Field demonstrations of communication systems for distribution automation, Phase 2. Final report

The system was designed to provide metering information on the distribution system using bidirectional carrier communications on the distribution lines. A computer at the dispatch control center controlled the system. The computer stored, for later analysis, data collected from the remote terminals. Signal propagation measurements were made at 500 homesites and at 3 primary feeder locations on the distribution system prior to formal system operation. The ability to communicate with each remote device for each attempt averaged over 96 percent, over the six-month operational period. When the distribution circuits were sectionalized to the two alternate configurations, the communication performance remained virtually the same. Functional performance, data collection for all functions, exceeded 99 percent. The project demonstrated that power-line carrier will satisfy communication requirements for automated distribution.