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Characterization of fixed wireless channels for use in distribution automation networks

University of British Columbia

Distribution Automation (DA) is the use of advanced communications network infrastructure in combination with intelligent power equipment and intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) in substations and on distribution feeders to monitor, protect and control the electrical power distribution network. Because wireless networks are generally less expensive, easier to deploy and more resilient than alternatives such as fibre-optic and power line carrier (PLC) networks, they have attracted considerable interest from DA network designers. However, designers must take careful account of the manner in which: 1) the useful range of the links between wireless devices impacts the formation of wireless networks, 2) the depth of fading varies across the range of frequencies available to power utilities for use in such networks, and 3) the degree of shadow fading varies as the height of wireless devices used in such networks rise from pedestrian to pole-top level. Here we show that: 1) the manner in which the distribution assets in BC Hydro's electrical power distribution network are geographically distributed affects the ease with which such assets can be formed into either conventional base-station-to-pole-top fixed wireless macrocell networks or pole-top-to-pole-top fixed wireless mesh networks, 2) the depth of fading experienced on fixed wireless macrocell channels is generally proportional to the carrier frequency and 3) the degree of shadow fading experienced on fixed wireless macrocell channels often increases as the terminal height is raised from pedestrian to pole-top level. These results will help power utilities design reliable and cost-effective wireless networks in support of DA.

Text

2011-05-04

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/34241

Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/