A review on the empirical characterization of the low voltage distribution grid as a communication channel for power line communications

Abstract

The electrical grid was not designed for the transmission of communication signals, which are affected by impedance variations, attenuation, and Non-Intentional Emissions (NIEs) in their propagation through the Low Voltage (LV) distribution grid. For this reason, the characterization of the electrical grid as a transmission medium is of vital importance for the correct development of Power Line Communications (PLC) technologies and the optimization of the opportunities offered by the LV distribution grid as a communication infrastructure. This paper deals with the state-of-the-art, challenges to be faced and future work of the characterization based on field trials in real scenarios. First, the features of Narrowband Power Line Communications (NB-PLC) and Broadband Power Line Communications (BB-PLC) technologies are outlined, including a brief comparison between the already developed NB-PLC protocols and providing an overview of the evolution of BB-PLC. Then, the parameters to be measured on the characterization of the LV grid are described, in addition to including the particularities and problems of the measurement systems designed for this aim. Finally, the state of the art and future work concerning the characterization of the outdoor LV grid as a transmission medium based on field trials are gathered.