Influence of the PWM Modulation Technique in Power Line Communication for Electric Drives

Power line communication (PLC) techniques seem a worthwhile research issue not only in civil applications, but also into the industrial scenario. The realisation of a communication network using the already existing electrical network is attractive for cost benefits, even though it represents a real challenge. Major problems concern communication reliability, effectiveness of transmission modulation methods and algorithms for error correction. EMC issues also must be taken into account, considering the consequences of injecting high-frequency harmonics into the AC power distribution system. This paper deals with the application of PLC techniques to the harsh and noisy environment of electrical drives. This study points out how the improvements in communication reliability can be achieved not only by a smart choice of the communication protocol, but also by using proper inverter modulation techniques, as Random Space Vector Modulation. The experimental results of transmission tests with both conventional and random space vector modulation techniques are here presented and discussed.