Modeling of Medium-Voltage Power-Line Communication Systems Noise Levels

The implementation of power-line communication systems requires detailed knowledge of the channel properties, such as transfer function, noise levels, and channel capacity in order to assess the services that can be provided. In this paper, the interference scenario on overhead medium-voltage power distribution lines caused by external electromagnetic (EM) fields is examined by focusing on the noise induced. The external EM fields are considered to be the main source of occurring noise and a novel method capable to calculate the corresponding noise levels is presented. The proposed method is compared to other existing models and its strengths are highlighted. The effect of the induced noise to the overall data capacity of the power-line communication channel is examined. Eventually, the influence of several parameters, such as the magnitude and direction of propagation of the external EM field, network topology, earth's EM properties, and different levels of emissions suggested by various organizations are investigated.