Evaluation of ZigBee Wireless Sensor Networks Under High Power Disturbances

The goal of the research presented in this paper is to investigate the reliability of ZigBee-based wireless sensor networks in transforming existing power systems into future smart grids. The performance of the communication network for a specific propagation environment, channel modulation, and frequency band is investigated. The high-power interrupting disturbances generated from harsh normal and abnormal operating conditions in a power system environment are investigated. Laboratory-simulated switching transient events have been generated under different conditions. The interruption limits due to the radio-frequency signals generated during high-power switching transients are defined for ZigBee coordinator and device units.