A PLC Channel Model for Home Area Networks
Date
2018
Authors
Fang, Xinyu
Wang, Ning
Gulliver, Thomas Aaron
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Energies
Abstract
Smart meters (SMs) are key components of the smart grid (SG) which gather electricity usage data from residences and businesses. Home area networks (HANs) are used to support two-way communications between SMs and devices within a building such as appliances. This can be implemented using power line communications (PLCs) via home wiring topologies. In this paper, a bottom-up approach is designed and a HAN-PLC channel model is obtained for a split-phase power system which includes branch circuits, an electric panel with circuit breakers and bars, a secondary transformer and the wiring of neighboring residences. A cell division (CD) method is proposed to construct the channel model. Furthermore, arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) circuit breaker models are developed. Several HAN-PLC channels are presented and compared with those obtained using existing models.
Description
Keywords
smart grid, home area network, cell division method, power line communications, channel model
Citation
Fang, X., Wang, N. & Gulliver, T.A. (2018). A PLC Channel Model for Home Area Networks. Energies, 11(12), 3344. https://doi.org/10.3390/en11123344