Power-Line Communication System Using Capacitor Nodes and Current Transformer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power-line/communication systems face challenges with noise and crosstalk due to switching frequencies in DC systems and impedance issues in parallel-connected configurations, making them inefficient for transmitting communications signals over power lines.

Innovation Solution

A parallel-connected power-line/communication system using capacitor-based receiver/transmitter nodes, a shunt capacitor, and a current transformer with a secondary winding, which allows for efficient communication signal transmission while minimizing noise and impedance challenges by using a capacitor-based coupling method and a current transformer with a reduced secondary winding turns ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If inductor-based nodes are used in parallel connection, then the system can support multiple nodes, but the impedance decreases significantly requiring much higher transmit power or more inductor turns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of nodesVSAvoidtransmit power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the coupling parameter from inductors to capacitors. Capacitor-based nodes maintain high impedance in parallel connection because capacitive reactance increases with frequency and does not decrease with additional parallel nodes in the same way inductors do. This parameter change resolves the impedance degradation problem while supporting multiple nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes inductor-based coupling with capacitor-based coupling. This replacement fundamentally changes the electrical characteristics of the node connections, allowing parallel-connected nodes to maintain adequate impedance levels without requiring excessive transmit power or complex inductor designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If inductor-based nodes are used in parallel connection, then the system can support multiple nodes, but the inductors would need thirty-two times more turns increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of nodesVSAvoidinductor turns

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If communication signals are sent over power conductors, then power and communication can be combined, but noise and crosstalk disrupt signal integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor usageVSAvoidnoise and crosstalk

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces capacitor-based coupling as an intermediary between the power conductors and the communication circuitry. The capacitors couple communication signals to the power lines while blocking DC power, and the current transformer provides galvanic isolation. This intermediary approach allows power and communication to share conductors while mitigating noise and crosstalk through the filtering and isolation properties of the capacitive coupling.

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 enables effective communication signal transmission with reduced noise and crosstalk, requiring lower transmit power and maintaining signal integrity across multiple nodes, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of power-line/communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

one or more capacitor-based, receiver/transmitter nodes parallel-connected to the first and second conductors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a current transformer having a secondary winding connected in series to the first conductor, which secondary winding is disposed between the shunt capacitor at one end thereof and the receiver/transmitter nodes at the other end thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a shunt capacitor parallel-connected to the first and second conductors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive filtering: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11870506B2Power-line/communication system

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 EIQ ENERGY INC

AI summary

A power-line/communication system including: (a) a power-line/communication bus comprised of first and second conductors; (b) one or more capacitor-based, receiver/transmitter nodes, parallel-connected to the first and second conductors; (c) a shunt capacitor parallel-connected to the first and second conductors; and (d) a current transformer having a secondary winding connected in series to the first conductor, which secondary winding is disposed between the shunt capacitor at one end thereof and the receiver/transmitter nodes at the other end thereof.