Performance assessment of OFDM-based narrowband PLC for advanced metering infrastructure

摘要

In this paper, the performance of actual Narrowband power line communications (NB-PLC) systems used in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is assessed. The study combines bit-rates estimations obtained from channel measurements with actual frame error rates obtained in a field trial. Performance achieved in rural, semiurban and urban environments is analyzed, along with the influence of the type of cables deployed in the underlying low voltage (LV) network. The structure of an AMI is strongly dependent on the number of customers connected to the medium voltage to low voltage (MV/LV) transformers. This number is so low in some regions of North and South America, that placing the data concentrator at the medium voltage (MV) side of the network is the most cost-effective solution. The feasibility of this solution in both the CENELEC-A and the FCC bands is investigated.