Hybrid PLC and LoRaWAN Smart Metering Networks: Modeling and Optimization

Abstract

The evolution toward the so-called smart grid (SG) needs to be supported by robust and cost-efficient advanced metering infrastructure. This article focuses on technology selection and gateway placement in hybrid SGs, wherein each smart meter (SM) is equipped with either a power line communication or a long-range wide area network protocol node to connect to its serving gateway. The latter is endowed with both technologies. In particular, we introduce an analytical framework to characterize the performance–cost tradeoffs using a multicriteria optimization approach. For each technology, a set of performance objective functions (i.e., sum-rate and max–min) has been derived based on the ergodic capacity, whereas the cost is represented by SG hardware expenses. Then, the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II has been exploited using an appropriate chromosome structure to provide the suitable access technology for each SM along with the optimal number and the placement of the serving GWs. Extensive numerical simulations have shown that hybrid solutions provide a good interplay between performance and investment costs, spurring the need to redefine the conventional SG designs traditionally operating in single communication technologies.