Noise analysis of a power-line communication channel in an LVDC smart grid concept

It has been shown that high-frequency (HF) band power-line communication (PLC) is a suitable data transmission method for the smart grid concept, namely a low-voltage direct current (LVDC) distribution system. In this paper, the PLC channel analysis in the LVDC system is continued with a detailed noise analysis. Noise signals from the terminals of PLC couplers are measured in the time domain. Noise power spectral densities (PSDs) are derived from the measured noise voltage, and the variation in the noise PSDs in the time domain is analyzed. The effects of noise on the performance of the HF band PLC are analyzed theoretically and by communication tests. The noise voltages are measured, and communication tests are carried out both in the LVDC laboratory system and in an LVDC field pilot system. The noise PSD is observed in the frequency band between 100 kHz and 30 MHz, which covers the band applied to the PLC in the channel. The results show that noise (mainly impulsive) in the channel has a major effect on the performance of the PLC.