IoT-Based Implementation of Field Area Network Using Smart Grid Communication Infrastructure

Abstract

A power grid is a network that carries electrical energy from power plants to customer premises. One existing power grid is going through a massive and revolutionary transformation process. It is envisioned to achieve the true meaning of technology as “technology for all.” Smart grid technology is an inventive and futuristic approach for improvement in existing power grids. Amalgamation of existing electrical infrastructure with information and communication network is an inevitable requirement of smart grid deployment and operation. The key characteristics of smart grid technology are full duplex communication, advanced metering infrastructure, integration of renewable and alternative energy resources, distribution automation and absolute monitoring, and control of the entire power grid. Smart grid communication infrastructure consists of heterogeneous and hierarchical communication networks. Various layers of smart grid deployment involve diverse sets of wired and wireless communication standards. Application of smart grids can be realized in the facets of energy utilization. Smart grid communication architecture can be used to explore intelligent agriculture applications for the proficient nurturing of various crops. The utilization, monitoring, and control of various renewable energy resources are the most prominent features of smart grid infrastructure for agriculture applications. This paper describes an implementation of an IoT-based wireless energy management system and the monitoring of weather parameters using a smart grid communication infrastructure. A graphical user interface and dedicated website was developed for real-time execution of the developed prototype. The prototype described in this paper covers a pervasive communication infrastructure for field area networks. The design was validated by testing the developed prototype. For practical implementation of the monitoring of the field area network, multiple sensors units were placed for data collection for better accuracy and the avoidance of estimation error. The developed design uses one sensor and tested it for IoT applications. The prototype was validated for local and wide area networks. Most of the present literature depicts a design of various systems using protocols such as IEEE 802.15.1 and IEEE 802.15.4, which either provide restricted access in terms of area or have lower data rates. The protocols used in developed system such as IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.3 provide ubiquitous coverage as well as high data rates. These are well-established and proven protocols for Internet applications and data communication but less explored for smart grid applications. The work depicted in this paper provides a solution for all three smart grid hierarchical networks such as home/field area networks, neighborhood area networks, and wide area networks using prototype development and testing. It lays a foundation for actual network design and implementation. The designed system can be extended for multiple sensor nodes for practical implementation in field area networks for better accuracy and in the case of node failure.