Optimizing the Rollout for Powerline Communication Infrastructure in Low Voltage Distribution Grids

Powerline Communication (PLC) gains increasing applicability for the transmission of smart metering data and other applications in the field of smart grids due to its ability to transfer data over the existing infrastructure. A planning process based on the topology of the existing power grid is required for an efficient rollout of PLC infrastructure. In order to optimally plan the rollout of the PLC infrastructure, we develop a planning tool that works with physical parameters from laboratory and field tests, the grid topology and the information and communication requirements in the given grid section as input parameters. For the first time, the planning tool will combine power grid and communication network planning in one application. Initial results from preliminary studies show that a reduced use of PLC repeaters is sufficient for complete communication coverage in the given grid and that the data rate can be increased at the same time.