electronics

Article
Characteristic Impedance Analysis of
Medium-Voltage Underground Cables with
Grounded Shields and Armors for Power
Line Communication
Hongshan Zhao *, Weitao Zhang and Yan Wang
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China;
almightywiz@outlook.com (W.Z.); wang_yan0421@163.com (Y.W.)
* Correspondence: zhaohshcn@ncepu.edu.cn; Tel.: +86-135-0313-5810




Received: 25 March 2019; Accepted: 18 May 2019; Published: 23 May 2019


Abstract: The characteristic impedance of a power line is an important parameter in power line
communication (PLC) technologies. This parameter is helpful for understanding power line impedance
characteristics and achieving impedance matching. In this study, we focused on the characteristic
impedance matrices (CIMs) of the medium-voltage (MV) cables. The calculation and characteristics of
the CIMs were investigated with special consideration of the grounded shields and armors, which are
often neglected in current research. The calculation results were validated through the experimental
measurements. The results show that the MV underground cables with multiple grounding points
have forward and backward CIMs, which are generally not equal unless the whole cable structure is
longitudinally symmetrical. Then, the resonance phenomenon in the CIMs was analyzed. We found
that the grounding of the shields and armors not only affected their own characteristic impedances
but also those of the cores, and the resonance present in the CIMs should be of concern in the
impedance matching of the PLC systems. Finally, the effects of the grounding resistances, cable
lengths, grounding point numbers, and cable branch numbers on the CIMs of the MV underground
cables were discussed through control experiments.

Keywords: power line communication; medium-voltage underground cable; impedance matching;

characteristic impedance matrix; partial conductor grounding

1. Introduction
Smart grid (SG) technologies are attracting growing attention given their capacity to sustainably
manage power using intelligent grids. SG infrastructures require a bi-directional communication to
enhance the energy efficiency, reliability and safety of the electricity systems [1]. When exploring
SG communication systems, a universal data and network communications protocol is essential to
achieve an interoperable environment [2]. In this respect, IEC 61850, an object-oriented standard,
is considered the foundation of the SG communications systems [3,4]. The communication medium
used in the communication system is another pivotal issue. Given the wide range of costs, latency,
and bandwidth requirements of smart grid communications, a communication system that integrates
multiple communication mediums is desirable [5,6]. Therefore, many communication technologies
have since been evaluated and compared [6,7]. Among them, power line communication (PLC) is
considered a feasible alternative that has attracted significant interest, and it has been gradually
applied in advanced measurement systems and in remote fault detection systems [8,9]. This is due
to its low cost, convenient deployment, and wide coverage compared with the high data capability
communication technologies (e.g., fiber-optic ethernet) [6,10].

Electronics 2019, 8, 571; doi:10.3390/electronics8050571 www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics

Electronics 2019, 8, 571 2 of 18

However, power line networks have numerous branches, especially in the medium-voltage (MV)
and low-voltage (LV) networks, and their network typologies and loads may change unpredictably
and extremely, which makes the impedance characteristics of power lines complicated and changeable,
thereby increasing the difficulty of impedance matching in PLC systems. The methods of impedance
matching mainly include characteristic impedance matching and complex conjugate matching.
The purpose of characteristic impedance matching is to reduce or eliminate the reflected components
of the carrier signal to increase the signal voltage at the receivers and to improve the signal-to-noise
ratio (SNR) [11–13]. This method requires impedance matching between the internal impedances of
the receivers and the characteristic impedances of the power lines. The purpose of complex conjugate
matching is to adapt the internal impedance of the transceivers to the changeable access impedance of
the power lines to achieve maximum power transmission [14–16]. Additionally, some optimization
methods based on access impedance have been proposed to increase the data rate and channel capacity
of the PLC systems [17,18]. Here, the access impedances of the power lines are closely related to their
characteristic impedances [19,20]. Therefore, the characteristic impedances of the power lines are
important in the analysis of the impedance characteristics and in the realization of impedance matching.
The power lines of interest in this paper are MV underground cables, which are employed in
almost all new urban and suburban installations. The current studies on their characteristic impedances
and impedance matching are mainly based on the two-conductor transmission line model [19,21].
However, the MV underground cables have an important multiconductor nature, meaning that the
signal coupling between the conductors cannot be ignored, and thus the impedance matching at
the terminals of the power lines requires impedance matching at any port comprised of two power
lines [13]. At this point, it is necessary to analyze the characteristic impedance matrices (CIMs) of the
MV underground cables.
In the MV underground cable networks, the shields and armors are grounded at the ring main
units (RMUs), where the cable branches exist. The grounding points may considerably affect the
PLC channel characteristics [22–24]. Similar issues have been studied for overhead lines when the
shield wires are grounded at towers, and different treatments have been adopted. A typical approach
involves assuming that the shield wires are continuously grounded and that the shield wires have
zero potential along their entire length [25–29]. In previous studies [30–32], this assumption was
proven to be unsuitable when the electrical length between towers is odd multiples of a one-half
wavelength of signal. In addition, these studies mainly investigated the signal attenuation based on
transmission and admittance matrices. For the characteristic impedances of power lines, a simplified
method involves ignoring the mutual inductance between the ungrounded and grounded conductors,
so that their characteristic impedances are considered separately, despite this method being applicable
in certain special cases [33,34]. In Reference [35], for the first time, the CIMs of overhead lines with
shield wires that were periodically grounded were calculated under a lossless assumption. In other
studies [36,37], the CIMs of typical high-voltage (HV) lossy overhead lines with periodically grounded
and sectionalized shield wires were analyzed under an ideal grounding assumption (i.e., grounding
points had zero potential), and the properties of the CIMs have been further investigated [37,38].
However, in current studies on the CIM of the MV underground cable, the grounded partial conductors
were not considered. The related investigations are confined to the CIM of the uniform MV underground
cable [39,40], and the results only represent the CIM of one cable section rather than that of the whole
cable structure between the PLC transceivers, which is often nonuniform owing to the grounded
shields and armors. The latter is more important in reducing or eliminating the reflected signal at the
receivers or transmitters [36].
In this study, we focused on MV underground cables with grounded shields and armors, where
the CIMs were calculated and analyzed after considering the multiconductor and non-uniformity
characteristics of the cables. Simultaneously, the high-frequency loss and non-ideal grounding
conditions (i.e., the shields and armors were grounded only at the RMUs, and the grounding points
potential was non-zero) were considered.
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 3 of 18

The remainder of this paper is organized as follows. Section 2 details the parameter matrices
and multiconductor transmission line representations of the MV underground cables. Section 3 is
Electronics 2019, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 19
dedicated to calculating the CIMs of the MV underground cables with grounded shields and armors,
and the
and theresults
resultsare are
validated through
validated experimental
through measurements
experimental in Section in
measurements 4. Then, the 4.
Section characteristics
Then, the
of the CIMs and the effects of the network structures and parameters are discussed
characteristics of the CIMs and the effects of the network structures and parameters are discussed in Sectionin5.
The conclusions
Section are provided
5. The conclusions are in Section in
provided 6. Section 6.

2. Multiconductor Transmission Lines Equations

2. Multiconductor Transmission Lines Equations
In this paper, the investigation of the CIM of the MV underground cable is based on multi-conductor
In this paper, the investigation of the CIM of the MV underground cable is based on multi-
transmission lines theory. Therefore, this section presents the geometry of MV underground cable and
conductor transmission lines theory. Therefore, this section presents the geometry of MV
the basic multi-conductor transmission line representations.
underground cable and the basic multi-conductor transmission line representations.
At present, the MV (10kV–35kV) underground cable that is used widely in China is a three-phase
At present, the MV (10kV–35kV) underground cable that is used widely in China is a three-
cable, which has a cyclic-symmetric structure. The 10 kV underground cables that were examined in
phase cable, which has a cyclic-symmetric structure. The 10 kV underground cables that were
this paper were the YJV22-type cables with a sectional area of 3 × 240 mm2 . The layout of this type of
examined in this paper were the YJV22-type cables with a sectional area of 3 × 240 mm2. The layout
cable is depicted in Figure 1a. The original geometric and electromagnetic parameters of the cable are
of this type of cable is depicted in Figure 1a. The original geometric and electromagnetic parameters
provided in Appendix A. The cable was located 3 m below the earth surface, where the soil resistivity
of the cable are provided in Appendix A. The cable was located 3 m below the earth surface, where
is 100 Ω·m.
the soil resistivity is 100 Ω∙m.

Filler XPLE Insulation Ic ,A

Core +
Steel Armor Copper Shield
Shield I s ,A +
Vc ,A
Armor
PVC Sheath Ir + V
Core Vr s ,A
Ground - - -
x

(a) (b)
Figure 1.
Figure (a) Structure
1. (a) Structure of
of the
the medium-voltage underground cable.
medium-voltage underground cable. XPLE
XPLE stands
stands for
for cross-linked
cross-linked
polyethylene, PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride; (b) Voltage and current definitions of
polyethylene, PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride; (b) Voltage and current definitions of the the A-phase
A-phase
core, A phase shield, and the armor.
core, A phase shield, and the armor.

The MV
The MV underground
underground cable
cable includes
includes 77 conductors
conductors with
with three-phase
three-phase cores,
cores, three-phase
three-phase shields
shields
and the outermost armor. They can be treated as the uniform multiconductor transmission based
and the outermost armor. They can be treated as the uniform multiconductor transmission lines, lines,
on the telegraph equations in the frequency domain:
based on the telegraph equations in the frequency domain:
dd
(
dx V(𝑽(𝑥)
x) ==−ZI (x),
−𝒁𝑰(𝑥), (1)
dd𝑥
dx I ( x ) = −YV ( x). (1)
d
𝑰(𝑥) = −𝒀𝑽(𝑥).
d𝑥
where x denotes the position at the conductors. Z and Y are the per unit length (p.u.l.) impedance
matrixxand
where admittance
denotes matrixatofthe
the position theconductors. 𝒁 and 𝒀
MV underground cable, respectively.
are the The 7 ×(p.u.l.)
per unit length 1 vectors V and I
impedance
represent
matrix andthe voltage and
admittance current
matrix in the
of the MVphasor form, respectively.
underground The 7V×and
In this work,
cable, respectively. 1 vectors 𝑽 and 𝑰
I are expressed
as follows:
represent the voltage and current iT 𝑽 and 𝑰 are expressed
h in the phasor form, respectively. In this work,
as follows: V = Vc,A Vs,A Vc,B Vs,B Vc,C Vs,C Vr , (2)
h 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉 𝑉iT
== [Ic,A,
I𝑽 Is,A, Ic,B, Is,B , Ic,C , Is,C , Ir ]. , (2)
(3)

where [·]T denotes the matrix transpose. 𝑰 = [𝐼 , V 𝐼 ,c,A , V

𝐼 c,B
, 𝐼 , Vc,C
and 𝐼 , are𝐼 the
, 𝐼] .
voltages of the A, B and C phase(3)
where [∙] denotesVthe
cores, respectively. Vs,B and
s,A ,matrix Vs,C are the
transpose. 𝑉 , ,voltages
𝑉 , and of 𝑉
the A, B and C phase shields, respectively. Vr
, are the voltages of the A, B and C phase
is the voltage of the 𝑉
armor. Ic,A , Ic,B and Ic,C are the currents in the A, B and C phase cores respectively.
cores, respectively. , , 𝑉 , and 𝑉 , are the voltages of the A, B and C phase shields, respectively.
I𝑉s,Ais, Is,B I
the voltage of the armor. 𝐼in, the
and s,C are the currents , 𝐼 A, B and𝐼 C phase
and shields, respectively. Ir is the current in the
, , are the currents in the A, B and C phase cores
armor. The positive directions of voltages and
respectively. 𝐼 , , 𝐼 , and 𝐼 , are the currents in the A, B currents are shown
and Cinphase
Figureshields,
1b taking the A phase𝐼 and
respectively. is
the armor as examples.
the current in the armor. The positive directions of voltages and currents are shown in Figure 1b
taking the A phase and the armor as examples.
Apart from the filler, armor and sheath, the MV underground cable can be considered as a
system that contains three subsystems, and each subsystem is comprised of the core, insulation and
shield. Therefore, the p.u.l. impedance matrix 𝒁 and the admittance matrix 𝒀 can be expressed in
the forms:
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 4 of 18

Apart from the filler, armor and sheath, the MV underground cable can be considered as a system
that contains three subsystems, and each subsystem is comprised of the core, insulation and shield.
Therefore, the p.u.l. impedance matrix Z and the admittance matrix Y can be expressed in the forms:

ZTAr
 
 ZA ZAB ZAC 
ZTBr

 ZAB ZB ZBC


 , (4)
 Z
 AC ZBC ZC ZTCr 

ZAr ZBr ZCr Zr
 

 YA YAB YAC YTAr

 

YTBr
 
 YAB YB YBC 
 . (5)
 Y
 AC YBC YC YTCr 


YAr YBr YCr

Yr
where both the rows and columns of Z and Y are arranged in the order of the A-phase subsystem,
the B-phase subsystem, the C-phase subsystem, and the armor. There are identical meanings for the
subscripts of submatrices in Z and Y. Taking the submatrices in Z as examples, the 2 × 2 submatrices ZA ,
ZB and ZC are the self-impedance matrices of A, B and C phase subsystem, respectively. The element Zr
is the self-impedance of the armor. The 2 × 2 submatrices ZAB , ZAC and ZBC are the mutual impedance
matrices of two different subsystems. The 2 × 2 submatrices ZAr , ZBr and ZCr are the mutual impedance
matrices between the one-phase subsystem and the armor. Given the structural symmetry, the above
submatrices have the relationships as follows


 ZA = ZB = ZC ,

ZAB = ZAC = ZBC , (6)




 Z =Z =Z .
Ar Br Cr



 YA = YB = YC ,

YAB = YAC = YBC , (7)




 Y =Y =Y .
Ar Br Cr

The impedances and admittances matrices in Equations (6) and (7) were analyzed in References [41–45].
Each conductor has its own self-impedance, and there are mutual impedances between any two
conductors. The mutual admittances exist only between directly adjacent conductors. For example,
there is a mutual admittance between the core and the shield, but no mutual admittance between the
core and the armor because of the shield. Furthermore, the aforementioned submatrices (taking partial
submatrices for examples) can be expressed as:
" # " #
Zc Zcs Zu Zu h i
ZA = , ZAB = , ZAr = Zur Zur . (8)
Zcs Zs Zu Zu
" # " #
Yc −Ycs 0 0 h i
YA = , YAB = , YAr = 0 Yur . (9)
−Ycs Ys 0 −Yu
where both the rows and columns of the matrices in Equations (8) and (9) are arranged in the order of
the core, the shield. Zc and Zs are the self-impedances of the core and the shield, respectively. Zcs is the
mutual impedance between the core and the shield. Zu is the mutual impedance between the cores or
shields of two different subsystems. Zur is the mutual impedance between the core (or the shield) and
the armor. Yc and Ys are the self-admittances of the core and the shield, respectively. Ycs is the mutual
admittance between the core and the shield. Yu is the mutual admittance between the shields of two
different subsystems. Yur is the mutual admittance between the shield and the armor.
The ATP-EMTP (Version 6.0, NTNU/SINTFE, Trondheim, Norway, 2015) software provides a
routine named Cable Constants to calculate the p.u.l. parameters of cables [42]. This routine was
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 5 of 18

adopted in this work. For example, the p.u.l. impedance and admittance matrices of the YJV22-type
cable at 300 kHz are shown in Appendix B.
The first-order phasor equations in Equation (1) can be expressed in the form of second-order
ordinary differential equations:
2

 d 2 V(x) = ZYV(x),

 dx (10)
 d22 I(x) = YZI(x).


dx
To solve the differential equations, the actual phasor line voltages and currents are transformed to
modal quantities, as described in Reference [13]:

V(x) = QVm (x),

(
(11)
I(x) = SIm (x).

where Vm and Im are the modal voltage vector and the modal current vector, respectively. The complex
matrices Q and S are the corresponding modal transformation matrices, which define changes in the
variables between the actual phasor line voltages and currents, and the modal voltages and currents.
Substituting Equation (11) into Equation (10) gives:

d2 m



dx2
V (x) = Q−1 ZYQVm (x) = H2 Vm (x),
(12)

d2 m
I (x) = S−1 YZSIm (x) = H2 Im (x).



dx2

where Q and S are the matrices chosen to diagonalize ZY and YZ, respectively, via similarity
transformations. H = diag(γ1 , γ2 , · · · , γ7 ), where the diagonal elements are the eigenvalues of
the matrices ZY and YZ, or are known as the propagation constants of the modal quantities. Then,
Equation (12) has a simple solution, transforming the solution back to the actual line voltages and
currents via Equation (11) gives:
  
( ) m −Hx m Hx

 V x = Zc S I e + I e ,
 f b

(13)
 

 I(x) = S Im e−Hx − Im eHx .


f b

where subscripts f and b represent the forward and backward modal quantities, respectively.
Zc = ZSH−1 S−1 is the CIM of the uniform MV underground cable.
The MV underground cable can be viewed as having 2 × 7 ports, with seven ports at the sending
end (x = 0) and seven ports at the receiving end (x = l), where l is the length of the cable. According to
Equation (13), when one end of the underground cable is connected to the CIM, the access impedance
matrix of the other end is equal to the CIM. In addition, the phasor voltages and currents at the sending
end and the receiving end have the relationship [13] as:
" # " #
V(l) V(0)
=T . (14)
I(l) I(0)

where T is the transmission matrix, and can be expressed as:

Qcos h(Hl)ST −Qsin h(Hl)ST Zc

" #
T= T T . (15)
−Z−1
c Qsin h(Hl)S Z−1
c Qcos h(Hl)S Zc

3. Characteristic Impedance Matrices with Grounding Points

For safe operation, the shields and armors of the MV underground cables are grounded at
the RMUs, resulting in the whole cable structure being non-uniform, such that the above uniform
transmission line model is no longer valid. In this section, the CIMs of the entire underground cable
containing the grounding points are provided based on an eigen analysis of the overall transmission
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 6 of 18

matrix of this non-uniform structure. The shields and armors are assumed to be grounded with
grounding resistances only at the RMUs, of which the positions are arbitrary.
As described, the whole cable structure between the transceivers is divided into k sections by
the grounding points, an example being when k = 3, as shown in Figure 2. Here, the three phase
subsystems of the MV underground cables are drawn vertically to show the grounding structure
Electronics 2019, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW
more clearly. 6 of 19

l1 RMU l2 RMU l3

x Rg Rg
Armor Shield Core

Figure 2. Structure of medium-voltage underground cables with shields and armors grounding at the
Figure 2. Structure of medium-voltage underground cables with shields and armors grounding at the
ring main units (RMUs).
ring main units (RMUs).

Assuming that the type and length of each section is arbitrary, and the total length is L, the voltage
Assuming that the type and length of each section is arbitrary, and the total length is L, the
and current vectors at the sending end (x = 0) and the receiving end (x = L) have the following relations:
voltage and current vectors at the sending end (𝑥 = 0) and the receiving end (𝑥 = 𝐿) have the
following relations: " # " # Y k−1 " #
V(L) V(0) V(0)
=T = (T j T g )Tk , (16)
I(L𝑽(𝐿)
) (0)
I𝑽(0) I(0)
𝑽(0)
=𝑻 = j=1
(𝑻 𝑻 )𝑻 , (16)
𝑰(𝐿) 𝑰(0) 𝑰(0)
where: " #
where: A B
T= . (17)
C D
𝑨 𝑩
𝑻= . (17)
where T is the overall transmission matrix, and A, B,𝑪C and 𝑫 D are the sub-blocks. T is the transmission
j
matrix 𝑻
where is the
of the overall
jth cable transmission
section ( j = 1, 2,matrix, and A,can
· · · , k), which B,beCcalculated
and D are from theEquation
sub-blocks. (15).𝑻T
𝑗 gisis the
the
transmission matrix of the jth cable section (𝑗 = 1,2, ⋯
transmission matrix of the grounding structure, which can be written as: , 𝑘), which can be calculated from Equation (15).
𝑻𝑔 is the transmission matrix of the grounding "structure, which # can be written as:
E𝑬 0𝟎
T g𝑻= = .. (18)
(18)
−𝒀in𝒊𝒏 E𝑬
−Y

where
where Y 𝒀 = diag(0,0,0,
 𝐺 , 𝐺 , 𝐺 , 𝐺 ) is the input admittance matrix of the grounding structure,
in = diag 0, 0, 0, G g , G g , G g , G g is the input admittance matrix of the grounding structure,
𝐺G ==1/𝑅1/R;g ;𝑅R g isis the
the grounding
grounding resistance;
resistance; and and E𝑬 isisthethe77××77identity
identitymatrix.
matrix.
g
IfIf the
the positive
positive direction
direction of
of the
the current
current is is the
the direction
direction flowingflowing into
into the
the port,port, then
then the
the impedance
impedance
matrix 𝒁 of the entire cable structure can be
matrix Z of the entire cable structure can be expressed as: expressed as:
𝑽(0) 𝑰(0)# " 𝒁𝟏𝟏 𝒁𝟏𝟐 #"𝑰(0)
V(0)𝑽(𝐿) = 𝒁 I(−𝑰(𝐿) = Z I(0), (19)
" # " #
0) 𝒁 11 𝒁Z12 −𝑰(𝐿)
=Z = 𝟐𝟏 𝟐𝟐 , (19)
V(L) −I(L) Z21 Z22 −I(L)
where:
where: 𝟏
⎧ Z𝒁 𝟏𝟏 = −𝑪
= −C−1 D,𝟏
 𝑫,
⎪ 11𝒁𝟏𝟐 = −𝑪 ,



Z12 = −C−1 , 𝟏

 (20)
𝒁 = 𝑩 − 𝑨𝑪−1 𝑫,

⎨ 𝟐𝟏 (20)

⎪ 𝒁 = −𝑨𝑪 𝟏 .
Z = B − AC D,


21 
⎩ Z 𝟐𝟐= −AC−1 .




22
The MV underground cable considered here is passive, thereby satisfying the condition of
The MV underground cable considered here is passive, thereby satisfying the condition of
reciprocity, such that the impedance matrix is symmetrical:
reciprocity, such that the impedance matrix is symmetrical:
𝒁𝟏𝟏 = 𝒁𝟏𝟏 ,
𝒁𝟏𝟐 = 𝒁𝟐𝟏 , (21)
𝒁𝟐𝟐 = 𝒁𝟐𝟐 .
The eigen analysis of the overall transmission matrix 𝑻 is based on the equation:
𝑨 − 𝝀𝑬 𝑩 𝑱 𝟎
= . (22)
𝑪 𝑫 − 𝝀𝑬 𝑲 𝟎
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 7 of 18

T




 Z11 = Z11 ,
 T
(21)


 Z12 = Z21 ,
 Z22 = ZT .



22

The eigen analysis of the overall transmission matrix T is based on the equation:
" #" # " #
A − λE B J 0
= . (22)
C D − λE K 0
h iT
where λ is the eigenvalue of T and J K is the corresponding eigenvector. The elimination of K
using the first equation in Equation (22) gives:
h   i
λ2 C−1 − λ C−1 D + AC−1 + AC−1 D − B J = 0. (23)

Then, combining Equation (20) with Equation (23), it follows that:

h   i
λ2 Z12 + λ Z11 + Z22 + Z21 J = 0. (24)

Equation (24) is then divided by λ2 and transposed; so, it follows that:

h   i
λ−2 Z12 + λ−1 Z11 + Z22 + Z21 J = 0. (25)

Equations (24) and (25) indicate that both λ and λ−1 are the eigenvalues of T, so the eigenvalue
matrix Λ of the overall transmission matrix T can be denoted as:
   
Λ = diag Λ f , Λb = diag λ1 , λ2 , · · · , λn , λ−1 −1 −1
1 , λ2 , · · · , λn . (26)

where Λ f and Λb are the 7 × 7 diagonal matrices, Λb = Λ−1

f
.
From the diagonalization of the overall transmission matrix T, it follows that:

Λf
" # " #
−1 0 Qf Qb
P TP = , P= . (27)
0 Λb Sf Sb

where P is the nonsingular matrix, and Q f , Qb , S f and Sb are the sub-blocks. Substituting Equation (27)
into Equation (16) gives:
Λf
" # " # " #
V(L) 0 V(0)
=P P−1 . (28)
I(L) 0 Λb I(0)
or in the form of: " # " #" #
V(x) Qf Qb M f (x)
= , (29)
I(x) Sf Sb Mb ( x )

Λf
" # " #" #
M f (L) 0 M f (0)
= . (30)
Mb ( L ) 0 Λb Mb ( 0 )
where x = 0 or x = L. Compared to Equation (13), when x = 0 or x = L, M f and Mb are the equivalent
forward and backward modal quantities, respectively. Λ f and Λb represent the relationships between
them at both ends, so Λ f and Λb can be denoted as:

 Λ f = e−Hx ,


(31)
 Λb = eHx .


Electronics 2019, 8, 571 8 of 18

 
where H = diag γ1 , γ2 , · · · , γ7 is the equivalent propagation constant matrix. The voltage and current
vectors at both ports can be represented by the equivalent modal currents, such that:

m
 M f (x) = I f (x),


(32)
 Mb (x) = −Im (x).


b

where Imf and Imb

are the equivalent forward and backward modal current vectors, respectively.
By substituting Equation (32) into Equations (29) and (30), the voltage and current vectors are:

m −Hx
 V(x) = Zc, f S f I f e

 + Zc,b Sb Im
b
eHx ,
(33)
I(x) = S f Im e−Hx − Sb Im eHx .



f b

where x = 0 or x = L, and: 
−1
 Zc, f = Q f S f ,


(34)
 Zc,b = −Qb S−1 .


b

Equation (33) has the same form as Equation (13). S f and Sb are the transformation matrices of the
forward and backward modal currents, respectively; Q f and Qb are the transformation matrices of the
forward and backward modal voltages, respectively; and Zc, f and Zc,b are the forward characteristic
impedance matrix (FCIM) and the backward characteristic impedance matrix (BCIM) of the whole
cable structure, respectively. This indicates that the carrier signals at both ends of the MV underground
cables with grounded shields and armor can still be regarded as the superposition of a series of modal
quantities, as can the uniform MV underground cables without grounding points.
Equation (33) only applies to x = 0 or x = L. There is no definite equivalence relation between
S f and Sb , or between Zc, f and Zc,b , which indicates that the characteristic impedance matrices of
the whole cable structure are different from those of one cable section. The former has two different
characteristic impedance matrices, being the forward and backward impedance matrices, whereas the
latter only has one unique characteristic impedance matrix. Additionally, the latter can be regarded as
a special case of the former when the transformation matrices of the forward and backward modal
quantities are equal.
Equation (33) shows that the access impedance matrix at the sending end is equal to Zc, f only if
the receiving end is connected to Zc, f . Similarly, the access impedance matrix of the receiving end is
equal to Zc,b only if the sending end is connected to Zc,b .

4. Method Validation
In this section, two examples are provided to validate the calculation of the characteristic impedance
matrices of the whole cable structure between the PLC transceivers. Both examples possess a structure
similar to that shown in Figure 2. Example 1 has three sections of cables, l1 = 100 m , l2 = 300 m and
l3 = 500 m, whereas example 2 has two sections of cables, l1 = l2 = 300 m. All the cables are of the
YJV22-type MV underground cables described in Section 2, and the grounding resistances (R g ) are 1 Ω.
As shown in Equation (33), if and only if the receiving end of the whole cable structure is connected
to the FCIM, then the access impedance matrix of the sending end is equal to the FCIM. Similarly,
if and only if the sending end of the whole cable structure is connected to the BCIM, then the access
impedance matrix of the receiving end is equal to the BCIM. These characteristics were used to validate
the calculation results of the FCIM and BCIM. For instance, take the validation of the FCIM in example
1. Firstly, the receiving end of the whole cable in example 1 was connected to the calculated FCIM.
Then, the access impedance matrix of the sending end was measured. The calculated FCIM was
validated if it was equal to the measured access impedance matrix. The principle for the validation
of the BCIM was similar, the sending end of the whole cable was connected to the calculated BCIM,
and the access impedance matrix of the receiving end was measured.
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 9 of 18

The measurement setup is shown in Figure 3. Each cable section in examples 1 and 2 was
simulated using 50 cascaded π circuits, which were welded using lumped parameter components in
the laboratory. The parameters of the π circuits could be easily calculated using the p.u.l. parameters
and the cable lengths. The receiving or sending end was connected to the lumped electrical networks
where the impedance matrix was equal to the calculated FCIM or BCIM, respectively. These electrical
networks are welded in the laboratory, and are labelled the FCIM network and BCIM network in this
paper, respectively. Finally, the access impedance matrix of the sending or receiving end of the cables
was measured using a HIOKI 3532-50 LCR meter. Given the multiport characteristics of the cables,
the measurements were recorded for each port of the sending or receiving end. Each measurement
Electronics 2019, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 19
was repeated three times, where the average value was taken as the measurement value.

1 1
Sending end: 2 Cable model: 2 Receiving end:
...

...
LCR meter 7
Cascaded π circuits 7
FCIM network

x=0 x=L
(a)
1 1
Sending end: 2 Cable model: 2 Receiving end:
...

...
BCIM network 7
Cascaded π circuits 7
LCR meter

x=0 x=L
(b)

Figure 3. Measurement setup. The measurement of (a) the sending port’s access impedance matrix
Figure
and (b) 3.
theMeasurement setup.
receiving port’s Theimpedance
access measurement of (a) the sending port’s access impedance matrix
matrix.
and (b) the receiving port’s access impedance matrix.
In this study, the FCIMs and BCIMs of two examples were calculated over the frequency of
In this study,
10 kHz–500 the FCIMs
kHz, which and BCIMs
was sampled intoof246
two examplespoints
frequency were with
calculated overinterval
a sample the frequency of
of 2 kHz.
10kHz–500kHz,
For measurements, which was sampled
the above into were
procedures 246 frequency
also carried points
out atwith
some a sample interval of 2within
typical frequencies kHz. For
the
measurements,
same frequency the above
range. Theprocedures were alsoincluded
selected frequencies carried those
out atatsome
which typical frequencies
the real within
or imaginary partsthe
of
same frequency
the calculated range. The selected
characteristic impedancesfrequencies
reachedincluded
the local those at which
maximums the real orvalues,
or minimum imaginary parts
the other
of the calculated
frequency characteristic
points were impedances
distributed reached
evenly within the local maximums
the frequency ranges that ordidminimum values,
not contain the
the local
other
maximumfrequency points were
or minimum distributed evenly within the frequency ranges that did not contain the
values.
local In
maximum
Figures 4orandminimum values.
5, the solid lines represent the numerical results of the FCIM and BCIM for
In Figures 4 and 5, the solid lines represent
example 1. The crosses show the measurement theofnumerical
results the accessresults of the
impedance FCIM and
matrices BCIM
of the for
sending
example 1. The
and receiving crosses
ports. show the
Specifically, Zc (measurement results
1, 1), Zc (4, 4) and Zc (7,of
7) the access
are the impedance
characteristic matrices of
impedances of the
sending and receiving
core, the shield and the armor, Specifically, Z𝒁c𝒄((1,1)
ports. respectively. 2, 4) is 𝒁𝒄 (4,4)
, the and 𝒁𝒄 (7,7)
off-diagonal elementareinthe
the characteristic
impedances of the core,
impedance matrices, the shield
which resultsand
fromthethe
armor,
mutualrespectively.
impedance 𝒁𝒄between
(2,4) is the
theoff-diagonal element
shields of the A-phasein
the
andcharacteristic
B-phase. impedance matrices, which results from the mutual impedance between the shields
of theFigure
A-phase
4 showsB-phase.
and that when the receiving port of the cable was connected to the calculated FCIM,
600 300
600
the measured
500
access impedance 500
matrix of the sending 300 port matched well with
200 200
the calculated FCIM,
Imaginary (Ω)

Imaginary (Ω)
Real (Ω)
Real (Ω)

indicating
400 the credibility of 400 the FCIM numerical results. 100 Similar conclusions 100 were obtained when
300 300 0 0
comparing
200
the numerical results 200
and the measured results -100
of the BCIM, as shown -100
in Figure 5. At high
frequencies,
100 the differences100between the numerical results -200 and the measured -200 results were larger than
0 0 -300 -300
the differences
0 100 200at300 low400frequencies.
500 0 100 This
200 300happened
400 500 because the100approximation
0 200 300 400 500 degree
0 100of200
the300cascaded
400 500 π
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
circuits decreasedZ (1,1)
with increasing frequency.
c
Z (4, 4) c Z (1,1) Z (4, 4) c c
200 250 300 300
For example 2, the numerical results are shown in200Figure 6. The FCIM and 200
BCIM in example 2
Imaginary (Ω)
Imaginary (Ω)

150 200
were the same. Then, the same measurements were recorded, 100 and Figure 7 provides
100 a comparation
Real (Ω)

Real (Ω)

150
100 0 0
of the numerical results and 100 the measured results, which also demonstrates the credibility of the
-100 -100
50 50
numerical results of the characteristic impedance matrices. -200 -200
0 0 -300 -300
0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
Z c (7,7) Zc (2, 4) Z c (7,7) Z c (2, 4)
Numerical results Measured results Numerical results Measured results

(a) (b)
Figure 4. The validation of the forward characteristic impedances of medium-voltage underground
cables with grounded shields and armor in example 1: (a) The real parts and (b) the imaginary parts
of the characteristic impedances.
local maximum or minimum values.
In Figures 4 and 5, the solid lines represent the numerical results of the FCIM and BCIM for
example 1. The crosses show the measurement results of the access impedance matrices of the
sending and receiving ports. Specifically, 𝒁𝒄 (1,1) , 𝒁𝒄 (4,4) and 𝒁𝒄 (7,7) are the characteristic
impedances of the core, the shield and the armor, respectively. 𝒁𝒄 (2,4) is the off-diagonal element in
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 10 of 18
the characteristic impedance matrices, which results from the mutual impedance between the shields
of the A-phase and B-phase.
600 600 300 300
500 500 200 200

Imaginary (Ω)

Imaginary (Ω)
Real (Ω)
Real (Ω)

400 400 100 100

300 300 0 0
200 200 -100 -100
100 100 -200 -200
0 0 -300 -300
0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
Z c (1,1) Z c (4, 4) Z c (1,1) Z c (4, 4)
200 250 300 300
200 200

Imaginary (Ω)
Imaginary (Ω)
150 200
100 100
Real (Ω)

Real (Ω)
150
100 0 0
100
-100 -100
50 50
-200 -200
0 0 -300 -300
0 Electronics
100 200 300 2019,400
8, x 500
FOR PEER
0 REVIEW
100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 10 of300
100 200 19 400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
Z c (7,7)
350 350 Zc (2, 4) 150 Z c (7,7) 150 Z c (2, 4)
300 300 100 100
Numerical results Measured results Numerical results Measured results

Imaginary (Ω)

Imaginary (Ω)
250 250 50 50
Real (Ω)
Real (Ω)

200 200 0 0
150 (a) 150 -50 -50 (b)
100 100 -100 -100
50 50 -150 -150
Figure 4. The validation of the forward
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 0
characteristic impedances
100 200 300 400 500
0 of medium-voltage
0 100 200 300 400 500
-200 underground
0 100 200 300 400 500
-200

cables with grounded

grounded shields
shields
Frequency (kHz) and
and armor inin
Frequency
armor example
(kHz)
example1:1:(a)
(a) The
The real
real
Frequency parts and
parts
(kHz) and(b)(b)
the
the imaginary
Frequency (kHz)
imaginary parts of
parts
Electronics 2019, 8,
100
x FOR PEERZ (1,1) REVIEW
150
Z (4, 4)
c
60
Z (1,1) c Z (4, 4) 10 of 19c c

thethe
of characteristic
characteristic impedances.
impedances. 40
100
80

Imaginary (Ω)
Imaginary (Ω)

20 50
100
Real (Ω)
Real (Ω)

60 150
0 150
350 350 0
40 -20
100 100
300 300 50
-40
Imaginary (Ω)

Imaginary (Ω)
50 50 -50
250 250
Real (Ω)

20
Real (Ω)

-60
200 0 200 0 -80 0 -100 0
0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0
-50 100 200 300 400 500 0 100-50
200 300 400 500
150 150
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
100 100 -100 -100
Z c (7,7) Z c (2, 4) Z c (7,7) Z c (2, 4)
50 50 -150 -150
Numerical results Measured results Numerical results Measured results
0 0 -200 -200
0 100 200 300 400 500 0
(a) 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500
(b)
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)

100
Z c (1,1) 5. The validation of the backward
Figure Z c (4, 4) characteristic impedances
60
Z c (1,1)
of medium-voltage underground Z c (4, 4)
150 100
cables with grounded shields and armor in example 1: (a) 40 The real parts and (b) the imaginary parts
80
Imaginary (Ω)
Imaginary (Ω)

20 50
of the characteristic impedances.
100
Real (Ω)
Real (Ω)

60 0
-20 0
40 50
Figure 4 shows that when the receiving port of the cable -40 was connected to the calculated
-50 FCIM,
20
the measured access impedance matrix of the sending port -60 matched well with the calculated FCIM,
0 0 -80 -100
0 indicating
100 200 300 the 400 credibility
500 0 of100
the200FCIM300 numerical
400 500 results. Similar conclusions
0 100 200 300 400 were
500 obtained when
0 100 200 300 400 500
comparing the numerical results and the measured results of the BCIM, as shown in Figure 5. Frequency
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) At high(kHz)
Z c (7,7) Z c (2, 4) Z c (7,7) Z c (2, 4)
frequencies, the differences between the numerical results and the measured results were larger than
Numerical results Measured results Numerical results Measured results
the differences at low frequencies. This happened because the approximation degree of the cascaded
(a)
π circuits decreased with increasing frequency. (b)
For example 2, the numerical results are shown in Figure 6. The FCIM and BCIM in example 2
Figurewere
5. The
the validation
same. Then,of the
the backward
same measurementscharacteristic impedances
were recorded, of medium-voltage
and Figure underground
7 provides a comparation
cables with
cablesofwith grounded shields
groundedresults
the numerical shields and
andand armor
thearmor in
measured example
in example 1: (a) The
1: (a) The
results, which real parts
also real and (b)
parts andthe
demonstrates the imaginary
(b)credibility
the imaginary
of theparts of
parts
the characteristic
of the numerical impedances.
results
characteristic of the characteristic impedance matrices.
impedances.
600 600
500
Figure 4 shows that when the receiving port of the500cable was connected to the calculated FCIM,
Real (Ω)

400
Real (Ω)

400
the measured access
300 impedance matrix of the sending 300 port matched well with the calculated FCIM,
indicating the 200
credibility of the FCIM numerical results. 200
Similar conclusions were obtained when
100 100
comparing the numerical
0 results and the measured results0 of the BCIM, as shown in Figure 5. At high
300 300
frequencies, the differences between the numerical results and the measured results were larger than
200 200
the differences100
at low frequencies. This happened because 100 the approximation degree of the cascaded
Imaginary (Ω)

Imaginary (Ω)

0 0
π circuits decreased with increasing frequency.
-100 -100
For example
-200 2, the numerical results are shown in Figure 6. The FCIM and BCIM in example 2
-200
-300
were the same.-300Then,
0 the
100 same200 measurements
300 400 500were recorded,
0 and Figure
100 200 7 provides
300 400 a500comparation
Frequency (kHz) Frequency
of the numerical results and the measured results, which also demonstrates the credibility of the (kHz)
Z (1,1) Z (4, 4) Z (7,7)c Z (2, 4) c Z (1,1) Z (4, 4) c Z (7,7)
c Z (2, 4) c c c c
numerical results of the characteristic impedance matrices.
(a) (b)
600 Figure 6. The characteristic impedances of medium-voltage underground cables
cables with 600
Figure 6. The characteristic impedances of medium-voltage underground withgrounded
grounded shields
500 500 and (b) the numerical results of the
shields and armor in example 2: (a) The numerical results
and armor in example 2: (a) The numerical results and (b) the numerical results of the backward
Real (Ω)

Real (Ω)

400 backward characteristic impedances. 400

characteristic
300 impedances. 300
200 200
100 100
0 0
300 300
200 200
(Ω)

( Ω)

100 100
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 11 of 18
Electronics 2019, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 19

600 600 300 300

500 500 200 200

Imaginary (Ω)

Imaginary (Ω)
Real (Ω)
Real (Ω)

400 400 100 100

300 300 0 0
200 200 -100 -100
100 100 -200 -200
0 0 -300 -300
0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
Z c (1,1) Z c (4, 4) Z c (1,1) Z c (4, 4)
400 400 150 150
100 100

Imaginary (Ω)
Imaginary (Ω)
300 300
Real (Ω) 50 50
Real (Ω)

200 200 0 0
-50 -50
100 100
-100 -100
0 0 -150 -150
0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
Z c (7,7) Z c (2, 4) Z c (7,7) Z c (2, 4)
Numerical results Measured results Numerical results Measured results

(a) (b)
Figure 7. The validation of the forward
forward characteristic
characteristic impedances
impedances of medium-voltage
medium-voltage underground
cables with
with grounded
groundedshields
shieldsand
andarmor
armorininexample
example2:2:(a)
(a)The
Thereal
realparts
partsand (b)(b)
and thethe
imaginary parts
imaginary of
parts
the characteristic
of the impedances.
characteristic impedances.

5. Analysis of
5. Analysis of the
the Characteristic
Characteristic Impedance
Impedance Matrices
Matrices
In
In this
this section,
section, the
the characteristics of the
characteristics of the FCIM
FCIM and
and BCIM
BCIM ofof the
the MV
MV underground
underground cables
cables with
with
grounded shields and armors are analyzed based on the results presented in
grounded shields and armors are analyzed based on the results presented in Section 4, andSection 4, and on
on the
the investigation
investigation of Equations
of Equations (33)(34).
(33) and andTo(34). To determine
determine theofeffects
the effects of different
different factors
factors (e.g., (e.g.,
the high-
the high-frequency loss and grounding resistances), more experiments under different scenarios
frequency loss and grounding resistances), more experiments under different scenarios have been have
been performed.
performed.
5.1. Characteristics of the Forward and Backward Characteristic Impedance Matrices
5.1. Characteristics of the Forward and Backward Characteristic Impedance Matrices
As shown in Figures 4–7, the MV underground cables with grounded shields and armor have
As shown in Figures 4–7, the MV underground cables with grounded shields and armor have
FCIM and BCIM that are generally not equal, as shown in Equation (34). However, if the cable is
FCIM and BCIM that are generally not equal, as shown in Equation (34). However, if the cable is
longitudinally symmetrical, its FCIM and BCIM are equal, because the sending and receiving ends can
longitudinally symmetrical, its FCIM and BCIM are equal, because the sending and receiving ends
be interchanged when the cable is longitudinally symmetrical.
can be interchanged when the cable is longitudinally symmetrical.
Using the experimental results, we simultaneously checked that if the receiving end or sending end
Using the experimental results, we simultaneously checked that if the receiving end or sending
of the whole cable structure was connected to the FCIM or BCIM, the access impedance matrix at the
end of the whole cable structure was connected to the FCIM or BCIM, the access impedance matrix
other end was equal to the FCIM or BCIM. Combining these results with Equation (33), we concluded
at the other end was equal to the FCIM or BCIM. Combining these results with Equation (33), we
that if the receiving or sending port of the whole cable structure was connected with the FCIM or
concluded that if the receiving or sending port of the whole cable structure was connected with the
BCIM, the backward or forward modal quantities would be zero, and thus the signal power would be
FCIM or BCIM, the backward or forward modal quantities would be zero, and thus the signal power
completely absorbed by the transceiver. Therefore, the characteristic impedance matrices of the whole
would be completely absorbed by the transceiver. Therefore, the characteristic impedance matrices
cable structure between the transceivers should be considered to reduce or eliminate the reflected
of the whole cable structure between the transceivers should be considered to reduce or eliminate the
components of the carriers at the receivers or transmitters.
reflected components of the carriers at the receivers or transmitters.
The characteristic impedances of the cores and shields were almost the same, indicating that the
The characteristic impedances of the cores and shields were almost the same, indicating that the
grounding of the shields not only affected their own characteristic impedances, but they also had a
grounding of the shields not only affected their own characteristic impedances, but they also had a
similar influence on the characteristic impedances of the cores covered by them owing to the mutual
similar influence on the characteristic impedances of the cores covered by them owing to the mutual
inductance between the cores and the shields.
inductance between the cores and the shields.
Lastly, the results in Section 4 demonstrated that resonance occurred when the shields and armor of
Lastly, the results in Section 4 demonstrated that resonance occurred when the shields and
MV underground cable were grounded. At each resonant frequency, the real parts of the characteristic
armor of MV underground cable were grounded. At each resonant frequency, the real parts of the
impedances showed high peaks, and the imaginary parts (phase angles) were zero, whereas the whole
characteristic impedances showed high peaks, and the imaginary parts (phase angles) were zero,
cable structure was pure resistive, as shown in Figures 4–7. These typical resonance phenomena
whereas the whole cable structure was pure resistive, as shown in Figures 4–7. These typical
signified that the electromagnetic waves at the resonant frequencies were standing waves, and the
resonance phenomena signified that the electromagnetic waves at the resonant frequencies were
electromagnetic energy in the cables could not be transmitted, which hindered the transmission of
standing waves, and the electromagnetic energy in the cables could not be transmitted, which
carrier signals and adversely affected the impedance matching.
hindered the transmission of carrier signals and adversely affected the impedance matching.
To further study the above resonance characteristics, a control experiment was performed in
which the characteristic impedance matrices from example 2 were calculated without the high-
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 12 of 18

Electronics 2019, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 19

To further study the above resonance characteristics, a control experiment was performed in which
the characteristic
frequency loss. The impedance
results ofmatrices
the FCIMfrom example
are shown2inwere calculated
Figure 8, whichwithout
showsthethathigh-frequency loss.
the characteristic
The results ofwithout
impedances the FCIM theare shown
loss had ain Figure
series 8, which shows
of resonant points.that
Thethe characteristic
resonant impedances
frequencies without
were consistent
the loss had a series of resonant points. The resonant frequencies were consistent
with the frequencies in Figures 6 and 7, confirming the above judgment and indicating that the with the frequencies
in Figures 6 and
grounding 7, confirming
of the shields and the armor
above judgment
would lead and to
indicating that the
resonance, grounding
reflecting the ofmulti-resonance
the shields and
armor would lead
characteristics. to resonance,
Figure 8 showsreflecting
that the the multi-resonance
high-frequency losscharacteristics.
had inhibitoryFigure
effects8 shows
on thethat the
above
high-frequency loss had inhibitory effects on the above resonance, which made
resonance, which made the curve around the resonance points smoother and reduces the resonant the curve around the
resonance
amplitudes. points smoother
The higher and reduces
the resonant the resonant
frequency, amplitudes.
the larger The higher loss,
the high-frequency the resonant
and thus,frequency,
the more
the larger the high-frequency
evident the inhibitory effects. loss, and thus, the more evident the inhibitory effects.
1200 1200 1500 1500
1000 1000 1000 1000
800 800

Imaginary (Ω)

Imaginary (Ω)
Real (Ω)

500 500
Real (Ω)

600 600 0 0
400 400 -500 -500
200 200 -1000 -1000
0 0 -1500 -1500
0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
Z c (1,1) Z c (4, 4) Z c (1,1) Z c (4,4)
600 1000 1000 1500
500 800
Imaginary (Ω) 1000

Imaginary (Ω)
500
Real (Ω)

Real (Ω)

400 500
600
300 0 0
400
200 -500
200 -500
100 -1000
0 0 -1000 -1500
0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
Z c (7,7) Z c (2, 4) Z c (7,7) Z c (2,4)

Lossy Lossless Lossy Lossless

(a) (b)

comparation of the forward characteristic impedances

Figure 8. The comparation impedances when
when the cables are lossy and
lossless: (a) The real parts and (b) the imaginary parts of the characteristic impedances.

5.2. Effects of the Network Structures and Parameters

5.2. Effects of the Network Structures and Parameters
It is fundamental for the PLC system to adapt to various power line networks. To demonstrate
It is fundamental for the PLC system to adapt to various power line networks. To demonstrate
the effects of different MV network structures and parameters, a series of control experiments were
the effects of different MV network structures and parameters, a series of control experiments were
conducted and are outlined in the following. The type and parameters of the cables used were the
conducted and are outlined in the following. The type and parameters of the cables used were the
same as those for the MV underground cables used in Section 4.
same as those for the MV underground cables used in Section 4.
5.2.1. Effects of Grounding Resistances
5.2.1. Effects of Grounding Resistances
To analyze the effects of grounding resistances on the characteristic impedance matrices,
To analyze the
the characteristic effects of matrices
impedance grounding resistances
from exampleon1 the
withcharacteristic impedance
different grounding matrices, (R
resistances the)
g
characteristic impedance matrices from example 1 with different grounding resistances (𝑅 ) were
were calculated.
calculated.
The elements in the FCIMs are shown in Figure 9. When the shields and armor are ungrounded,
then The elements
the cables caninbethe FCIMs are
regarded shown intransmission
as uniform Figure 9. When theand
lines, shields
thus and armor
there is no are ungrounded,
resonance in the
then the cables can be regarded as uniform transmission lines, and thus there is no resonance
characteristic impedances. When the shields and armor are grounded, the characteristic impedance in the
characteristic
matrices showimpedances. When the shields
resonance. Furthermore, and armor
the smaller the are grounded,
grounding the characteristic
resistance, the higherimpedance
the peaks
matrices show resonance. Furthermore, the smaller the grounding resistance,
of the characteristic impedances at resonant frequencies. However, the differences the higher
in thethe peaks of
grounding
the characteristic
resistances do not impedances at resonant
affect the resonant frequencies. However, the differences in the grounding
frequencies.
resistances do not affect the resonant frequencies.
5.2.2. Effects of Cable Lengths
To analyze the effects of the cable lengths on the characteristic impedance matrices, the characteristic
impedance matrices from example 2 for different total cable lengths were calculated, assuming that the
shields and armor were grounded at the half-length of the whole cables, R g = 1 Ω.
The elements in the FCIMs are shown in Figure 10, which shows that the larger the total lengths of
the cables, the more the resonant points shown by the characteristic impedances. Further calculations
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 13 of 18

showed that all the electric lengths of the cables at the resonant frequencies were in the sequence
of 0.087, 0.147, 0.211, 0.296, 0.945, 1.607, etc. This indicated that the resonant frequencies under
the same structure were determined by the electric length of the whole cables, which was easy to
understand considering the resonant characteristics. With increases in the cable lengths, the loss
increases, the inhibition effect of high-frequency loss on the resonance gradually strengthens, and thus
the peaks2019,
Electronics at the
8, x resonant
FOR PEER frequencies
REVIEW gradually decrease. 13 of 19

600 600 300 300

500 500 200 200

Imaginary (Ω)
Imaginary (Ω)
Real (Ω)

Real (Ω)

400 400 100 100

300 300 0 0
200 200 -100 -100
100 100 -200 -200
0 0 -300 -300
0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
Z c (1,1) Z c (4, 4) Z c (1,1) Z c (4, 4)
200 250 300 300
200 200 200

Imaginary (Ω)

Imaginary (Ω)
150
Real (Ω)

Real (Ω)

100 100
150
100 0 0
100
-100 -100
50
50 -200 -200
0 0 -300 -300
0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
Z c (7,7) Z c (2,4) Z c (7,7) Z c (2, 4)
Rg = 1Ω Rg = 5Ω Ungrounded Rg = 1Ω Rg = 5Ω Ungrounded

(a) (b)
Figure 9.9.The
Theforward
forward characteristic
characteristicimpedances of medium-voltage
impedances underground
of medium-voltage cables with
underground different
cables with
Electronics 2019, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 19
grounding resistances:
different grounding (a) The real(a)parts
resistances: Theand
real(b) the and
parts imaginary
(b) theparts of the characteristic
imaginary impedances.
parts of the characteristic
impedances.
1000 600 600 300
800 500 400 200
Imaginary (Ω)

Imaginary (Ω)
Real (Ω)
Real (Ω)

400 200 100

5.2.2.600
Effects of Cable Lengths
300 0 0
400 -200 -100
200
To
200 analyze the effects 100 of the cable lengths on-400 the characteristic impedance -200 matrices, the
0 -600 -300
characteristic impedance
0 100 200 300 400 500 matrices
0
0 100 from
200 300 example
400 500 2 for different
0 100 200 total
300 cable
400 500 lengths 0 100 were
200 calculated,
300 400 500

assuming that Frequency

the (kHz)
shields and armor Frequency (kHz)
were grounded at the half-length Frequency (kHz)
of the whole cables, 𝑅 = 1 Ω.
Frequency (kHz)
l = 200m l = 600m l = 200m l = 600m
500 400
The elements in the FCIMs are shown in Figure 10,300 which shows that the150
200
larger the total lengths
100
400
Imaginary (Ω)

Imaginary (Ω)

300
Real (Ω)

of the cables, the more the resonant points shown100by the characteristic 50impedances. Further
Real (Ω)

300 0
200 0
calculations
200 showed that all the electric lengths of the cables -100
at the resonant frequencies -50 were in the
100 -100
sequence
100 of 0.087, 0.147, 0.211, 0.296, 0.945, 1.607, etc.-200 This indicated that the -150 resonant frequencies
0 -300 -200
under 0the
0 same
100 200 structure
300 400 500were 0 determined
100 200 300 400 by500the electric 0length
100 200 of300the 400
whole
500 cables,
0 100 which
200 300 was easy
400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
to understandl =considering
1000m
the resonant characteristics. With increases l = 1000m
in the cable lengths, the loss
l = 1400m l = 1400m
increases, the inhibition
Z (1,1) c effect Zof
Z (4, 4) c (7,7)high-frequency
Z (2, 4) c loss on the resonance
c Z (1,1) Z gradually
(4, 4) c
strengthens,
Z (7,7) c Z (2, 4) and c c

thus the peaks at the resonant (a) frequencies gradually decrease. (b)
10.The
Figure 10. Theforward
forwardcharacteristic impedances
characteristic of medium-voltage
impedances underground
of medium-voltage cables with
underground different
cables with
cable lengths:
different cable(a) The real
lengths: (a) parts andparts
The real (b) the
andimaginary parts of the
(b) the imaginary characteristic
parts impedances.
of the characteristic impedances.

5.2.3. Effects of the Grounding Point Numbers

5.2.3. Effects of the Grounding Point Numbers
To
To analyze
analyze the
the effects
effects of
of the
the grounding point numbers
grounding point numbers on
on the
the characteristic
characteristic impedance
impedance matrices,
matrices,
the characteristic impedance matrices of the MV underground cables with n grounding points
the characteristic impedance matrices of the MV underground cables with 𝑛 grounding points were
g were
calculated, assuming that the grounding points were evenly distributed along the cables, where the
calculated, assuming that the grounding points were evenly distributed along the cables, where the
total length of the cables was 600 m, R g = 1 Ω.
total length of the cables was 600 m, 𝑅 = 1 Ω.
The elements in the FCIMs are shown in Figure 11, which shows that the larger the grounding
The elements in the FCIMs are shown in Figure 11, which shows that the larger the grounding
point numbers, the fewer resonant points the characteristic impedances. Similar to the situation under
point numbers, the fewer resonant points the characteristic impedances. Similar to the situation
different total cable lengths, at each resonant frequency, the electric lengths of the cables between the
under different total cable lengths, at each resonant frequency, the electric lengths of the cables
two grounding points were in the sequence of 0.046, 0.077, 0.112, 0.160, 0.171, etc. With the decrease in
between the two grounding points were in the sequence of 0.046, 0.077, 0.112, 0.160, 0.171, etc. With
the decrease in cable length between two grounding points, the high-frequency loss decreases, so that
the peaks at the resonant frequencies gradually increase.
200 500 200 600
400 100 400
maginary (Ω)
aginary (Ω)

150
Real (Ω)
Real (Ω)

300 200
100 0
200 0
the characteristic impedance matrices of the MV underground cables with 𝑛 grounding points were
calculated, assuming that the grounding points were evenly distributed along the cables, where the
total length of the cables was 600 m, 𝑅 = 1 Ω.
The elements in the FCIMs are shown in Figure 11, which shows that the larger the grounding
Electronics 2019, 8, 571the fewer resonant points the characteristic impedances. Similar to the situation
point numbers, 14 of 18

under different total cable lengths, at each resonant frequency, the electric lengths of the cables
between
cable the between
length two grounding points were
two grounding in the
points, sequence of 0.046,
the high-frequency loss0.077, 0.112,so
decreases, 0.160, 0.171,
that the etc. at
peaks With
the
the decrease in cable length between
resonant frequencies gradually increase. two grounding points, the high-frequency loss decreases, so that
the peaks at the resonant frequencies gradually increase.
200 500 200 600
400 100 400

Imaginary (Ω)
Imaginary (Ω)
150

Real (Ω)
Real (Ω)

300 200
100 0
200 0
50 -100 -200
100
0 0 -200 -400
0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
ng = 2 ng = 3 ng = 2 ng = 3
1000 1500 800 1500
600
1200 1000

Imaginary (Ω)
800

Imaginary (Ω)
400
Real (Ω)
Real (Ω)

600 900 200 500

400 600 0 0
-200
200 300 -500
-400
0 0 -600 -1000
0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500 0 100 200 300 400 500
Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz) Frequency (kHz)
ng = 4 ng = 5 ng = 4 ng = 5
Z c (1,1) Z c (4, 4) Z c (7,7) Z c (2, 4) Z c (1,1) Z c (4, 4) Z c (7,7) Z c (2, 4)

(a) (b)
11.The
Figure 11. Theforward characteristic
forward impedances
characteristic of medium-voltage
impedances underground
of medium-voltage cables with
underground different
cables with
grounding point numbers:
different grounding (a) The real(a)
point numbers: parts
Theand
real(b) the and
parts imaginary
(b) theparts of the characteristic
imaginary impedances.
parts of the characteristic
impedances.
5.2.4. Effects of Cable Branch Numbers
5.2.4.ToEffects of the
analyze Cable Branch
effects of theNumbers
cable branches on the characteristic impedance matrices, the characteristic
impedance matrices with nb cable branches were calculated assuming that the branches were also
To analyze the effects of the cable branches on the characteristic impedance matrices, the
evenly distributed along the cables. Each cable branch was connected in parallel with one grounding
characteristic impedance matrices with 𝑛 cable branches were calculated assuming that the
branch, which is common in real-life scenarios. In this situation, the above calculation method was
branches were also evenly distributed along the cables. Each cable branch was connected in parallel
still valid, because the cable branch and grounding branch could easily be equivalent to one branch.
with one grounding branch, which is common in real-life scenarios. In this situation, the above
The total length of the main cables was 600 m, and R g = 1 Ω. The branch cables were the same as the
main cables, and the branches were well-matched to their characteristic impedance matrices.
The elements in the FCIMs are shown in Figure 12, where the results are similar to that in Figure 11,
indicating that the effects of well-matched cable branches on the resonant frequencies are relatively
small compared to those of the grounding points. This occurs because the relatively small impedance
(i.e., the grounding impedance) plays a major role in the input impedance of the parallel structure.
When the cable branches are connected in parallel to the grounding branches, the input impedances at
the branch points decrease, and so the peaks in Figure 12 are higher than those in Figure 11, as revealed
in Section 5.2.1.

Figure 12. The forward characteristic impedances of medium-voltage underground cables with different
branch numbers: (a) The real parts and (b) the imaginary parts of the characteristic impedances.
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 15 of 18

6. Conclusions
At present, the calculations and analyses of MV underground cables as a power line communication
channel are limited to studies under ideal conditions, where the MV underground cables are treated
as uniform transmission lines. To consider more realistic situations, in this study, a non-uniform
multiconductor transmission line model of MV underground cables was established with special
consideration given to the grounded shields and armor. Then, the characteristic impedance matrices
of the whole underground cables between the PLC transceivers were calculated through the eigen
analysis of the overall transmission matrices. Thereafter, the characteristics of the FCIM and BCIM due
to the grounding of the shields and armor were analyzed based on the numerical and measurement
results. Lastly, the effects of the grounding resistances, line lengths, ground point numbers, and cable
branch numbers on the characteristic impedance matrices were discussed. The main conclusions are as
follows:

1. Considering the grounding of the shields and armors, the MV underground cables have FCIM
and BCIM that were not equal unless the cables were longitudinally symmetrical. This is different
from the case of uniform MV underground cables without grounding points, where the latter
only has one unique characteristic impedance matrix.
2. If and only if the receiving end of the MV underground cable is connected to the FCIM, the access
impedance matrix at the sending end is equal to the FCIM. Similarly, if and only if the sending
end of the MV underground cable is connected to the BCIM, the access impedance matrix at the
receiving end is equal to the BCIM.
3. The grounding of partial conductors will lead to resonance, resulting in multiple peaks in
the characteristic impedances of the underground cables, which are not only reflected in the
shields and armor, but can also be found in the cores. The resonance should be considered in
investigations of the impedance matching for PLC to reduce or eliminate the reflected signal
power at the transceivers.
4. The smaller the grounding resistance, the larger the amplitudes at the resonant points.
The grounding resistance does not affect the resonant frequencies. The longer the cable, the more
resonant points in the fixed frequency range, and the smaller the amplitudes at the resonant points.
The more grounding points along the cable, the fewer resonant points in the fixed frequency
range, and the larger the amplitudes at the resonance points. Compared to the grounding of the
shields and armor, the effects of well-matched cable branches on the characteristic impedance
matrices are limited.

The above conclusions are useful for understanding the impedance characteristics of MV
underground cable and achieving impedance matching in PLC systems. In this study, the ground was
modeled as a simple lumped resistance. However, the actual behavior of ground is more complex,
and the grounding impedances may be different for different grounding points. The effects of these
factors on the CIMs of MV underground cable will be investigated in future works.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, Methodology and Validation, H.Z. and W.Z.; Investigation and
Visualization, W.Z. and Y.W.; Writing—Original Draft Preparation, H.Z. and W.Z.; Writing—Review & Editing,
Supervision, H.Z. and Y.W.; Funding acquisition, Y.W.
Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51807063).
Acknowledgments: Thanks to the reviewers and editors for their careful review, constructive comments and
English editing, which helped improve the quality of the paper.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Appendix A
The original geometric and electromagnetic parameters of the cable in this paper are provided in
Table A1, where XPLE stands for cross-linked polyethylene, PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride.
Electronics 2019, 8, 571 16 of 18

Table A1. Data sheet of the examined 10-kV underground cables (YJV22).

Geometric Parameter Radius (mm) Electromagnetic Parameter Value

Core conductor 10.125 Core or shield resistivity 1.75 × 10−8 Ω·m
Cross-linked polyethylene
15.325 Armor resistivity 9.78 × 10−8 Ω·m
(XPLE) insulation
Copper shield 15.925 Insulation relative permittivity 2.6
Steel armor 42.050 Sheath relative permittivity 6
Polyvinyl chloride
45.650 Armor relative permeability 1 1000
(PVC) sheath
1 The relative permeability of mediums other than the armor is 1.

Appendix B
The per unit length parameter matrices at 300 kHz of the medium-voltage underground cable
examined in this paper are as follows:
 
 0.3812 0.3725 0.3539 0.3539 0.3539 0.3539 0.3311 
 

 0.3725 0.3626 0.3539 0.3539 0.3539 0.3539 0.3311 


 0.3539 0.3539 0.3812 0.3725 0.3539 0.3539 0.3311 

Real(Z) =   Ω/m,
 
0.3539 0.3539 0.3725 0.3626 0.3539 0.3539 0.3311  (A1)
0.3539 0.3539 0.3539 0.3539 0.3812 0.3725 0.3311
 
 

0.3539 0.3539 0.3539 0.3539 0.3725 0.3626 0.3311
 
 

0.3311 0.3311 0.3311 0.3311 0.3311 0.3311 0.3311


 
 2.7228 2.5627 2.3966 2.3966 2.3966 2.3966 2.2424 
 

 2.5627 2.5633 2.3966 2.3966 2.3966 2.3966 2.2424 


 2.3966 2.3966 2.7228 2.5627 2.3966 2.3966 2.2424 
Imag(Z) =  2.2424  Ω/m.
 
2.3966 2.3966 2.5627 2.5633 2.3966 2.3966 (A2)
 2.3966 2.3966 2.3966 2.3966 2.7228 2.5627 2.2424 


2.3966 2.3966 2.3966 2.3966 2.5627 2.5633 2.2424 
 


2.2424 2.2424 2.2424 2.2424 2.2424 2.2424 2.2424


 
 0.90i −0.90i 0 0 0 0 0 
 
 −0.90i 1.4i 0 −0.20i 0 −0.20i −0.20i 
 

 0 0 0.90i −0.90i 0 0 0 

Y = 

0 −0.20i −0.90i 1.4i 0 −0.20i −0.20i  mS/m. (A3)
0 0 0 0 0.90i −0.90i 0
 
 
 

 0 −0.20i 0 −0.20i −0.90i 1.4i −0.20i 
0 −0.20i 0 −0.20i 0 −0.20i 4.90i
 

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