Data Transmission Electric Load Control Using Narrow band Power line Communication

Project Title

Data Transmission Electric Load Control Using Narrow band Power line Communication

Project Area of Specialization Internet of ThingsProject Summary

In many cases we need physical medium to transfer data between devices. In some cases, access to location via additional physical medium may not be possible due to space constraints and compact size.

Resources are wasted when there is duplicity of physical medium. Power line Communication provides a reliable and effective solution here.

The Power line Communication(PLC) is a technique by which communication signals are sent and received via AC power lines operating at 50Hz. In this project, we have implemented a Narrowband Power line Communication technique for data transmission and load control. Narrowband Power line Communication is the one with lower data rates, larger range which works at lower frequencies.
Design & development of Narrowband Power Line Communication Modem to send and receive data and control the electric loads between a Host PC and a Slave Application device by performing communication over the existing power lines.

The developed modem consists of a control unit, a powerline module and a function unit. The powerline module modulates and couples the data digital signal onto powerline. It also extracts the data from powerline if available. The control unit reads the data and perform appropriate corresponding operation.

This project has applications in transmitting radio programs, utility company control switching mechanisms, transmission line protection, smart grids, home automation, home area networks and automatic meter reading.

Project Objectives

The main objective of this project is to perform communication using existing power lines instead of implanting seperate lines for communication purposes.

We have designed and developed a compact in size and inexpensive narrowband power line communication modem which sends data over power lines through existing power outlet sockets in the building to control PLC enabled electric appliances and perform communication via PLC enabled PCs. The purposes of this project are:

1. To be able to send a data (text messages) via current carrying power line operating at 50Hz and retrieve (receive) it from any other point in the same power line.

2. To to be able to send a command (some character or a string of characters) and control some PLC enabled electric appliance connected somewhere else with the same power line i.e. automation.

Project Implementation Method

After a detailed literature review of this PLC technology was carried out. This helped in finding out what differnt technquies are used in NBPLC implementation. Based on the literature review key components of the project were highligted whcih included the power line modem (kq-330) and a control unit (a controller ) as the key compoenents.

The project simulations were perfomred on different simulation tools to verify the results before the implementation. 

First, a control unit (arduino nano) and powerline module(kq-330) for this project was selected. To control loads, relay units were also added to system. After learning their working details, components were interfaced. Then an application software was required to run the modem. We developed a code for this modem in C language. This code has 2 layers: operation layer and application layer. The application layer provides the user interface so this modem can be operated by any individual.

The project was tested and verified. The circuit was made in such a way that 2 loads can be connected with each modem. 3 modems were developed. 1 Master node and 2 slave nodes so a total of 4 loads can be connected. We performed a number of tests to verify this circuitry.

During our tests, the only and the major problem we faced was line noise. So we added filters for noise removal and pure data retrieval.

Benefits of the Project

No new wires are needed for communication. It sends data over existing lines that transport electrical power simultaneously saving a huge amount of cost and space that would have been required for installation of new wires for communication purposes.

Wireless communication technologies such as Wireless routers as well as Bluetooth and similar wireless systems, give off electromagnetic radiation in the low-gigahertz frequency that affect human brains directly.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The developed modem has following features;

1. Inexpensive.
2. Compact in size.
3. Can directly connect 220V AC for carrier communication.
4. Error detection and correction features.
5. Data rate is adapted to application requirements.
6. In compliance with EMC regulations.
7. Electric appliance can be connected directly to modem.

Technical Specifications are as follows: -

1. Data Rate: up to 500bps
2. Interface baud rate 9600 bps
3. Frequency Bandwidth: ? 10 KHz
4. Operating frequency: 120 ~ 135 KHz
5. Transmission Range: 4 Km
6. Power Supply: DC 5V
7. Data Modulation Technique: Frequency Shift Keying
8. MAC Protocol: Polling
9. Modem Standard: Bell 202
10. Receiver Sensitivity:  ? 1mV
11. Out of Band inhibition ability: ? 60 dB
12. Temperature range: -25°C~ +70°C

Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemType of Industry Telecommunication Technologies Internet of Things (IoT), Shared Economy, Others, Clean TechSustainable Development Goals Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	55300
KQ-330 plc module	Equipment	3	8170	24510
Arduino Nano	Equipment	3	900	2700
Liquid Crystal Display	Equipment	3	890	2670
I2C LCD adapter	Equipment	3	680	2040
2 relay module	Equipment	2	900	1800
Acrylic box casing	Equipment	3	2130	6390
Lamp	Equipment	1	900	900
Pedestal Fan	Equipment	1	2000	2000
Wireless Bell	Equipment	1	800	800
MDF Sheet	Equipment	3	150	450
Power cable	Equipment	3	150	450
Duo point connector	Equipment	40	5	200
Jumper wire	Equipment	40	5	200
USB cable	Equipment	3	150	450
Plug	Equipment	6	50	300
Socket	Equipment	4	60	240
Travel Expense	Miscellaneous	3	1400	4200
Report Printing & Binding	Miscellaneous	5	1000	5000