Simulation-Based Evaluation of the Performance of Broadband over Power Lines with Multiple Repeaters in Linear Topology of Distribution Substations

Abstract

Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) is considered a promising communication technology in the concept of Smart Grids. This paper evaluates networks based on BPL, with a focus on the impact of repeaters in the linear topology of distribution substations. In large-scale Smart Grids network planning, positions of repeaters have to be carefully chosen. This article should help to determine such positions and limitations of BPL linear topology networks. Laboratory and on-field measurements and their results are presented in this article. Results show the impact of repeater’s deployment for different testing methodologies also with regard to other already presented studies. Measured values and the determined impacts of repeaters are later used as input data for simulation of the linear BPL topology in terms of network throughput with multiple streams and bottlenecks. These occur especially on lines shared by multiple communicating nodes. Furthermore, the simulation investigates the balancing time of multiple data streams throughput. The simulation shows that the throughput balancing can occupy a significant time slot, up to tens of seconds before the throughput of different streams balances. Also, the more data is generated, the more time the balancing time takes. Additionally, the throughput drop caused by a repeater is determined into the range of 35–60%. Based on the measurement and simulation results, lessons learned are presented, and possible performance improvements are discussed.

Web-Based Toolkit for Performance Simulation and Analysis of Power Line Communication Networks

“…Recently, attention has been also paid to other emerging applications. As a token of this, reference [44] focuses on the application of BPL to IoT, paying special attention to PHY aspects, and references [45,46] focus on applications of BPL for Smart Grids, thus being very related to SimBPL. In particular, reference [45] aims to evaluate by means of simulating how the throughput of BPL is influenced by channel conditions and the physical characteristics of the grid.…”

“…Regarding the similarities, both use license-free platforms, and the parameters that [45] conclude significantly influence the throughput (namely background noise, line length, number of branches, branch tap length, and terminal load branch impedance) are also considered in SimBPL. The authors of [46] aim to evaluate by means of simulation the impact of repeaters in the linear topology of distribution substations on BPL performance. To do so, laboratory and in-field tests are carried out, and the obtained results are used as inputs for the simulations.…”

“…To do so, laboratory and in-field tests are carried out, and the obtained results are used as inputs for the simulations. Reference [46] focuses on medium voltage and IEEE 1901, as SimBPL, although it uses ns-3 as a network simulator. Again, to the best of the authors' knowledge, all these tools do not provide a web-based interface to enable interacting easily with them remotely and are not designed for scaling up, as in the case of SimBPL.…”

Broadband Power Line Communication for Integration of Energy Sensors within a Smart City Ecosystem

“…For the highest set value of power −55 dBm/Hz, the transmission speed began to decrease at a distance of approximately 300 m; for lower values this decrease occurs earlier. It is important to note that in a real BPLC topology without repeaters, 300 m can be considered as the limit for stable communication [ 78 , 79 ]. An analogy to reducing performance may be to increase the background noise level.…”

Considerations in the design of electrical substations, including the effect of potential gradient on surrounding metallic structures

“…Para evitar la corrosión del CP y de la unión con la malla, deben considerarse sales minerales que se ionizan formando un electrolito sólido con el pH que varía entre 8 y 10. En subestaciones eléctricas en áreas urbanas, se contemplan las partes metálicas que pueden modificar la distribución de potencial eléctrico [36], [37], [38].…”