Abstract
To implement the access and backhaul networks for Smart Metering (SM) systems various technologies are combined with the existing communications infrastructure. This paper deals with data transmission in SM systems, focusing on how the existing cellular networks infrastructure is employed to implement SM access communication networks. The analysis aims at analyzing the role of the cellular communications infrastructure taking into account the spatial distribution and installation points of the smart meters, the urban and topological characteristics of the SM deployment areas and the common practice so far followed by the utilities. It is demonstrated that cellular communications, either exclusively or combined with power line communications, enable immediate and scalable deployment of SM access communication networks at low installation cost, thus constituting the basic option for the implementation of smart metering.
Highlights
The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) enables the collection of billing data and critical measurements concerning the power grid based on automated two-way communication between Smart Meters (SMs) or Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and the utilities
In addition to effectively supporting the communications of Smart Metering (SM) systems, the capacity offered by 3G or 4G cellular networks is found sufficient for the support of additional smart grid or smart home services
To provide an indicative dimensioning of 3G based SM access networks that allow for both Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD), let us assume that 16SMs (n = 4) are simultaneously served, which results in an uplink transmission rate equal to 15 ×16 = 240 kbps
Summary
The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) enables the collection of billing data and critical measurements concerning the power grid based on automated two-way communication between Smart Meters (SMs) or Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and the utilities. The communications technologies and standards related to smart metering are presented in [2], where communication technologies candidate for the SM access communications network, such as ZigBee, power line communications (PLC), cellular communications technologies, etc., are discussed and compared with regard to the services supported, the coverage and data rates offered, and the relevant performance limitations. The relevant analysis, presented in this paper, shows that cellular networks, either exclusively or combined with PLC transmission via the LV grid, offer effective implementation of SM access networks as they provide immediate SM system deployment at low installation cost by exploiting the already existing infrastructure.
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