Abstract
Currently, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems have equipped the low voltage section with a communication system that is being used mainly for metering purposes, but it can be further employed for additional applications related to the Smart Grid (SG) concept. This paper explores the potential applications beyond metering of the available channel in a Power Line Communication-based AMI system. To that end, IP has been implemented over Narrow Band-Power Line Communication (NB-PLC) in a real microgrid, which includes an AMI system. A thorough review of potential applications for the SG that might be implemented for this representative case is included in order to provide a realistic analysis of the potentiality of NB-PLC beyond smart metering. The results demonstrate that existing AMI systems based on NB-PLC have the capacity to implement additional applications such as remote commands or status signals, which entails an added value for deployed AMI systems.
Highlights
Most of the existing research works that address grid improvements without communication focus on automation issues and local control tasks [1,2,3]
The obtained latency results are in line with the latency requirements of the applications whose data the obtained latency results are in line with the latency requirements of the applications whose data rates vary between bps and a few kbps
In contrast to existing works that address applications in Smart Grid (SG) focusing on their requirements or on the features of each particular technology, this work analyzes the potential applications to be supported by existing communication deployments
Summary
A proper communication infrastructure enables the electric system to increase its efficiency to a much greater extent than automation without communication capacities could ever do [4] In this context emerges the concept of the Smart Grid (SG), which highly relies on the introduction of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for its success. There is a wide range of research works endorsing this concept, including the definition of applications for the SG and their requirements [5,6,7] These applications are supported by bidirectional communication systems that must meet the needs of each specific application: technical aspects such as data rate, latency, reliability, coverage range, and security. Other factors such as the deployment cost, the integration with legacy technologies, the grid distribution system arrangements, and specific deployment strategies from the involved stakeholders must be addressed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
