VDE, the German Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies recommends in a paper a 450MHz wireless network based on LTE for smart grid and smart metering communication. Authors include members from Deutsche Telekom, Siemens and Germany’s two largest utilities E.ON and RWE.

 

Thursday 9 April 2015 | 14:25 CET | News

 VDE, the German Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies, released the position paper ‘Communication network for the smart grid’ on the subject of the change of load flows in the electricity distribution network. The paper shows that a combination of B-PLC Power Line Communication via the low-voltage energy network infrastructure with an industry-specific wireless network at an operating frequency of 450 MHz on LTE basis is currently the best and most sustainable solution for the required energy information network.

This network could be used as an access network for local grid nodes of the energy network, and the final connection operated by Powerline Communication. This technology alternatively allows a direct connection to the basement of the final users.

VDE questions the financial feasibility of the regulation of licences in the 450 MHz spectrum proposed by the Federal Network Agency and possible licence fees, and argues that the spectrum should be made available to members of the general public for use. According to VDE, the industry-specific energy information network is a key factor for the success of the energy transition, and stresses the importance of starting a dialogue between the federal and regional governments on this topic soon.

Original publication