A capability of power line communication for HEMS of smart grid on traditional home power grid in Thailand

This research was conducted on the ability of Power Line Communication (PLC) technology to communicate data for home energy management system through the traditional home electrical grids in Thailand. The study found that the Narrow-Band Power Line Communication (NB-PLC) is most suitable for smart home applications and safe for health of the residents. The results showed that the efficacy of PLC is mostly dependent on the service life time factor of the cables. The regression rate of signal level for the newest electric wire (1-15 years) is 83% lower than the oldest (30-45 years) and 47% lower than the middle life time (16-30 years). Also, the regression rate of signal level for the middle life time was 69% lower than the oldest wire. Whereby we could predict the signal level according to the changing length and service life time of electric cable. In this research, it was found that the carrier frequencies also are influence on the signal level of the power line communication. The signal level of KNX PL110 standard which used the frequency range 105 and 115 kHz is higher than the signal level of IDIS that used the frequency range 63.3 and 74.5 kHz and the regression of signal level of KNX PL110 standard is 68% lower than the IDIS standard. The experimental results also showed that baud rate "2400" is the best for power line communication because it generates more stable signal levels.