On the Exploitation of Admittance Measurements for Wired Network Topology Derivation

Abstract

Abstract-The knowledge of the topology of a wired network is often of fundamental importance. For instance, in the context of Power Line Communications (PLC) networks it is helpful to implement data routing strategies, while in power distribution networks and Smart Micro Grids (SMG) it is required for grid monitoring and for power flow management. In this paper, we use the transmission line theory to shed new light and to show how the topological properties of a wired network can be found exploiting admittance measurements at the nodes. An analytic proof is reported to show that the derivation of the topology can be done in complex networks under certain assumptions. We also analyze the effect of the network background noise on admittance measurements. In this respect, we propose a topology derivation algorithm that works in the presence of noise. We finally analyze the performance of the algorithm using values that are typical of power line distribution networks.

Novel Grid Topology Estimation Technique Exploiting PLC Modems

“…Differently from [3], [4], both the distances between the PLC nodes and the topological information are learned in a single-step algorithm, which saves operational time and limits the error propagation. In particular, we rely on the theorem demonstrated in [5], which states:…”

“…For example, in the Cenelec A band the injected power is in the order of -15 dBm, while the PLC background noise ranges from -70 dBm to -90 dBm [6], so that the SNR is higher than 55 dB. Moreover, the admittance measurement noise is directly related to the classical voltage noise, so that the admittance-to-noise ratio (ANR) can be greater than the SNR, depending on the transmitter output admittance [5]. Hence, with a proper tuning of the transmitter admittance, the minimum ANR can reach values up to 85-90 dB.…”

Topology-Based Machine Learning: Predicting Power Line Communication Quality in Smart Grids

“…Topology can be estimated by a node by exploiting measurements of load admittance [34], since the relation between distance and measured load admittance in another point of the network can be expressed in closed form. The measurable distance between nodes pertains to a range related to the frequency bands used for communication -e.g.…”

Machine Learning Tips and Tricks for Power Line Communications

“…In other words, PLC transceivers can act as probes for grid diagnostics by analyzing the electromagnetic field and the data traffic in the PLC frequency bands [11]. Possible applications of PLC for grid sensing are topology reconstruction [138], [139] and anomalies detection, i.e., fault detection, cable aging, load identification [140]- [142]. The former application enables grid operators to better the knowledge about the grid configuration, the status of switches and feeders which is not always complete especially in the LV part of the access network.…”