Communication nodes and sensor devices configured to use power line communication signals, and related methods of operation
First Claim
1. A method of operating a sensor device that is at or adjacent an electric grid device, the method comprising:
- receiving, using a Mid Voltage (MV) electric distribution network corresponding to voltages between about 4,000 Volts and about 69,000 Volts, from a communication node a first power line communication signal, comprising an unsolicited ping transmitted by the communication node, at the sensor device that is at or adjacent the electric grid device; and
transmitting, using the Mid Voltage (MV) electric distribution network corresponding to voltages between about 4,000 Volts and about 69,000 Volts, a second power line communication signal from the sensor device to the communication node, in response to receiving the first power line communication signal,wherein the second power line communication signal comprises an impedance corresponding to a distance between the communication node and the electric grid device.
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Abstract
Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include transmitting a first power line communication signal from the communication node to a sensor device that is at or adjacent an electric grid device. The method may include receiving from the sensor device a second power line communication signal that is responsive to the first power line communication signal, at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include determining a distance between the communication node and the electric grid device by measuring an electrical parameter of the second power line communication signal, at the communication node. Related communication nodes are also described.
31 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of operating a sensor device that is at or adjacent an electric grid device, the method comprising:
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receiving, using a Mid Voltage (MV) electric distribution network corresponding to voltages between about 4,000 Volts and about 69,000 Volts, from a communication node a first power line communication signal, comprising an unsolicited ping transmitted by the communication node, at the sensor device that is at or adjacent the electric grid device; and transmitting, using the Mid Voltage (MV) electric distribution network corresponding to voltages between about 4,000 Volts and about 69,000 Volts, a second power line communication signal from the sensor device to the communication node, in response to receiving the first power line communication signal, wherein the second power line communication signal comprises an impedance corresponding to a distance between the communication node and the electric grid device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12)
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6. A sensor device at or adjacent an electric grid device, the sensor device comprising:
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a power line communications interface configured to; receive, using a Mid Voltage (MV) electric distribution network corresponding to voltages between about 4,000 Volts and about 69,000 Volts, from a communication node a first power line communication signal, comprising an unsolicited ping transmitted by the communication node, at the sensor device that is at or adjacent the electric grid device; and transmit, using the Mid Voltage (MV) electric distribution network corresponding to voltages between about 4,000Volts and about 69,000 Volts, from the sensor device to the communication node, a second power line communication signal that is responsive to the first power line communication signal, wherein the second power line communication signal comprises an impedance corresponding to a distance between the communication node and the electric grid device. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification