A Review of Wireless and PLC Propagation Channel Characteristics for Smart Grid Environments

Abstract

Wireless, power line communication (PLC), fiber optic, Ethernet, and so forth are among the communication technologies on which smart grid communication infrastructure is envisioned to be built. Among these, wireless and PLC-based solutions are attractive considering the cost of initial deployment. Wireless communication deployment in smart grid covers a variety of environments such as indoor, outdoor, and electric-power-system facilities. Similar diversity is expected in PLC deployment as well covering low voltage (LV), medium voltage (MV), and high voltage (HV) segments of the grid. In spite of being attractive, wireless and PLC channels are very harsh posing great challenges to performance of communication systems. In proposing solutions to smart grid communication needs, two approaches are likely to be followed. One is based on the use of existing wireless and PLC technologies with some modifications, and the other relies upon developing novel communication protocols particularly addressing the smart grid needs. Both of these approaches require an in-depth knowledge of communication channel characteristics. The aim of this study is to reveal the wireless and PLC channel characteristics of smart grid environments in terms of several parameters such as path loss and attenuation, time dispersion, time selectivity, amplitude statistics, and noise characteristics.

Cognitive Radio for Smart Grids: Survey of Architectures, Spectrum Sensing Mechanisms, and Networking Protocols

“…Among wired communication technologies, powerline communication is a natural candidate, as it utilizes the existing wiring infrastructure for distributing the electrical power. However, electromagnetic interference is a major challenge for powerline communication [13], [14]. The continuous developments in wireless networking technology make wireless networking suitable for many SG applications, eliminating the installation of wires.…”

“…The electrical wiring loops in coils can act as antennas that radiate electromagnetic waves which can interfere with wireless communication [111]. In particular, impulse noise and high power transients, e.g., from switching power electronics components, can disrupt wireless communications [14], [15], [112]- [117]. Moreover, the wireless communication from indoor appliances…”

“…Thus, there is a need to investigate the parameter selection problem as well as algorithms and protocols for optimal parameter selection for future CR-based SG applications. Due to presence of multiple communication techniques, different radio propagation models have to be integrated into performance analysis schemes to study link budget and network capacity for the expected SG traffic [14], [120].…”

Performance Analysis of PLC over Fading Channels with Colored Nakagami-m Background Noise

“…The amplitude fading statistics in PLC environments are not well established compared to wireless communications. A vast number of measurement results show that statistical distributions such as Rayleigh, Rician, and lognormal are recommended for defining the path amplitudes in PLC channels [6]. In our analysis, we will assume that the amplitude follows Rayleigh distribution, which was found to be the best fit for a wealth of PLC field measurements [7]- [11].…”

Capacity Analysis of PLC over Rayleigh Fading Channels with Colored Nakagami-m Additive Noise

“…The amplitude fading statistics in PLC environments are not well established compared to wireless communications. A vast number of measurement results show that distributions such as Rayleigh, Rician, and lognormal are recommended for defining the path amplitudes in PLC channels [7]. In our analysis, we will assume the amplitude following Rayleigh distribution, which was found to be the best fit for a wealth of PLC field measurements [8]- [12].…”