EFFECT OF INTERFERENCE BETWEEN ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS AND POWER LINE CARRIER COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

This thesis discusses the characteristics of low voltage distribution networks used as power line carrier (PLC) medium. The use of electrical networks for communication

purposes is known since the 201

century. The main idea, and in the same time the main

advantage of power line carrier PLC communications, is the use of existing infrastructure of the electrical networks, not only for energy transmission, but also for telecommunications. The power Jines initially designed to distribute power in an efficient way; hence it was

not adapted for communication. To improve the use of the power lines for communication purpose advanced communication methods have to be applied. Power line communication is based on electrical signals, carrying information and propagating over the power line. In a low voltage distribution network, the links between the substation and each household are different communication channels with different characteristics and qualities. The quality of the power line used as a communication channel is mostly a function of the channel characteristics, the attenuation of the electrical signal at different frequencies, and the noise level at the receiver. In power line communication environment; several types of interference occur. This thesis is focused on analyzing the characteristics of low voltage distribution network as a power line communication channel, in order to select appropriate and effective communication methods.