Adaptive error control in wireless sensor networks under harsh smart grid environments

Purpose - High packet error rates and variable link capacity due to harsh electric power system environments make reliable communication a challenging task for WSN in smart grid. Therefore, to increase network reliability and hence, to improve smart grid system performance, there is an urgent need for reliable communication protocols. The purpose of this paper is to propose an Adaptive Forward Error Correction (AFEC) mechanism for different smart grid environments, including 500 kV outdoor substation and underground transformer vaults, to address these challenges. Design/methodology/approach - This paper presents the comparative performance evaluations of proposed AFEC mechanism for different smart grid environments. Simulation experiments have been performed by extending the ns-2 network simulator. It also introduces existing and potential smart grid applications, research challenges, and opportunities of smart grid. Findings - Comparative performance evaluations show that the proposed AFEC mechanism achieves high communications reliability without causing unnecessary network overhead. Also the advantages of existing smart grid applications have been presented. Originality/value - The paper shows that high communications reliability without causing unnecessary network overhead has been achieved. Also comprehensive reviews of WSN smart grid applications have been presented.