Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
Search
            ×
                        Mining
                        Mining
                            NIOSH
                            All CDC
                    Submit
                For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
                Advanced Search
            Advanced Search


The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)





Mining Contract: Application of Extreme Power Line Communication Methods to Mine Environments
Keywords: Coal mining Communications equipment Emergency communications Power cables Power lines 
 Underground mining
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Contract #
200-2010-36005Start Date
9/13/2010End Date
6/13/2012Research Concept
This contract will assess the suitability of current power line communication methods (used in nonmining applications) for underground coal mine communication, using mine electrical power distribution conductors as a system backbone.Topic Area
Emergency Communications and Tracking
Contract Status & Impact
This contract is complete. To receive a copy of the final report, send a request to mining@cdc.gov.
Electrical power cables are typically the most robust conductors found in underground mines; therefore, the use of power line carrier (PLC) techniques can potentially enhance a communication system’s ability to survive an adverse event such as a mine explosion or fire. PLC communication systems use electrical power distribution cables for voice and data transmission, and this contract assessed the suitability of this approach for underground coal mine power systems. Because power cables are part of the existing mine infrastructure, their use should result in cost savings for equipment and installation when compared to non-PLC communication systems. However, potential problems include frequency (bandwidth) limitations, power system noise, and high voltage safety issues.
This contract confirmed the technical feasibility of employing PLC techniques for voice and data communication over underground mine electrical power systems by designing and constructing an experimental PLC communication system and conducting in-mine tests. The system tested differs somewhat from PLC systems in non-mining applications, in that signals are carried on mine power system grounding conductors rather than individual power line phase conductors. This modification was due to safety concerns related to coupling onto high voltage conductors.
The research performed under this contract ultimately achieved reliable communication at 6 kb/s data rates over 5,000 ft of energized 12.4 kV mine power distribution cable at spread-spectrum center frequencies of 0.75 to 4 MHz, but had limited success over 10,000 ft of cable using an 8-kb/s data rate and 2-MHz center frequency.
Despite the system survivability and infrastructure cost advantages of PLC communication, the private sector is unlikely to commercialize this technology because there is not currently sufficient regulatory or market pressure to do so. The research under this contract, however, did establish PLC as a technically viable option for future systems targeting lower-cost primary (normal operation) communication systems for small mines, and high-survivability emergency systems for larger mines.

See Also
Passive Fiber Optic System for Locating, Tracking, and Communicating with Personnel in Coal Mines
Performance and Safety Investigation of Emergency Backup Batteries and Battery Charging Systems for Underground Mining Applications
Refuge Alternatives in Underground Coal Mines
Safe and Economical Inerting of Sealed Mine Areas
Solutions to Prevent Materials-Handling Injuries in Underground Coal Mines
SPONCOM - A Computer Program for the Prediction of the Spontaneous Combustion Potential of an Underground Coal Mine
Technology News 545 - NIOSH Updates Spontaneous Combustion Assessment Software
Technology News 546 - Medium Frequency Mine Emergency Communications - An Emerging Technology
Ultra-Low Frequency Through-the-Earth Communication Technology
Wireless Mesh Mine Communication System
Page last reviewed: July 16, 2016
Page last updated: July 16, 2016
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate Mining
        Site BrowserSafety and Health TopicsData & StatisticsMethodologyMine DisastersMSHA Data FilesMine & Mineworker ChartsTools & PublicationsTools You Can UsePublicationsNews & ArticlesResearch ProgramNORA Mining CouncilStrategic PlanMining Program, 2019-2023Miner Health Program, 2020-2030ProjectsContractsFunding OpportunitiesMining LinksAbout UsContact NIOSH MiningEmploymentFacilitiesHistoryVisitor Information Emergency Communications and Tracking
 NIOSH Homepage
 NIOSH A-Z
Workplace Safety & Health Topics
Publications and Products
Programs


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue