Using Narrowband Power Line Communication (NB-PLC) in Mining, Drilling and Maritime Applications

In the ever-evolving fields of drilling and mining, including seafloor exploration, technology plays a critical role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and productivity. One of the most transformative tools in these industries is telemetry—the process of collecting and transmitting vital data from remote equipment to central monitoring systems. From tracking drilling parameters and environmental conditions to monitoring the health of equipment, telemetry provides real-time insights that drive smarter decision-making and optimize operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

A technology that enhances telemetry capabilities is Narrowband Power Line Communication (NB-PLC). By leveraging existing power lines for data transmission, NB-PLC provides a cost-effective, reliable, and long-range communication solution tailored to the unique demands of mining and exploration. This blog explores the key telemetry systems in drilling and mining applications and how Semitech’s NB-PLC is the right choice for data communication, offering unparalleled efficiency and adaptability for remote and underwater operations.

Telemetry in Drilling and Mining Applications

Telemetry in drilling and mining applications, including seafloor mining and exploration, involves collecting and transmitting data to monitor and optimize operations. The key types of telemetry include:

  • Position and Navigation Data
    • Monitors the location and orientation of drilling or mining equipment using GPS, gyroscopes, and accelerometers.
    • Critical for subsea positioning in seafloor mining.
  • Drilling Parameters
    • Tracks bit rotation speed, torque, weight on bit, and penetration rate to optimize drilling efficiency and reduce wear.
  • Geological and Geophysical Data
    • Collects information on rock properties, such as porosity, density, and resistivity, using logging tools.
    • Seismic and sonar data are used in seafloor mining to map resources.
  • Environmental Monitoring
    • Monitors temperature, pressure, and chemical composition in the borehole or underwater environment.
    • Essential for maintaining safety and detecting changes in conditions.
  • Equipment Health and Status
    • Tracks vibrations, strains, and operational states of machinery to predict failures and schedule maintenance.
    • Used extensively in remote operations like seafloor mining.
  • Fluid and Mud Properties
    • Monitors drilling fluids for flow rate, density, viscosity, and gas content to ensure stability and prevent blowouts.
  • Power and Energy Usage
    • Tracks power consumption and energy efficiency, especially in underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous mining equipment.

This telemetry data is transmitted via wired, wireless, or subsea communication systems, enabling real-time monitoring and control for safe and efficient operations.

A large oil rig is floating in the ocean. The sky is cloudy and the sun is setting

What is Narrowband Power Line Communication (NB-PLC)?

Narrowband Power Line Communication (NB-PLC) refers to data transmission technology that operates over the existing power wires with a separate communication signal transmitted in a limited frequency range, typically between 3 kHz and 500 kHz. NB-PLC provides a modest data rate (<1Mbps) with a stable connection that can support reliable communication across long distances, even in challenging environments with significant interference. By using existing wires NB-PLC does not require dedicated communication infrastructure, thus lowering installation and operational costs.

Why NB-PLC for telemetry in Mining, Drilling and Maritime application?

Integrating NB-PLC into EV chargers offers several key benefits:

  • Cost Efficiency: Because NB-PLC uses the existing power line infrastructure, it eliminates the need for separate communication cabling, reducing installation and maintenance costs.
  • Reliability: NB-PLC’s resilience to noise and interference on power lines makes it ideal for high-reliability applications like telemetry monitoring.
  • Long-Range Capability: NB-PLC can communicate over long distances. In “exploration” applications the connection is typically “dedicated” for delivering power so interference is typically limited, and the communication signal can often be “boosted” to assure any necessary range is achieved.
  • Co-existence: NB-PLC can co-exist with other PLC technologies or wireless technologies in case other applications need to be supported.

Technical Considerations for NB-PLC in Mining and Exploration Applications

In many cases the use of NB-PLC is ideal as the “down-hole,” or “remote equipment” MUST have a power delivered to operate. Using that dedicated powerline for the communication signal assures that “as long as there is power, there is communication.”   That said, the environment may create interference especially if the remote or “drill-head” include motors or other mechanical equipment.  For this reason, the system design should consider the kinds of data that need transmission and design a protocol that “protects” the most critical data using the most reliable communication modes.   Semitech’s technology is designed to be both frequency and bandwidth agile so that an application might at times use Semitech’s proprietary XXR modulation for the most critical data and choose higher bandwidth or standard protocols like G3-PLC when transmitting larger data sets.

Conclusion

NB-PLC allows for reliable, cost-effective communication between any type of electrical or mechanical equipment utilizing existing power lines. Through NB-PLC, mining and remote exploration applications can cost effectively gather telemetry data without an increased burden of equipment complexity and maintenance.

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Unlocking the Potential of Narrowband Power Line Communication (NB-PLC) in EV Charging Systems

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow rapidly, necessitating the development of efficient, reliable, and cost-effective EV charging infrastructure. Additionally, Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology allows an EV to act as a supplementary power source for a residential home. In a V2H setup, the EV battery discharges power back into the home’s electrical system, supporting energy needs during peak hours, outages, or as part of energy management strategies aimed at reducing electricity costs. Communication between EV chargers and grid systems and home energy management systems is critical for functions like dynamic load balancing, user authentication, remote monitoring, and real-time data exchange.

Narrowband Power Line Communication (NB-PLC) is an ideal solution for these requirements. NB-PLC can efficiently transmit data from existing power lines with no effect on the power transmission function of those same lines.  This makes it well-suited for cost-sensitive, high-reliability applications like EV charging.

What is Narrowband Power Line Communication (NB-PLC)?

Narrowband Power Line Communication (NB-PLC) refers to data transmission technology that operates over existing electrical power lines within a limited frequency range so that it functions without interfering with the same wires “power connection”. The resulting data rates are adequate for the needed monitoring and control application and provide an extremely stable connection, particularly in challenging environments where there may be significant interference. NB-PLC is particularly attractive for these EV-related applications due to its many advantages including cost efficiency, reliability, and long-range capability. 

Why NB-PLC is Perfect for EV Chargers

NB-PLC is cost-effective because it is utilizing existing power lines, eliminating the need for a separate communication system. It has proven to have robust performance in high-interference environments and provides adequate bandwidth for the implementation of global standards like IEC 61850 and OCPP to support compatibility and connectivity with different chargers and their management systems. 

Applications of NB-PLC in EV Charging

1. Load Management and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Integration

NB-PLC allows real-time communication with grid operators and optimizes charging rates to balance grid loads. This helps to ensure that the grid frequency remains stable, and voltage protocols are maintained to prevent overload. 

2. Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) Integration

NB-PLC enables seamless data exchange with a Home Energy Management System. If a problem is detected or there is a power outage, the charger can communicate through NB-PLC to switch the home’s source of power to the fully charged battery available in the connected EV.  For convenience and cost efficiency at times of high power costs, the home can similarly use the energy stored in the EV that was “purchased” at off-peak rates.  

3. Inter-Charger Communication

Intercharger communication is important and necessary to allow multiple chargers to connect with one another in order to manage power distribution more effectively. NB-PLC allows for enhanced load balancing across multiple chargers. In addition, data can be aggregated from multiple chargers to a single point that is then transferred to the cloud, providing a shared infrastructure that is more efficient and cost-effective.

4. User Authentication and Billing

Via NB-PLC, EV chargers installed in a public environment are able to identify users and authorize them in a streamlined fashion to ensure security. Additionally, this communication allows for a streamlined billing process, where data is transferred directly to backend systems, so users can receive accurate billing costs immediately. 

5. Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics

NB-PLC allows for real-time fault detection and predictive maintenance, which helps to extend charger lifespan through these remote firmware updates. This remote monitoring process is streamlined, making it more efficient and less error-prone. 

Technical Considerations for NB-PLC in EV Chargers

There are some technical considerations to keep in mind when using NB-PLC technology in EV chargers. Firstly, there can be significant interference and noise challenges from other power line devices impacting the data transmission quality, particularly in high interference spaces.  Secondly, it must be recognized that the instantaneous data rates are typically limited (~<500Kbps) and so the transfer of larger data sets must be planned with proper packet sizes and intervals. Lastly, it is essential to ensure compliance with regional and global standards to connect and work within a diverse EV infrastructure. 

NB-PLC and Advanced Protocol Integration

NB-PLC complements application layer protocols like OCPP by managing charging sessions, billing, and diagnostics through centralized systems. 

Future of EV Charging with NB-PLC

Electric car charging at an EV charging station

NB-PLC has an important role to play in advancing V2H and V2G technologies by building smarter and cost-effective energy systems. This role will expand in the coming years as we see the introduction of new, innovative technologies that help to make clean energy more efficient and cheaper. 

Conclusion

NB-PLC allows for reliable, cost-effective communication between EV chargers and various other power sources by utilizing existing power lines. Through NB-PLC, EV chargers can lower energy costs, enable user authentication, provide quality backup power in cases of power outages, and manage energy uses. As V2H and V2G technologies continue to advance over time, NB-PLC will play a major role in utilizing existing power lines for low-cost, stable communication resulting in more resilient home energy systems, and a more efficient EV charging system more generally. 

Semitech’s NB-PLC technology offers advanced communication features and long-range capabilities, while simultaneously complying with regional technology standards. Semitech is well equipped to ensure its clients are best able to benefit from this cutting-edge technology system in a cost-effective, efficient manner. Semitech professionals are well-trained in NB-PLC technology and can provide more information about this system in an accessible, transparent, and user-friendly manner. Through NB-PLC our clients are integrated into a diverse EV charging infrastructure which will thus allow them to excel in smart energy management systems, remote monitoring, and future-proof integration with V2H and V2G systems. 

Discover how Semitech’s NB-PLC technology can transform your EV charging systems by scheduling a call to speak with us.  Contact us today to learn more!