Power line modem evaluation possibilities in a smart grid test platform

VITO (Flemish Institute for Technological Research) has designed and installed a 150 kVA smart grid test platform to back up future smart grid research with nearly real-life situations. The test platform has a low voltage electrical distribution system(3×230 VAC or 3×400+N VAC) that integrates it's different energy research laboratories. The wiring can be done with cables in a flexible way close to real distribution grid conditions. This VITO test platform is able to emulate or simulate a smart grid access network with smart meters and several distributed power generators, energy storage and flexible loads. This paper will explore the power line modem evaluation and testing possibilities of this test platform. A first series is connected to creating a particular harsh communication environment with noise, low impedance and real cables. A second series of possible tests is related to functional testing, such as: dynamic topology changes, repeater functionality, configuration, traffic flow for particular applications, coexistence, etc. The paper also includes some first test platform screening tests on access impedance and transfer function (9-500 kHz).