Measurements and channel modeling of low and medium voltage nb-plc networks for smart metering

This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of smart metering system based on narrowband power line communications (NB-PLC) by using low-voltage (LV) and mediumvoltage (MV) power line channels. The LV and MV networks of two different sites are selected to carry out comprehensive field measurements to investigate the characteristics of NB-PLC channels for narrowband frequencies. The NB-PLC channels of both sites are classified into two categories, that is, bad and good channels of LV and MV networks by considering their characteristics and performance. On the basis of measured results, the simulation models for the modeling of LV and MV NB-PLC channels are developed and thus proposed. The measured and simulated results are compared to validate the efficiency of proposed methods. A state of the art mechanism for the modelling of capacitative coupling device and impedances of LV and MV networks is developed. It is proposed that simulation-based NB-PLC channel models and analyses can play a vital role in examining the residential and industrial types of channels. This research work will pave the way to standardize the future smartmetering equipment and sensing devices of power system protection.