PLC telecommunications network analysis

Energy in the Cloud has technological and engineering capabilities focused on significantly improving the quality and reliability of Power Line Communications (PLC) used in smart metering and remote management systems. These systems enable data exchange between Data Concentrators (DCUs) installed at Distribution Substations and customer smart meters.
 

The PLC communication challenge

Using the electrical distribution network as a communication medium introduces several technical challenges:

• Variable electrical noise and interference.

• Signal attenuation caused by network topology and line conditions.

• Dynamic changes in customer loads.

• Non-linear and time-varying behavior that is difficult to predict.

These factors can degrade communication performance, reduce data transmission success rates, and impact the overall efficiency of smart metering systems.

Complex systems engineering applied to PLC

Energy in the Cloud applies systems engineering and analytical techniques to understand and optimize real-world PLC behavior.
 

1. Advanced PLC channel modeling

Mathematical models are developed to:

• Characterize noise and interference patterns.

• Analyze channel performance under different operating conditions and time periods.

• Assess the impact of low-voltage network topology on communications.

2. Communication data analytics

By processing data collected from DCUs and smart meters, Energy in the Cloud enables:

• Detection of communication quality degradation.

• Identification of recurring instability and failure patterns.

• Correlation between communication issues and actual grid conditions.

3. Optimization of PLC communications

Insights derived from analysis support strategies that:

• Adjust communication parameters.

• Improve data transmission success rates.

• Reduce retries, latency, and overall network load.

4. Operational decision support

The developed tools help utilities to:

• Prioritize maintenance actions in areas with poor PLC performance.

• Optimize DCU configuration and placement.

• Increase the overall availability and robustness of smart metering systems.

Key benefits for utilities and smart grid systems

Through these specialized capabilities, Energy in the Cloud helps:

• Increase the reliability of PLC communications.

• Improve smart metering service quality.

• Reduce operational costs by minimizing field interventions.

• Prepare distribution networks for future digitalization and smart grid evolution.