The Importance of Power Line Communication in Smart Grid Operation

Power line communication (PLC) (i.e. the sending of data over the existing power cables) plays an important role in smart grid operation; Power line communication networks can access smart meters that are connected to feeders, the smart meter receives a signal coming from the transformer which is electrically connected to it. This helps to identify the MV/LV transformer that is connected to the different smart meters.

Transformers connectivity is important, not only because the utility can understand which customers are to get disconnected when a transformer fails, but to properly balance the load of the transformers, when customers are connected usually through either three or single phase. In the absence of this information, utility procedures restrict themselves to try to connect single-phase customers randomly to each transformer, feeder or phase. However, this technique is not optimal to balance the load of the transformer, and the connectivity of customers (meters) to transformer, feeder and phase is required.

With the development of smart-metering systems, the disconnection of part of the grid is directly translated in the non-availability of the installed smart meters. If the utility is able to manage the data coming from its smart meters and the status of the smart meters is reported in real time, outage information is available. Power line communication technology facilitates the management the data from smart meters which is used in outage monitoring.

Also read: Power System Protection

Remotely controllable elements are usually presence in the LV grid. Some of these elements are LV elements to control the LV grid itself. A case in point is the LV grid switch, to mechanically connect LV feeders to different substations. The remote control in LV grid is made possible by power line communication technology.

Also read: Types of Busbar Arrangements in Grid Stations and Substations