Transmission performance estimation of power line communication systems on distribution networks

In recent years, evolution in terms of design and service of the electric distribution networks are mainly due to the increase customer consumption and the emergence of new technologies such as renewable energy, electric and hybrids vehicles. The lack of control over these new constraints in the future may lead technical and financial problems. Therefore, establishing a supervision strategy offering a more advanced knowledge of distribution networks is an interesting alternative compared to an expensive strengthening of current networks. The use of Power Line Communication (PLC) technologies for supervision of distribution networks presents a significant advantage. Nevertheless, distribution networks have not been developed to transmit high frequencies signals and present difficult propagation conditions. This paper presents an approach to study electric and telecom part on the PLC transmission chain. The proposed approach is based on modeling and measurement on typical electric distribution networks really exploited by an electric provider. This will allow distribution network operators to employ and position, at best, the PLC systems on their distribution networks.