Segment wise communication delay measurement for Smart Grid applications

In order to meet the communication delay requirements of various message types when developing applications for the Smart Grid (SG), selection of appropriate communication technology is crucial and requires network segment-wise delay characterization under different network conditions. Thus, this paper presents a segment-wise communication delay measurement technique and experimental results for SG applications. In this technique, an Arduino based test bed is developed to characterize communication delays across multiple hops using different communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and cellular communication. This test bed is customized for the measurement of the delay involved in several network segments between remotely deployed photovoltaic (PV) panels and monitoring locations. Extensive delay measurement tests are conducted with varying data packet sizes under various controlled background traffic conditions, including Internet traffic. The test results can be used to infer the suitability of various communication technologies under diverse network conditions. For example, Ethernet technology provides minimum and predictable delay and is therefore suitable for safety critical messaging to be sent locally.