Design of smart grid in an University Campus using ZigBee mesh networks

In order to eliminate the problems associated with the conventional grids, smart grids are coming into existence nowadays. One of the advantages of smart grid is that it can utilize both conventional and non conventional sources of energy to meet the load demands and sends the monitored data to control station in digital form. ZigBee has been identified earlier as the one of the most suitable wireless technology for Home Area Networks (HAN) of smart grid. Mesh network topology provides the secure and reliable means of data transmission in case of ZigBee network to be implemented in smart grid. In this work, a smart grid network has been designed to be developed in Jadavpur University Saltlake Campus, Kolkata (22.5733°N, 88.4137°E). The wireless sensor nodes have been identified in different areas of the campus and the load of different buildings has been monitored. Solar and wind power system controlled by WSN technologies has been also installed to meet the excess load demands. A central control station will monitor the load distribution throughout the campus and hence will make load leveling possible. Optimum numbers of wireless nodes have been planned to ensure that all the buildings are covered along with continuous and reliable data delivery to the control station. Dijkstra's algorithm has been chosen for initial test purpose which has been planned to be replaced by a more energy efficient algorithm in the future.