4G/LTE technology for smart grid communication infrastructure

The smart grid concept has emerged as a new trend to operate and manage the electric power systems more effective and efficient in recent years as different from centralized and distributed power systems. In this concept, the electric energy consumption is optimized by using an advanced automation system which needs more information about the power system elements from generation units to end-users and controls them in light of this information. Undoubtedly, receiving and transmitting of this information requires two-way, high speed, reliable and secure communication infrastructure. In this study, Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology and its usage in smart grid infrastructure are investigated. Additionally, the challenges for using 4G/LTE in smart grid applications are also discussed.