Simulations of network bottlenecks in smart grids

Abstract

Using power distribution infrastructure for communication channels is experiencing a renaissance in the context of Smart Grid landscape. Smart Grid objectives include the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the electricity supply chain, securing reliable electricity delivery, and using the existing electrical infrastructure more efficiently. Unfortunately, current power grid infrastructure sometimes cannot provide high quality transmission channel due to channel interference, node distance or delay caused by included repeaters. This is the reason why network bottlenecks can appear in specific parts of the communication chain. This situation can then prevent data from reaching the destination nodes or delay significantly its arrival. In this paper, authors propose simulation scenario where the network congestion in case of network bottleneck is observed. First, the attention is focused on the available simulation tools most commonly used in similar Smart Grid scenarios. Then simulation of the behaviour of data transmission with different throughput values of bottleneck channels is provided. Obtained transmission time and calculated throughput in created network topology are evaluated with respect to requirements to PLC communication within the Smart Grid.