Panel Session II. PLC issues in emerging countries: technical and economical factors for the developments of potential PLC markets

This paper presents a model proposed by GITUN Group (Telecommunications Research Group of the National University of Colombia) about using Colombian low voltage distribution lines as data transmission channel for Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) applications. Residential energy electromechanical meter, reading and transmission data are studied, also electrical noise measurement and simulations are developed for Colombian low voltage distribution lines (117VAC Phase-Neutral 60Hz) which affects data transmission using PLC in AMR. Laboratory essays and one real essays over one energized power network with real user connected permit to find the communications channel model and noise effects, which is simulated using MATLAB and ATP to determine technical possibility of the use of AMR system via PLC in Colombia, and both compared. Finally, involved PLC regulations in Colombia are shown as the same as technical and economical benefits.