SA-WSN

Spectrum-Aware and Reliable Wireless Sensor Networks for Europe’s Future Electricity Networks and Power Systems

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'In this proposal, a Spectrum-Aware and Cross-layer Communication framework is proposed to realize efficient wireless sensor networking for currently envisioned smart grid applications. The proposed framework is a complete cross-layering such that the functionalities of traditional communication layers are melted in a customized cross-layer communication module for resource-limited sensor nodes to decrease the overhead and improve performance of traditional layered approaches. It also uses spectrum-aware spectrum access techniques to achieve a more efficient spectrum utilization by adapting to the availability of communication resources in harsh power system environments, which varies greatly with location, time and frequency because of obstructions, node contentions, RF interference and extreme noise. The specific goals of this project are: 1) Development of accurate analytical models to capture the characteristics of the wireless channel in power system environments; 2) Design of cross-layer & cognitive communication solutions enabling efficient utilization of the wireless channel, thus providing researchers with building blocks to ensure QoS for the envisioned applications; 3) Experimental verification of models and protocols with field tests; 4) To bridge the performance gap between sensor networking theory and real-world smart grid deployments by using an interdisciplinary research approach and international collaborations. Overall, this project will enable the PI to advance the field of wireless sensor networking and smart electric power grid applications as well as educating and inspiring the next generation of engineers in Europe. To this end, it addresses research, educational,and community service goals of IRG FP7 Work Program. Also, this research grant will help the PI to contribute to the European utility industry’s competitiveness, success of the European host university, and to become an integral part of the European research community.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

EU-funded scientists developed innovative approaches for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to enable efficient next-generation electric power systems.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Smart-grid applications require reliable and efficient communication capabilities. Distributed sensor networks enable the cost-effective management of energy but harsh and extreme environments pose great challenges in wireless communications reliability.

To address this need, the EU-funded project http://akademik.bahcesehir.edu.tr/~cgungor/sawsn.html (SA-WSN) developed a spectrum-aware and cross-layer communication framework to realise efficient sensor networking. Functionalities of traditional communication layers are melted in a customised cross-layer communication module that helps decrease overheads and improve performance. Moreover, cognitive spectrum access techniques enable more efficient spectrum utilisation by adapting to the communication resource availability.

Scientists developed accurate analytical wireless channel models in different power system environments. In-depth analyses of wireless link reliability revealed spatio-temporally varying spectrum characteristics because of electromagnetic interference, equipment noise or dynamic topology changes. The project team also found that link quality estimators that take into account link asymmetry exhibit the best performance in harsh smart-grid environments.

The received signal strength was found to greatly fade over distance. Depending on the environmental characteristics, it may exhibit random behaviour for a given distance. Furthermore, analyses revealed that packet reception rate values in smart grid environments are volatile and fluctuate between 0 and 100 %. The decrease rate in packet reception was found to increase proportionally with transitional region size.

Project results were published in several peer-reviewed journals.

Potential applications of the proposed cognitive sensor network platform include automatic metering, remote power system monitoring and control, electricity fraud detection and equipment fault diagnostics. Importantly, these applications should lead to new products and processes that will improve efficiency and sustainable energy resource use. This should provide Europe with a competitive edge in the global market place.