure due to over-current,
and using industry-standard connections between the selected
neutral and the coupler should minimize connection failure. Were an
open circuit to occur, it leaves (N-1)/N of the current-carrying
capacity intact, or 87.5% in the case discussed. Since the cable
usually runs at much below its 200 A capacity, such a failure
should have no effect.
[0182] Short circuit of the coupler would impact data
communications, but such would merely restore the neutral conductor
to its original state. Accordingly, the power grid would not be
adversely impacted.
[0183] Short circuit of the neutral or any other part of the
coupler to ground would have not effect on the MV line, as its
neutral is proximately connected to the ground rod. Failure of the
magnetic circuit, open, short or saturation, would have no effect
on the supply of electric power or the safety of system.
[0184] The couplers use only passive components, implying a
virtually unlimited life of service. The inductive coupler can be
any suitable transformer or inductor.
[0185] In the passive implementation, the inductive couplers use
only passive components, e.g. wires wound around magnetic cores,
and these have no wear mechanisms. The capacitive couplers also
have no wear mechanisms.
[0186] The passive construction, and ease of installation of the
inductive couplers provide a low cost solution to the problem of
coupling to medium voltage power distribution lines and utilizing
them a backhaul data channels. Installation time should be less
than 15 minutes for the predominant inductive, and installation
costs minimal.
[0187] There is a clear advantage of the embodiments that use
neutral lines, as compared to capacitive bypass couplers that
employ the medium voltage conductors to carry data. The latter make
contact with the medium voltage line at least once each
transformer, and must withstand full fault voltages. For example, a
Coupler for a 15 kV rms phase-to-ground cable must be tested for
125 kV BIL. This makes the capacitive coupler very bulky and
expensive, and adds many more potential points of failure to the
system.
[0188] It should be understood that various alternatives and
modifications could be devised by those skilled in the art. The
present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *