This paper investigates error performance of the narrow-band (NB) power-line carrier (PLC) communication system from a distribution system operator (DSO) perspective, with measurement data collected in the rural 400 V distribution grid. The performance evaluation is founded on the three aspects: attenuation of the NB PLC channel, frequency of the signal to noise ratio (SNR) class occurrence detected in a receiver and bit error rate (BER) analysis. The true BER is estimated from the limited amount of collected data using error model based on Neyman type A contagious distribution, appropriate for communication channels with impulsive noise. Results confirmed that PRIME-based NB PLC deployments for smart metering applications are adequate in rural distribution grids, even in cases with high attenuation and articulated frequency variations in a PLC channel. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eie.24.1.20149

Recent advances in the development of wearable sensors and smartphones open up opportunities for executing computing operations on the devices instead of using them for streaming raw d ...

This paper derives a model of high-voltage overhead power line under fault conditions at low radio frequencies. The derived model is essential for design of communication systems to reliably transfer information over high voltage power lines. In addition, the model can also benefit advanced systems for power-line fault detection and classification exploiting the phenomenon of changed conditions on faulted power line, resulting in change of low radio frequency signal propagation. The methodology used in the paper is based on the multiconductor system analysis and propagation of electromagnetic waves over the power lines. The model for the high voltage power line under normal operation is validated using actual measurements obtained on 400 kV power line. The proposed model of faulted power lines extends the validated power-line model under normal operation. Simulation results are provided for typical power line faults and typical fault locations. Results clearly indicate sensitivity of power-line frequency response on different fault types.