Numerical evaluation of broadband transmission characteristics of underground low-voltage networks - Introducing techno-pedagogical (TP) method

The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, using the already verified hybrid method and the proposed TP method, the underground LV/BPL transmission channel is investigated with regard to its spectral behavior, the usable bandwidth and the end-to-end signal attenuation. Both methods agree that the above features depend on the frequency, the physical properties of the cables used, the end-to-end -“LOS”- distance, and the number, the electrical length and the termination of the branches encountered along the end-to-end BPL signal propagation. Second, TP method reveals the broadband transmission potential of underground LV/BPL networks to ECE students in a simple way; underground LV power grids are a potentially excellent communications medium, offering low-loss characteristics over 200 m repeater span well beyond 100 MHz. Third, ECE students can understand the coexistence opportunities of BPL systems with other existing broadband telecommunications technologies in a unified distribution smart grid (SG) environment.