Evaluation of ZigBee technology for the communications system of Smart Grids

This paper presents an analysis of the ability of ZigBee technology and communications protocol to be used in Smart Grids. Count of the different usable technological possibilities for such applications is made; where it is determined that ZigBee is a good solution for different cases, which have been demonstrated in the literature. A field test study of a a ZigBee commercial device is done, using a methodology that can be extended to any other similar system. This study determined the limits of maximum distance under actual operating conditions in real environments, with conditions such as line of sight or obstructions. The behavior of these devices was also determined without confinement, with no metal enclosure and with metal enclosure. The study determined the distances where a satisfactory communications response was found, which are within the typical range of distances in Distribution Systems, leading to the conclusion that if the ZigBee technology is a good candidate for use in Smart Grids.