Power Line Communication Shield Layer Magnetic Ring Saturation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In power line communication systems, especially in solar power generating systems, magnetic rings used for signal transmission experience magnetic saturation due to high current flow, leading to inductance attenuation and reduced signal reliability, particularly over long distances.

Innovation Solution

The power line communication apparatus employs a first and second magnetic ring coupled to the shield layer of the power line, rather than the wire, to reduce magnetic permeability attenuation and improve signal reliability, using capacitors for signal coupling between the wire and shield layer to form a modulated signal loop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a magnetic ring is used to couple a signal to the power line, then signal transmission is enabled, but magnetic saturation occurs due to large current flow causing signal attenuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidmagnetic saturation and inductance attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a shield layer as an intermediary component between the power line wire and the magnetic ring. The shield layer acts as a mediator that couples the modulated signal to the power line while isolating the magnetic ring from the high current flowing through the wire, thereby preventing magnetic saturation and maintaining stable inductance for reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the power line transmits both electric energy and modulated signal, then power delivery is achieved, but the large current causes magnetic ring saturation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal transmission path from the power transmission path by introducing a shield layer. The wire is dedicated to transmitting electric energy with large current, while the shield layer is dedicated to coupling the modulated signal to the magnetic ring. This segmentation allows both power delivery and signal transmission to occur simultaneously without interference, preventing magnetic saturation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If magnetic ring impedance varies due to current flow, then power transmission is maintained, but signal attenuation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidinductance attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shield layer serves as an intermediary that decouples the magnetic ring's inductance from the current variations in the power line. By coupling the signal to the shield layer rather than directly to the high-current wire, the magnetic ring experiences stable, low-level signal currents that maintain consistent impedance, preventing inductance attenuation while allowing robust power transmission through the wire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration enhances the stability of magnetic rings and reduces signal attenuation, thereby improving the reliability of power line communication by maintaining impedance within a stable range, even with high current transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic ring is usually disposed on a power line to couple a signal to the power line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first signal output end (V412) of the first power line communication device (41) is coupled to the wire (431) through a first capacitor (C4), and a second signal output end (V411) of the first power line communication device (41) is coupled to the shield layer (432) through a second capacitor (C3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

a shield layer (432) that wraps the wire (431) for electromagnetic shielding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4057518B1Power line communication apparatus and power generating system
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP4057518B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4057518B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP4057518B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide a power line communication apparatus and a power generating system. The power line communication apparatus includes a first power line communication device disposed at a signal transmit end, a second power line communication device disposed at a signal receive end, a power line, a first magnetic ring disposed at the signal transmit end, and a second magnetic ring disposed at the signal receive end. Under actions of the first magnetic ring and the second magnetic ring, the power line transmits, from the signal transmit end to the signal receive end, a modulated signal coupled by the first power line communication device, so that the second power line communication device receives the modulated signal from the power line. The power line includes a wire for transmitting electric energy and a shield layer that wraps the wire for electromagnetic shielding. The wire and the shield layer separately extend from the signal transmit end to the signal receive end. The first magnetic ring and the second magnetic ring are separately coupled to the shield layer, to suppress inductance attenuation of the magnetic ring and improve reliability of the transmitted modulated signal.