Broadband PLC for Clustered Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Architecture

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) subsystems monitor and control energy distribution through exchange of information between smart meters and utility networks. A key challenge is how to select a cost-effective communication system without compromising the performance of the applications. Current communication technologies were developed for conventional data networks with different requirements. It is therefore necessary to investigate how much of existing communication technologies can be retrofitted into the new energy infrastructure to cost-effectively deliver acceptable level of service. This paper investigates broadband power line communications (BPLC) as a backhaul solution in AMI. By applying the disparate traffic characteristics of selected AMI applications, the network performance is evaluated. This study also examines the communication network response to changes in application configurations in terms of packet sizes. In each case, the network is stress-tested and performance is assessed against acceptable thresholds documented in the literature. Results show that, like every other communication technology, BPLC has certain limitations; however, with some modifications in the network topology, it indeed can fulfill most AMI traffic requirements for flexible and time-bounded applications. These opportunities, if tapped, can significantly improve fiscal and operational efficiencies in AMI services. Simulation results also reveal that BPLC as a backhaul can support flat and clustered AMI structures with cluster size ranging from 1 to 150 smart meters

A Security Protocol for Advanced Metering Infrastructure in Smart Grid

In this paper, we propose a security protocol for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in smart grid. AMI is one of the important components in smart grid and it suffers from various vulnerabilities due to its uniqueness compared with wired networks and traditional wireless mesh networks. Our proposed security protocol for AMI includes initial authentication, secure uplink data aggregation/recovery, and secure downlink data transmission. Compared with existing researches in such area, our proposed security protocol let the customers be treated fairly, the privacy of customers be protected, and the control messages from the service provider be delivered safely and timely

A Security Protocol for Advanced Metering Infrastructure in Smart Grid

In this paper, we propose a security protocol for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in smart grid. AMI is one of the important components in smart grid and it suffers from various vulnerabilities due to its uniqueness compared with wired networks and traditional wireless mesh networks. Our proposed security protocol for AMI includes initial authentication, secure uplink data aggregation/recovery, and secure downlink data transmission. Compared with existing researches in such area, our proposed security protocol let the customers be treated fairly, the privacy of customers be protected, and the control messages from the service provider be delivered safely and timely

CleanTX Analysis on the Smart Grid

The utility industry in the United States has an opportunity to revolutionize its electric grid system by utilizing emerging software, hardware and wireless technologies and renewable energy sources. As electricity generation in the U.S. increases by over 30% from today’s generation of 4,100 Terawatt hours per year to a production of 5,400 Terawatt hours per year by 2030, a new type of grid is necessary to ensure reliable and quality power. The projected U.S. population increase and economic growth will require a grid that can transmit and distribute significantly more power than it does today. Known as a Smart Grid, this system enables two- way transmission of electrons and information to create a demand-response system that will optimize electricity delivery to consumers. This paper outlines the issues with the current grid infrastructure, discusses the economic advantages of the Smart Grid for both consumers and utilities, and examines the emerging technologies that will enable cleaner, more efficient and cost- effective power transmission and consumption.IC2 Institut