Power line communication for monitoring small electricity generating plant

The Small Electricity Generating Plant (SEGP), like wind power, hydroelectric power and hybrid power systems can been used as alternative to generate cleaner and renewable energy. In Brazil the SEGPs are installed in rural areas which it should be supervised from an remote OCC (Operational Control Center). The communication between SEGP and OCC is an important to assure integrity of the transmission of electric energy, then Smart Grid concepts should be considered in the requirements for controlling and monitoring of SEGP. This paper evaluates PLC narrowband as a data communication technology to use for SEGP monitoring due to availability of data channels in rural areas.