Evolution of Communication Technologies for Smart Grid applications

The idea of Smart Grid has started to evolve more rapidly with the enhancement in Communication Technologies. Two way communication is a key aspect in realizing Smart Grids and is easily possible with the help of modern day advancements in both wired and wireless communication technologies. This paper discusses some of the major communication technologies which include IEEE specified ZigBee, WiMAX and Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) technologies, GSM 3G/4G Cellular, DASH 7 and PLC (Power Line Communications), with special focus on their applications in Smart Grids. The Smart Grid environments and domains such as Home Area Automation, Substation Automation, Automated Metering Infrastructure, Vehicle-to-Grid Communications, etc. are considered as priority areas for developing smarter grids. The advancements, challenges and the opportunities present in these priority areas are discussed in this paper. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.