An integrated device for optimised power line communication and measurement on smart grids

This paper details the theory, development and implementation of an integrated monitoring device for use on HV overhead lines. Uniquely, the devices use an optimised form of Power Line Communication to enable a low latency communication network. It has been shown that “off the shelf” chips are not appropriate for “burst-like” communication´ and modifications need to be made to existing modulation schemes to cope with the severe channel impairments on the HV network. A modulator/demodulator has been designed and developed, and a bespoke multiplexing scheme ensures that a message can be received from each device in a large network in a short period of time.