Hikma Shabani

Smart Zigbee/IEEE 802.15.4 MAC for wireless sensor multi-hop mesh networks

The future of Smart Grid is based on grid-integrated real-time communications between the grid elements of generation, transmission, distribution and loads. Due to Zigbee/IEEE 802.15.4 standards features such as low cost, low power, low data rate, short range, simplicity and free licensed spectrum which makes Zigbee-based wireless sensor networks (WSNs) the wireless technology of choice for smart grid applications. This paper focuses on the electricity distribution layer, ranging from Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) gateways at the house-hold to the distribution point where a multi-hop mesh network is built for large coverage data exchanges. Although beacon-based mode of operation is adopted in IEEE802.15.4 standard, it does not, however, specify any mechanism to enable beacon mode in mesh networks. Therefore, in this paper, the Zigbee/IEEE 802.15.4 MAC protocol is modified to suit the beacon-based wireless sensor multi-hop mesh networks application. Such network configuration is expected to proliferate in is smart grid auto-metering scenarios. A simulation model was built and validated using the network simulator (NS-2) and the preliminary results showed considerable enhancements as expected for the ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 MAC protocol.

Wireless communication techniques, the right path to Smart Grid distribution Systems: A review

The quality and reliability of electric power supply are the key indicators for the comfort of a society. Hence, to serve customers with high quality electricity, the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is being used in the distribution system (DS) for power monitoring and control. The SCADA is feed with operation data like current and voltage via Feeder_Remote Terminal_Units (FRTUs). The FRTUs are capable of triggering actions to detach the portion of DS experiencing an unusual condition. Nevertheless, the existing grids do not operate at their optimal capacity due to the usage of one way data communication installations. Thus, to optimize the operation of the legacy power distribution grids, the innovation of the state-of-the-art communication techniques play a vital role-leading to the creation of smart grid Systems. This paper reviews the development of wireless communication technologies envisioned as full-duplex information exchange medium in the on-going development of Smart Grid Systems.

Optimal throughput and self-adaptability of robust real-time IEEE 802.15.4 MAC for AMI Mesh network

A smart grid refers to a modernization of the electricity system that brings intelligence, reliability, efficiency and optimality to the power grid. To provide an automated and widely distributed energy delivery, the smart grid will be branded by a two-way flow of electricity and information system between energy suppliers and their customers. Thus, the smart grid is a power grid that integrates data communication networks which provide the collected and analysed data at all levels in real time. Therefore, the performance of communication systems is so vital for the success of smart grid. Merit to the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4std low cost, low power, low data rate, short range, simplicity and free licensed spectrum that makes wireless sensor networks (WSNs) the most suitable wireless technology for smart grid applications. Unfortunately, almost all ZigBee channels overlap with wireless local area network (WLAN) channels, resulting in severe performance degradation due to interference. In order to improve the performance of communication systems, this paper proposes an optimal throughput and self-adaptability of ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4std for smart grid.

Novel IEEE802.15.4 Protocol for Modern SCADA communication systems

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is a computer system for collecting and analysing data in almost real-time fashion for monitoring and control of electric powersystem applications. Thus, communication channels play a core role in SCADA systems implementation. The use of wireless sensor network (WSN) communication can, however, lead to a more flexible and powerful electric power systemprotection scenarios than the current used wired sensor. Hence, in order to provide a real-time data exchange in Low Voltage Smart Grid Distribution Systems and thus, predict a Real-time electric power system control, a Novel IEEE802.15.4 Protocol aimed atWSN for Modern SCADA Communication System is modeled in this paper. The protocol performance is evaluated using NS-2 Simulation and the preliminary results are encouraging.