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Low-noise alternative to fiber optic cables for relay protection corrugated ducts

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 16 Feb 2023

Prepared for preliminary research by the ENSAA knowledge desk. Confirm optical interfaces, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, thermal design and installation limits against current standards and product documentation.

Metallic pilot wires with proper shielding, power line carrier (PLC), and radio channels are viable low-noise alternatives to fiber optic cables for relay protection applications.

Metallic Pilot Wires

Shielded metallic pilot wires can be used as an alternative to fiber optics for short to medium distances. When installed with proper insulation and shielding, they can reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and maintain signal integrity for differential and line protection relays. Metallic pilot wires are particularly effective when laid in corrugated ducts alongside power cables, as they can be grounded and twisted to minimize induced voltages from nearby high-voltage lines.

However, care must be taken to avoid longitudinal induction and ground potential rise (GPR), which can introduce noise if not properly mitigated. Power Line Carrier (PLC)Power line carrier communication uses the existing high-voltage lines to transmit protection signals.

PL

C systems operate in the 300 Hz to 3400 Hz band and are robust against electrical noise, providing a low-loss path fully controlled by the utility. They are cost-effective for medium to long distances and eliminate the need for additional cabling. High-voltage capacitors and line traps are used to inject and extract the carrier signal while minimizing interference with the power frequency.

Radio Channels

Microwave or radio frequency channels can serve as a wireless alternative for relay protection. Operating in the 0. 2–10 GHz range, radio channels can provide high data rates with directional antennas, reducing susceptibility to EMI from nearby power lines.

Multiplexing techniques allow multiple protection channels to share the same radio link, making it suitable for substations where physical cabling is difficult or expensive.

Considerations

Distance and latency: Metallic pilot wires are suitable for shorter distances, while PLC and radio channels can cover longer spans. Noise immunity: Fiber optics remain superior in EMI immunity, but shielded metallic wires and PLC can achieve acceptable performance with proper design. Installation: Corrugated ducts provide mechanical protection and can help reduce noise coupling for metallic wires.

Cost and maintenance: PLC and radio channels reduce the need for physical cabling, potentially lowering installation costs, but may require specialized equipment for signal injection and reception. In summary, shielded metallic pilot wires, power line carrier, and radio channels are practical low-noise alternatives to fiber optic cables for relay protection in corrugated ducts, each with trade-offs in distance, installation complexity, and noise immunity.

Low-noise alternative to fiber optic cables for relay protection corrugated ducts - ENSAA OPTICAL NETWORKS [PDF]

Low-noise alternative to fiber optic cables for relay protection corrugated ducts

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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