Identification of customers served by distribution transformer using power line carrier technology

In this paper, a narrow-band power line carrier (PLC) based identifier has been designed and developed to support the on line identification of customers served by each distribution transformer. To investigate the transmission characteristics of power line carrier signal over low voltage distribution lines, the mathematical model of distribution components such as transformers, low voltage conductors, customer appliances, etc. at PLC carrier frequency are derived and included in the computer simulation. The two port network is used to represent the low voltage distribution systems and Matlab/Simulink is applied for the analysis of PLC signal attenuation from the secondary side of transformer to the customer locations. After completing the development of PLC based identifier, the field test of a commercial building has been executed. The PLC signal strength and the noise level have been measured to verify the effectiveness of the identifier to determine the connectivity of distribution transformer and the customers served without requiring power service interruption.