Testing Methodology for Performance Evaluation of Communication Systems for Smart Grid

The paper presents a methodology proposal for testing and evaluation of communication systems in Smart Grids, especially for Power Line Communication (PLC) systems. The PLC technology is widely used in power grid as a part of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) allowing mainly data transfers between a management system at utility and customer-premises smart meters. However, the PLC technology on medium voltage (MV) lines is often used for remote control and monitoring of distribution transformers as well. Since power grid and consequently power lines have different transmission parameters affected by their placement and potentially burdened by interferences, the PLC systems have to be evaluated on site before placed to production. In this paper, authors propose a methodology for long-term benchmarking of the PLC systems using newly developed testing tools. The methodology is subsequently tested on real power grid and a selection of results is presented.