Low DC Voltage Supply for Broadband Power Line Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powerline communication systems face challenges in supplying low direct voltage to electronic communication devices located in the medium voltage portion of electrical distribution networks, where low voltage lines are not present, limiting the placement of concentrators and repeaters.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate a low DC voltage from the leakage current of a coupling capacitor connected to the medium voltage line, using a conversion unit and transformer to power active components, allowing for self-sufficiency and integration with the line carrier coupler, enabling devices to be installed throughout the medium voltage network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a low voltage/medium voltage transformer is used to power electronic communication devices in the medium voltage network, then the devices can be powered, but the system complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling capacitor's leakage current, previously considered waste, is now utilized to self-power the electronic communication device. The device extracts its own operating voltage from the coupling capacitor it already requires for signal coupling, eliminating the need for external power transformation equipment and achieving self-sufficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful or wasted leakage current from the coupling capacitor into a useful power source. By rectifying and regulating this previously discarded current, the system transforms a parasitic effect into a beneficial power supply mechanism, eliminating the need for additional transformers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the concentrator is placed further upstream in the medium voltage portion of the network, then broader coverage is achieved, but power supply becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic communication device extracts power from the coupling capacitor it already uses for signal coupling, making it self-powered and independent of low voltage network presence. This enables installation anywhere in the medium voltage network regardless of proximity to low voltage lines or transformer stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling capacitor serves dual functions: signal coupling and power supply. By extracting operating voltage from the same component used for CPL signal coupling, the system achieves multi-functionality, allowing the device to operate autonomously at any location in the medium voltage network.
3Device complexity
If the coupling capacitor's leakage current is used to generate DC voltage, then external power supply is eliminated, but the conversion process adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function with the existing signal coupling function. By integrating the DC voltage generation circuitry directly into the device that already contains the coupling capacitor, the system combines multiple functions into a single unified structure, reducing overall system complexity despite adding conversion capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the powering of electronic communication devices without the need for a low voltage/medium voltage transformer, allowing for broader installation of concentrators and repeaters across the medium voltage network, while maintaining efficient signal coupling and minimizing size and noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
a step of generating a first DC low voltage value from a current-voltage conversion of the leakage current relating to said coupling capacitor
Data Source
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Figure 3~6
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a low DC voltage supply system (100) for at least one electronic communication device (3; 6) in a broadband over power line communication system, further comprising a broadband over power line coupler including a coupling capacitor (10) that is electrically connected to an average-voltage line (8) of an electrical distribution network. According to the invention, the system (100) includes means (15) for generating a first low DC voltage value on the basis of current-voltage conversion of the leakage current relating to said coupling capacitor (10), said first low DC voltage value being capable of powering at least one active electronic component (13) of said at least one electronic communication device (3; 6).