Lifetime analysis of wireless sensor nodes in different smart grid environments
Abstract
Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can help the
realization of low-cost power grid automation systems
where multi-functional sensor nodes can be used to monitor the critical parameters of smart grid components. The
WSN-based smart grid applications include but not limited
to load control, power system monitoring and control, fault
diagnostics, power fraud detection, demand response, and
distribution automation. However, the design and implementation of WSNs are constrained by energy resources.
Sensor nodes have limited battery energy supply and
accordingly, power aware communication protocols have
been developed in order to address the energy consumption
and prolong their lifetime. In this paper, the lifetime of
wireless sensor nodes has been analyzed under different
smart grid radio propagation environments, such as 500 kV
substation, main power control room, and underground
network transformer vaults. In particular, the effects of
smart grid channel characteristics and radio parameters,
such as path loss, shadowing, frame length and distance, on
a wireless sensor node lifetime have been evaluated.
Overall, the main objective of this paper is to help network
designers quantifying the impact of the smart grid
propagation environment and sensor radio characteristics
on node lifetime in harsh smart grid environments.
