Abstract
The modernization of the distribution grid requires a huge amount of data to be transmitted and handled by the network. The deployment of Advanced Metering Infrastructure systems results in an increased traffic generated by smart meters. In this work, we examine the smart meter traffic that needs to be accommodated by a real distribution system. Parameters such as the message size and the message transmission frequency are examined and their effect on traffic is showed. Limitations of the system are presented, such as the buffer capacity needs and the maximum message size that can be communicated. For this scope, we have used the parameters of a real distribution network, based on a survey at which the European Distribution System Operators (DSOs) have participated. For the smart meter traffic, we have used two popular specifications, namely the G3-PLC–“G3 Power Line communication” and PRIME–acronym for “PoweRline Intelligent Metering Evolution”, to simulate the characteristics of a system that is widely used in practice. The results can be an insight for further development of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems that control and monitor the Low Voltage (LV) distribution grid. The paper presents an analysis towards identifying the needs of distribution networks with respect to telecommunication data as well as the main parameters that can affect the Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) system performance. Identifying such parameters is consequently beneficial to designing more efficient ICT systems for Advanced Metering Infrastructure.
Highlights
The traditional electricity grid is undergoing significant changes and it is evolving to cope with the constantly growing technological demands
We examined the maximum number of users that could be handled by the system for a specific message size and frequency, provided that the number of users is not given by the representative networks
To complete the picture of a realistic distribution network and the smart meter traffic it creates, we examine the case where smaller frame sizes are used from the G3-PLC specification
Summary
The traditional electricity grid is undergoing significant changes and it is evolving to cope with the constantly growing technological demands. In this work we examine the smart meter data traffic that is communicated up to the data concentrator in a real distribution system and all the parameters of such a system are considered. We simulated the traffic arriving at the data concentrator if the G3-PLC or the PRIME solution is used as the telecommunication techniques These technologies are used, since they are both the most popular methods used widely in practice. The diversity could be because the message size and the frequency of transmission depend highly on the way smart meter data are planned to be used by the energy provider, which is by definition a procedure that alters according to current needs.
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