A Resonant Ring Topology Approach to Power Line

Communication Systems within Solar Plants

José Ignacio Morales-Aragonés, Matthew St. Michael Williams, Víctor Alonso-Gómez, Sara Gallardo-Saavedra,
Francisco José Sánchez-Pacheco and Luis Hernández-Callejo

mode for the signal. By 2008 the Corridor Systems Inc.

Abstract- The functionality of Powerline communication aptly company registered a Patent application [3] for a single cable
aids in economizing Photovoltaic (PV) Plant monitoring. Within transmission line proposed for carrier frequencies from 50
this study, a PLC topology using the resulting circular looped path MHz to 20 GHz. Later studies have been published adding
of a PV series string as its physical communication support is updated formulation of the single cable transmission
designed and leveraged for practical use. When the path length is
phenomena [4] and complementing the theory with
changed, the resonance properties that come with the circular path
as the physical support are affected but are shown to be preserved calculation of ohmic currents distribution, losses and
with the application of automatic adjustable tuning. The characteristic impedance, or even creating a classic two wires
propagation transfer between the forward and reverse ports of the line equivalent model for the single cable propagation [5].
circular (or ring) path with tuning reverts to the desired frequency One of the most interesting conclusions of these works is the
of the carrier wave and results in a higher S21 ratio possibility of a very low loss propagation over a single cable.
Index terms —loop antenna, power-line communication,
Therefore, this study will evaluate the performance and
resonance, single-wire transmission, tuning accompanying benefit displayed by the propagation mode of
the PV plant single-cable segment, and the need for
I. INTRODUCTION compensatory electronics to sustain the innate benefits of the
behaviour of the mode in the event the cable is altered.

M ONITORING and maintenance tasks within Solar

Plants are becoming the focus of many research
efforts, and a growing number of sensors and
measuring or remote-control devices are proposed to be
installed along different points of the solar module
II. MATERIAL AND METHODS
The previous documents mentioned regarding single
cable transmission [1], [2], [3],[4], [5] and [6] considered
associations, even within each solar module [13]. In this frequencies of transmission above 50 MHz (higher than the
scenario communications between solar modules and ones that we tried to use in this first demonstration stage for
centralization points (combiner boxes) become an essential our PV PLC communications system), whose current
subject for research. Considering nowadays the huge amount distribution is expected to be flowing superficially or in a thin
of solar modules modern solar plants comprise of, the cost of layer close to the surface of the cable (skin effect), with
the communications elements (module transceivers, wiring, propagation described to be carried out by a surface wave
etc) becomes a key point in thinking of and constructing whose phase velocity is c (the speed of light). Our direct
optimal designs for future practical implementations of the measurements of the phase velocity over a line of single
system. Regarding the cabling, an ideal solution would be a photovoltaic (PV) cable at a frequency of 20 MHz showed
Power Line Communication System in order to use the same speeds around 0.6 c, closer to what is observed in typical
power cables already installed as a communications physical coaxial cables [7], even when the mode of propagation is
support, bypassing the need for extra communications wiring. different in our single cable medium (TM) than the one in
Most of the literature regarding PLC over the DC power coaxial cables (TEM). The lower frequency used in our single
lines within a Photovoltaic Plant makes use of circuitry and cable support suggests that the current distribution flows in a
several components designed initially for the standard thicker layer inside the conductor, and the influence of the
physical support of traditional PLC systems [15] [18], namely material lowers the phase velocity in respect to the
power wires with two conductors that run parallel to each Sommerfeld surface wave described in the previously
other. Transmission in these kinds of lines is performed by referenced documents. As a result, the single cable analogy
means of TEM or quasi-TEM modes, and the traditional applied to the PV plant cable cannot allow us to assume the
transmission lines theory is applicable, with of course some same mode of propagation described in these early
limitations, like the non-uniformity of the distributed documents, and since our aim with this document is not to
parameters. However, the topology of the power cables in establish a theoretical background but develop a practical
each string of PV plants is essentially different since there is approach for implementing a working communications
a single cable connecting the solar modules in series that runs system specific for PV plants, we have assumed the measured
away from other sections of the line, at least in part of it. This phase velocity of 0.6 c and tried to start from a simple model
part of the power line can be modelled as a single cable line, to characterize our system.
where the propagation mode cannot be TEM, and where the The influence of topology of the physical wiring in
classic transmission line theory is not applicable. This previous literature on PLC communications systems for PV
difference suggests that the optimal electronics, carrier strings is not usually discussed, probably because the low-
frequencies and general strategy could be different than ones frequency carriers proposed do not show limitations related
intended for traditional PLC systems. to higher frequencies, such as interferences or resonance
One of the first studies focused within the area of single- issues. Some previous works use an open line topology [14]
cable transmission was performed by G. Goubau [1] in 1950, [17] [18] and some others propose a current loop topology
based on a previous study of A. Sommerfeld from 1899 [2]. [16], but in any case, frequencies are in the order of 100 kHz
These studies showed the possibility of radiofrequency or less, that is to say, considering the assumed phase velocity
propagation via a surface wave guided by a single conductor, (0.6 c) wavelengths are around 1,800 metres, much bigger
in conjunction with the formulation of a TM propagation than the usual length of the string wirings. With this work, we
will try to explore the possibility of setting carriers of higher x is a coordinate indicating the distance along the loop
frequencies (from 1MHz on), analysing the effects of the measured clockwise from the generator position and k is the
increased frequency and offering a practical solution, which wavevector depending on the frequency (f) and phase
inevitably leads to considering the physical topology of the velocity (0.6 c):
wiring. 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑘𝑘 = ( 3)
0.6𝑐𝑐
In a single string of solar modules, the power wires
and A, B are constants (that could be complex) to be
starting from a combiner box returns to the same combiner
determined.
box after connecting the modules in series. In essence, it is
The boundary conditions imposed are related to the
easy to establish a circular communications signal path by
continuity of the current at the generator thus:
means of a capacitor connected between the two cables
arriving at the combiner box, and bypass capacitors 𝐼𝐼(0) = 𝐼𝐼 (𝐴𝐴 + 𝐵𝐵) = 𝐼𝐼(𝑑𝑑) = 𝐼𝐼 (𝐴𝐴 𝑒𝑒 −𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 + 𝐵𝐵 𝑒𝑒 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 ) = 𝐼𝐼
(4)
connected through each solar module. This allows for a cable
leading to
loop configuration as a communications physical support for
𝐴𝐴 + 𝐵𝐵 = 1 ; 𝐴𝐴 𝑒𝑒 −𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 + 𝐵𝐵 𝑒𝑒 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 = 1 (5)
a single string. The choice of a closed-loop configuration for
the signal path has several advantages for communications In general, the solutions of this system of equations
purposes: on one hand, it sets all the points along the circular lead to (complex) values of A and B different from zero and
line at the same level regarding attenuation, so differences in thus to a stationary waves pattern for the current distribution.
reception levels are reduced to a minimum, on the other hand, These solutions are not desirable to implement a
this topology allows for a resonance condition to be communications system because stationary waves give rise to
established for the signal along the loop since there is a maximum and minimum current amplitude points along the
natural reactive impedance associated to a cable loop loop, which means different reception levels since a
depending on the relationship between the wavelength and transceiver could be located at any point in the ring.
the physical length of the loop, which can be compensated by For the case where:
some added lumped reactive impedance, leaving only a low kd = 𝜋𝜋(1 + 2𝑛𝑛) (6)
resistance path for the signal.
If we add the ring topology proposed to the where n is an integer value, this system of equations is
aforementioned assumption about phase velocity = 0.6 c, a incompatible and there is no solution, representing a
simple propagation model could be considered. Our starting destructive interference between clockwise and
point will be the schematic in Fig. 1. anticlockwise waves. The optimal solutions for our purpose
are those where A = 0 or B = 0, which leads to a travelling
wave solution of the form:
𝐼𝐼(𝑥𝑥) = 𝐼𝐼 𝑒𝑒 −𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 or 𝐼𝐼(𝑥𝑥) = 𝐼𝐼 𝑒𝑒 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 (7)

not presenting maximum or minimum current amplitude

points. To obtain these kinds of solutions it is mandatory that:
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 = 2 𝜋𝜋 𝑛𝑛 (8)

that is to say, the perimeter of the loop is an integer multiple

of the wavelength.
However, even when the above condition is
satisfied, there are stationary wave solutions (A and B
different from zero) satisfying only the extra condition A + B
= 1. In order to determine the actual spatial current
distribution over a typical PV cable loop we have built a setup
comprising of 20 metres of cable in a shape similar to one
typical of the wiring of a string within a PV plant, that is to
say, one single conductor line travelling in a straight fashion
from positive lead of one signal generator to the simulated
Fig. 1. Schematic of the communications loop (signal path) end of the solar modules arrangement where it turns around
excited by a current generator (I), with a perimeter d. for coming back in a line 1 metre apart of the previous,
The cable ring of perimeter d represents a simplified finishing in the negative lead of the signal generator. The
sketch of the signal path including the PV cable line, and topology of the circuit is a loop-like one, but the shape is
bypass capacitors (with enough capacitance for presenting a elongated from a circular one. The generator was adjusted for
very low impedance at our working frequency) where the a sinusoidal signal of 9.142 MHz (determined as the signal
output/input impedance of the transceivers located along the corresponding to a wavelength equal to the loop length,
ring has been neglected for a first approximation. It is excited fulfilling the above condition) and 10 volts of amplitude.
by a current generator (which in practice could be the The current measurements have been made in a low
secondary binding of a transformer). A general expression of invasive fashion at different points along the loop sensing the
the current wave along this loop is: AC magnetic field associated, by means of a toroidal ferrite
core surrounding the cable, with a 30 turns enamelled cable
𝐼𝐼(𝑥𝑥) = 𝐼𝐼 (𝐴𝐴 𝑒𝑒 −𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 + 𝐵𝐵 𝑒𝑒 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 ) (1)
wiring. This way an induced AC voltage proportional to the
Representing the sum of two waves moving in AC current in the line can be measured with an oscilloscope
opposite directions along the ring, where I is the current across the terminals of the wiring. The high input impedance
amplitude and includes its time dependency: of the oscilloscope guarantees that a very low current will
𝐼𝐼 = 𝐼𝐼0 𝑒𝑒 −𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 (2) flow through the wiring, so a negligible inductance will be
added to the loop during measurements. Table I and Fig.2
shows the results of these measurements taken every metre over a one wavelength ring (optimal).
along the loop, and it shows a clear stationary wave pattern. - Work at carrier frequencies low enough in a fashion that the
This result is in agreement with the literature about the loop length is a fraction of ¼ of the wavelength or less.
current distribution on loop antennas, whose theory is close Despite being the slower option, this leads to carrier
to the one here considered. frequencies over 2 MHz (assuming a propagation speed of 0.6
TABLE I c and a typical loop length of 20 metres), significantly higher
CURRENT AMPLITUDE DISTRIBUTION than the average previously reported.
MEASUREMENTS ALONG THE LOOP (NORMALISED Regarding the first solution, some authors have
(%)) faced the theory of travelling wave solutions for loop
Length (m) Normalised Amplitude (%) antennas [9], compared with standing wave solutions [10],
1 94 and even have determined the necessary conditions for
exciting the travelling wave modes [11]. Anyway, even when
2 76 the physical situation is quite similar to ours, all this work is
3 70 focused on antenna design, and consequently looks for the
4 61 best radiation properties. For our application, radiation losses
are not desired, since it means power losses and could affect
5 36 the electromagnetic compatibility of the system. Fortunately,
6 33 the drastic reduction of the loop area due to the particular
shape of our setup will prevent the system from great
7 45
radiation losses, since radiation integrals get contributions of
8 61 opposite current elements much closer to each other [12]. The
9 64 travelling wave or quasi travelling wave mode of propagation
for our system could be achieved by fulfilling some of the
10 88
conditions exposed in these documents [9] [11].
11 97 However, these conditions are not easily applicable
12 100 in a practical environment, so the insertion in series of a non-
reciprocal device is proposed. These kinds of devices will
13 73
attenuate the waves travelling in one direction leaving
14 61 unaffected ones travelling in the opposite direction, leading
15 45 to a travelling wave propagation mode. Some of the possible
practical devices that could accomplish this task are magnetic
16 27 circulator-based isolators or a unity gain amplifier referenced
17 21 to earth in such a way that waves arriving towards the output
18 36 will find a very low impedance to earth, being attenuated, but
the ones arriving towards the input will find a very high
19 52 impedance and will progress to the output almost unaffected.
20 82 In this work we will focus on the resonance control and the
isolator insertion will be left for future research.
Regarding the second solution mentioned, if we
work at wavelengths four times the length of the loop or
bigger, the phase changes along the loop in 𝜋𝜋/4 radians
maximum. For loop length of ¼ wavelength, the general
solution for its current wave is:
1+𝐽𝐽 1−𝐽𝐽
𝐴𝐴 = , 𝐵𝐵 = , 𝐼𝐼(𝑥𝑥) = 𝐼𝐼(𝐴𝐴𝑒𝑒 −𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 + 𝐵𝐵𝑒𝑒 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 ) (9)
2 2

Where kx goes from 0 to 𝜋𝜋/2 along the loop length,

so the maximum change in the current wave amplitude is:
𝐼𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝐼𝐼
= √2 , 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 1.5 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (10)
𝐼𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝐼𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

This value is small enough to avoid AGC systems in

receptors and simplifies the electronics, allowing carrier
frequencies over 2 MHz as explained before. This carrier
(depending on the modulation system) can lead to baud rates
Fig. 2. Current Amplitude Distribution along the loop around 200 kbps, which are higher than the previous baud
(normalised (%)), showing a stationary wave pattern. rates reported in literature for PLC communications within
The difference between the maximum (100%) and solar plants, so even when this mode of propagation
minimum (21%) current amplitude levels from our represents the lower baud rate for our model, it still
measurements represents 13,55 dB, which can be managed supposedly should provide an improvement on the speeds
easily by an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) within receptors, previously reported.
but anyway, the excitation of the aforementioned travelling In addition, the resonance condition can still be
wave solution will be the optimal solution. At this point, there achieved for this case, because even when the impedance
are two possibilities for fully exploiting the advantages of a variations related to auto interference are almost not present,
resonant loop for communications avoiding significant there is an inductance associated with the line and reactive
differences in the signal levels along the loop: impedances representing the transceivers (capacitive or
- Find a simple way to excite only the travelling wave mode inductive depending on the coupling chosen) that must be
compensated with a lumped element in order to push the loop
to resonance. For the higher frequency (lower wavelength)
option, as a starting point, we can consider a model of signal
propagation along a closed loop similar to the ones previously
mentioned regarding loop antennas, which show series
resonances (impedance close to zero) at frequencies whose
wavelengths are an integer fraction of the loop length [8]. In
this way, a constructive interference gives rise to a spatial
resonance, and a maximum in the signal amplitude is
observed. Since one key goal of a communications system is
the integrity of the signal, we must satisfy the above condition
in our cable loop in order to work at an optimal point with the
best signal-to-noise ratio possible.
For a chosen carrier frequency, a loop length is fixed
to fulfil the above condition, however, the length of the loop
is an imposed parameter depending on the physical
dimensions of the installation, therefore it is necessary to find
a way to adjust the natural loop resonance to match the
frequency of the carrier. The insertion of a coil in series with (b)
the cable loop has the effect of increasing the electrical length Fig. 3. The shift of the loop resonance frequency with the
seen by the signal (length expressed as a wavelength addition of a reactance in series: The drawing shows the
multiple), that is to say, the loop will resonate at lower modulus (a) and phase (b) of the scattering parameter S11
frequencies, and opposite to this, the insertion of a capacitor measured with a Vector Network Analyzer connected to the
shortens the electrical length, allowing resonance at higher cable loop for the raw cable and with the addition in series of
frequencies. This way, the insertion of a reactive component a coil and three increasing values of capacitors.
in series with the loop could be used to perform the matching These measurements have been used to determine
between the carrier and loop resonance frequencies. This more precisely the phase velocity in our PV cable. Since the
effect is shown in fig. 3 from our measurements over a typical first cable resonance (9.192 MHz) corresponds to one
PV string cable loop 20 metres long with a Vector Network wavelength in the 20-metre-long cable:
𝑉𝑉
Analyser connected to the loop, where the resonance 𝜆𝜆 = 20𝑚𝑚 = 𝑓𝑓 ⇒ 𝑉𝑉𝑓𝑓 = 20𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 20 ∗ 9192000 =
𝑓𝑓
condition is recognized by the minimum in the modulus of 183840000 = 0.613𝑐𝑐 (11)
the S11 scattering parameter (maximum power sent to the
loop), and a sudden change in its phase. The figure shows Even though a pre-installation length compensation
curves around the first resonance frequency (9.192 MHz is feasible (installing a fixed reactive series component),
without compensation) corresponding to the connection in employing automatic adjustable tuning would more so be
series of a coil, three values of capacitors, and the raw cable. convenient in confining the transmission in and around an
optimal point, in order to account for the inevitable
occurrence of small variations in the loop (for example the
addition of one more solar module to a string with the
corresponding increase of the loop physical length - one or
two meters). For this purpose, a simple tuning circuit has been
designed, which is able to show either capacitive or inductive
impedance by means of a control voltage. The basic variable
component used was a varicap diode whose capacity could be
adjusted depending on the inverse voltage applied. The circuit
is shown in fig. 4(a), and it is composed of a toroidal
transformer with the primary (L2) connected to the cable
loop, and the secondary (L1) connected to the variable
capacitor (C) (voltage controlled). The actual implementation
circuit for the voltage-controlled capacitor is shown in fig.
4(b).

(a)
 and a series resonance at
𝑤𝑤2 = 𝑤𝑤1 ÷ �1 − 𝐾𝐾² (15)

This impedance has two inductive regions: (𝑤𝑤 <

𝑤𝑤1 ) and (𝑤𝑤 > 𝑤𝑤2 ), and one capacitive region: (𝑤𝑤1 < 𝑤𝑤 <
𝑤𝑤2 ). In the centre of the capacitive region with a good
coupling in the transformer (1 − 𝐾𝐾² << 1) we have (1 >>
𝑤𝑤² 𝐿𝐿1 𝐶𝐶 (1 − 𝐾𝐾²) and (1 << 𝑤𝑤²𝐿𝐿1 𝐶𝐶) so:
𝐿𝐿
𝑍𝑍 ≈ 1 ÷ (𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 1) (16)
𝐿𝐿2

and our circuit works as a capacitor multiplier by the factor

𝐿𝐿1
that can be very useful for loops requiring high capacitive
𝐿𝐿2
compensation with capacity values higher than the maximum
achieved by the varicap diode, for example for loops with
(a) high inductance in series (inductive coupling of the
transceivers).
However, for loops with low series inductance
(capacitive coupling of transceivers), the usual length of a
typical PV string, and carrier frequencies over 5 MHz, our
circuit is better used in the region around the higher frequency
of resonance 𝑤𝑤2 , where the impedance is close to zero, and
where for frequencies lower than 𝑤𝑤2 the impedance is
capacitive, and for frequencies higher than 𝑤𝑤2 , the
impedance is inductive. Around this region and (1 ≪
𝑤𝑤²𝐿𝐿1 𝐶𝐶), the impedance can be expressed as:
𝑍𝑍 = 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝐿𝐿2 (1 − 𝐾𝐾²) − 𝑗𝑗𝐿𝐿2 ÷ (𝑤𝑤𝐿𝐿1 𝐶𝐶) (17)

equivalent to a series LC circuit with

𝐿𝐿𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 𝐿𝐿2 (1 − 𝐾𝐾²) (18)
(b)
and
𝐿𝐿1
𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 𝐶𝐶 ( 19)
𝐿𝐿2

resonant at 𝑤𝑤2 . Since the capacitor 𝐶𝐶 can be dynamically

adjusted, connecting this circuit in series with the cable loop
we can add series inductance, capacitance, or none of them
depending on what is required by the loop, and the dynamic
adjusting range can be selected with the value of 𝐿𝐿2 since it is
a common factor in the expression of Z around 𝑤𝑤2 .The
possibility of the capacitance control varying a biasing
inverse voltage on the varicap diode will allow us to
implement a microcontroller-based tuning system that will
(c) also require some kind of detection of the resonance condition
in the loop.
Fig. 4. Schematic of tuning circuit in (a) its generic The amplitude of the carrier through the primary coil in
representation, (b) actual implementation, and with (c) a the circuit in fig. 4(a) will show a maximum if the loop is
voltage doubler detection circuit added pushed to resonance, so if this signal is used as an input for a
The network analysis of the circuit in fig. 4(a) leads voltage doubler detection circuit (fig. 4(c)), we will obtain at
to an impedance seen from the primary port: the output a DC voltage proportional to the amplitude of the
𝑍𝑍 = 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝐿𝐿2 (1 − 𝑤𝑤² 𝐿𝐿1 𝐶𝐶 (1 − 𝐾𝐾²)) ÷ (1 − 𝑤𝑤²𝐿𝐿1 𝐶𝐶) (12) carrier in the loop and resonance can be detected as a
maximum in the DC voltage output. Finally, an automatic
where the mutual inductance coefficient in the transformer is resonance adjusting system can be implemented by sampling
expressed by: the detector DC output with an Analog to Digital Converter
𝑀𝑀 = 𝐾𝐾�𝐿𝐿1 𝐿𝐿2 (13) (ADC) integrated in the microcontroller, where the
convenient firmware will search for a maximum outputting a
and 𝐾𝐾 is the coupling coefficient, showing a parallel DC voltage sweep towards the tuning circuit.
resonance at
III. RESULTS
𝑤𝑤1 = 1 ÷ �𝐿𝐿1 𝐶𝐶 (14)
Fig. 5. Plot of the scattering parameter S21 modulus measured with a Vector Network Analyzer connected in series with the loop,
the tuning circuit and a 50-ohm load. Maximums show frequencies of minimal attenuation of the propagation along the (loop)-
(tuning circuit) chain. The black trace corresponds to the 20 m long cable with a control voltage of 5 volts in the tuning circuit,
where the maximum is over the chosen carrier frequency (9.5 MHz). Blue solid trace corresponds to a variation in the loop length
from 20.00 m to 15.10 m with no change in control voltage, the new maximum is over 11.1 MHz and the carrier (9.5 MHz) is
attenuated from |S21|= 0.228 to 0.100. The blue dashed trace corresponds to the new loop length (15.10 m) after the tuning circuit
action for compensation, leading to a control voltage of 0.9 volts, and the maximum is back over the carrier at 9.5 MHz.

Fig 5 shows the action of the compensation The control electronics have also been placed in series with
electronics described, where a 20-metre-long loop is kept in the loop. A carrier frequency of 1 MHz has been chosen
resonance at 9.5 MHz initially with the corresponding control fulfilling the condition of a loop shorter than ¼ wavelength
voltage of 5 volts. Then the length of the loop is shortened to and has been injected in the primary of one of the toroidal
15.10 metres, and with the resonance control electronics off, transformers with an amplitude of 5 volts simulating a
the resonance frequency is displaced to 11.1 MHz. If we then transmission from one of the transceivers towards the others.
switch on the electronics, the control voltage is re-adjusted by The voltage amplitude measurements at the primary of the ten
the microcontroller to get the resonance back to 9.5 MHz. All transformers receiving the signal are shown in Table II.
the electronics described above can work to keep the TABLE II
resonance condition on any of the two modes described VOLTAGE AMPLITUDE MEASUREMENTS OF THE ¼
before, namely loops with perimeters equal to one WAVELENGTH CONFIGURATION
wavelength or loops with lengths equal or shorter than ¼ Receiver Voltage Amplitude (volts)
wavelengths.
During the current distribution measurements in the
1 32.3
one wavelength loop presented before (Figure 2), with an
exciting signal of 10 volts in amplitude, the absolute voltages 2 32.1
measured across the current sensor were between 70 and 330
mV, which considering that the sensor sensibility is 10 3 32.3
Volts/Amp means averaged current amplitude values in the
order of 200 mA. This suggests that with much lower exciting 4 33.5
voltages, communication with reasonable signal-to-noise
ratios will be possible thanks to loop resonance, making 5 34.6
simpler and low-cost transceivers conceivable. 6 34
As a validation of the current levels present in the
short loop configuration (¼ wavelength), measurements have 7 33.5
been made over an experimental setup composed by a cable
loop 20 metres long with ten capacitors and ten small toroidal 8 32.7
transformers distributed evenly in series simulating the
bypass capacitors and the transceiver inductively coupled and 9 32.5
installed within each solar module in a real installation. The
10 32.8
toroidal transformers had a transformation ratio of 30:1 with
the secondary connected to the loop, and its inductance was As shown in the table, the reception voltage levels are
adjusted to form with the bypass capacitors an LC resonator between 5 and 6 times larger than the one transmitted,
at the carrier frequency, in such a way that transceivers are evidencing a resonance condition, and they are reasonably
LC resonators at the same frequency of the loop resonance. equalised (less than 7% of difference). These results made the
short loop option also a viable possibility for simple and low- elektrodynamischer Wellen längs eines Drahtes. Annalen
cost PLC communication. Der Physik Und Chemie, 303(2), 233–290.
https://doi.org/10.1002/andp.18993030202
IV. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK [3] US Patent: US8497749B2, “Single conductor surface
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before, is able to return the whole system to the optimal IEE Part C: Monographs, 109(15), 55.
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injection and recovery) our measurements have shown small
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loop length and the wavelength have been presented: Loop traveling-wave current distribution. IEEE Transactions on
with one wavelength perimeter and a loop with ¼ wavelength Antennas and Propagation, 53(12), 3920–3929.
perimeter or less. The measurement levels in the loop have
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