Upgrading the Power Grid Functionalities with Broadband Power Line Communications: Basis, Applications, Current Trends and Challenges
Jon González-Ramos,
Noelia Uribe-Pérez,
Alberto Sendin,
David Gil,
David de la Vega,
Igor Fernández,
Ignacio Javier Núñez
Affiliations
Jon González-Ramos
Bilbao Engineering College, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48013 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Noelia Uribe-Pérez
TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, C/Astondo Bidea, Edificio 700, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
Alberto Sendin
Telecommunications Department, Iberdrola, 48003 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
David Gil
ZIV Automation, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia 210, 48170 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
David de la Vega
Bilbao Engineering College, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48013 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Igor Fernández
Bilbao Engineering College, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48013 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Ignacio Javier Núñez
TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, C/Astondo Bidea, Edificio 700, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
This article reviews the basis and the main aspects of the recent evolution of Broadband Power Line Communications (BB-PLC or, more commonly, BPL) technologies. The article starts describing the organizations and alliances involved in the development and evolution of BPL systems, as well as the standardization institutions working on PLC technologies. Then, a short description of the technical foundation of the recent proposed technologies and a comparison of the main specifications are presented; the regulatory activities related to the limits of emissions and immunity are also addressed. Finally, some representative applications of BPL and some selected use cases enabled by these technologies are summarized, together with the main challenges to be faced.
