Power-Line Repeater for Extended Underground Mining Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power-line communications in underground coal mines are limited by the length of power cables, typically effective up to 500m, requiring additional communication cables for longer distances, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A repeater system with a common interface module and transceivers that extend data communication over power-lines by using a separate repeater communication channel, allowing data transmission over longer distances without the need for additional cables, and includes features like flameproof enclosures for safety in hazardous environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If power-line communications are used for data transmission over long distances, then the need for additional communication cables is reduced, but the effective transmission distance is limited to approximately 500m
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long power-line communication path into multiple segments by introducing repeaters at intermediate points. Each repeater segment handles a manageable portion of the total distance, allowing the overall communication distance to exceed the 500m limitation of individual power-line segments while maintaining signal quality through periodic regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces repeaters as intermediary devices between the power centre and remote equipment. These repeaters receive, regenerate, and retransmit power-line signals, acting as mediators that extend the effective communication distance beyond the natural limitations of direct power-line transmission.
2Reliability
If separate communication cables are installed to extend transmission distance, then communication reliability is improved, but installation costs and labour increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power-line infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to carry both power transmission and data communication functions simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate communication cable installations, reducing installation costs and labour while maintaining communication reliability through the use of existing, proven power-line infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power distribution network and communication network into a single integrated system. By combining these two functions into the existing power-line infrastructure, the patent avoids the costs and complexity of deploying separate communication cables while ensuring reliable data transmission through the robust power-line network.
3Ease of operation
If power-line cables are used for both power and data transmission, then installation simplicity is improved, but the transmission distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the long-distance power-line communication path into multiple shorter segments using repeaters. Each segment operates within the effective 500m transmission range, while the overall system achieves extended communication distance by chaining multiple segments together, thus maintaining installation simplicity while overcoming the distance limitation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A repeater (9), system (1) and method (100) for facilitating data communication, over a power-line (7), between a first electronic communication device (3) and a second electronic communication device (5). The repeater (9) includes a first power-line communication (PLC) transceiver (11), a second PLC transceiver (13) and a repeater communication channel (15). The first PLC transceiver (11) communicates with the first electronic communication device (3) over the power-line (7). The second PLC transceiver (13) communicates with the second electronic communication device (5) over the power-line (7). The first PLC transceiver (11) communicates with the second PLC transceiver (13) over the repeater communication channel (15).