Role of Narrow-Band Low Data Rate Power Line Communication in Smart Grids and Noise Reduction Strategy

An effective design of Smart Grid (SG) must include robust combined sensing, efficient Communication and elegant control system, so a vigorous network is the core requirement of a Smart Grid keeping in view the concepts of sensor networks and electrical and topological properties of distribution system. Two-way communication is the most effective way of transceiving the data on both sides; towards Low Voltage (LV) side and towards Medium Voltage (MV) side, which is the basic property of a Smart Grid and has gained higher attraction of the utility companies. The paper enlightens the service of a SG as a communication infrastructure, linking smart meters through the Power Line Communication (PLC) network. PLC's are evolving as an appropriate medium for signal and information communication within Smart Grid application, especially for Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Home Area Network (HAN). Smart Meters and PLC's increase the strength of a Smart Grid as by providing robust two-way communication. For noise reduction this paper elaborates the clipping strategy and the use of equalizer which can reduce the effect of noise and attenuation in the channel signals in PLC's. Clipping is cutting of the amplitude of the received signal up till a predefined threshold value without changing the phase in order to reduce noise effects.