Visible light communication channel models and simulation of coal workface energy coupling

Abstract

Due to their low energy consumption and small size, visible light communication systems have been widely used to eliminate communication-blind areas in coal workfaces. A workface visible light communication channel model and a mathematic model of energy coupling from the mining machine's workspace to its footpath were established to investigate the characteristics of optical signal transmission on the workface. This paper studies the effects of coal dust (double-layer particles encapsulated by moisture) on optical signal degradation. Simulation results revealed the presence of an optimized transmitter location, which maximized the coupled energy of the two space signals due to the blocking effect of metal columns.