Sensors (Jun 2022)

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

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/s22124348
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22, no. 12
p. 4348

Abstract

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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.

Keywords