Radiation Measurement and Analysis of Power Line Communication System for Power Meter Reading

Abstract

This paper is to study the effect of power line communication (PLC) system for power meter reading on electromagnetic environment. The experimental system of PLC for testing radiated disturbance is set up. The testing methods match the regulation of FCC Part 15. The simulation model of PLC is established using method of moment, and its effectiveness is verified by comparing the calculated results with the measured data. At application sites of power meter reading, the voltage at the beginning of the power lines and the radiated intensity at typical measurement points in the area are measured under three operating conditions of PLC system. Data reveal that the voltages are different under three operating conditions, which indicates that the impact brought by PLC operation is obvious. For the straight power lines, longitudinal distribution of radiation is fluctuant, and lateral attenuation of radiation is significant and rapid with a perceived range of 100-150 m. For crossed power lines, radiated distribution fluctuates remarkably. We can effectively predict the radiated distribution trend of PLC using simulation models. Moreover, multiple tests have shown that the radiated intensity in the application field is relatively high, because the environmental background noise plays a particularly large role. Comparing the operation and shutdown of the PLC system, the radiated contribution value can reach 15 dB at a lateral measuring distance of 10 m. Furthermore, we propose some recommendations for measurement methods.