Experimental Measurements of Communication Technologies for Mesh Distribution Networks of Low Voltage

Abstract

For future smart grids, meshed or interconnected grids of low voltage should be important. Low voltage grids are mostly structured as an open ring or radial power distribution network. Meshed or interconnected grid topologies bring higher reliability, higher voltage stability and lower losses, but these mesh grids are more expensive than traditional topologies and their operation is much more complicated. The first part of the article provides a survey of possible communication technologies for mesh power distribution networks and particular Smart Grid applications. The second part of the article focuses on on-field experimental measurements of particular communication technologies suitable for deployment in mesh power distribution networks.