Selection of the Optimal Smart Meter to Act as a Data Concentrator with the Use of Graph Theory

Abstract

Changing the construction of mart Meter (SM) devices, more specifically equipping them with more than one communication module, facilitates the elimination of a Transformer Station Data Concentrator (TSC) module, moving its function to one of the SMs. The opportunity to equip a chosen device in an additional communication module makes it possible to use it as an acquisition node. The introduction of this solution creates a problem with the optimum selection of the above-mentioned node out of all the nodes of the analyzed network. This paper suggests the criterion of its location and, as per the criterion, the way of conduct using the elements of the graph theory. The discussion is illustrated with the examples of the possibility to use the method for the optimization of the architecture of the network. The described method makes it possible to choose the location of a backup acquisition node as well as locate intermediary nodes (signal repeaters) in case of a failure (removal) of some SM devices. In the era of the common introduction of dispersed telemetric systems requiring an adequate level of performance and reliability of information transmission, the offered method can be used for the optimization of the structures of Smart Grids.