The modeling of power line for PLC in smart grids

Power Line Communication (PLC) technology refers to a data transmission method using the distribution power grid. It is not a technology that would be predetermined for “Smart Grid” systems. The use of PLC technology is at the moment obviously in the field of “the last mile”. Nowadays, this technology has some problematic parts. It is therefore appropriate to focus on theoretical analysis and to research on improvements on the basis of suitable mathematical models. Two approaches to modelling are presented, the first model with multi-path signal transmission and the second model with two-port described by cascade parametres. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, a proposal of the suitable algorithm is presented to determine the exact topology of the line, transfer function and noise ratio on the line which suitably complements the models of the lines when it is not enough to estimate transfer function from the length of the line or to estimate transfer function on the basis of the topology size and random generating of the parametres.