Summary
This Technical Brochure, prepared by Working Group D2.44, assesses public and private wireless communication technologies for monitoring and maintaining power grid assets and facilities. It reviews low-power IoT networks, private mobile radio, mission-critical services over broadband, local wireless, cellular networks from 2G to 5G, LEO and GEO satellites, and short-range protocols. Its central message is that no single technology fits every need: utilities should build hybrid, standards-based architectures protected by consistent cybersecurity governance. Nine practical cases and a selection framework help engineers, asset managers and planners choose, integrate and evolve wireless solutions across transmission, distribution, substations, hydro, offshore wind and wildfire-prone networks.
Table of content
1. Introduction
1.1. Background
1.2. Scope and Objectives
1.3. Infrastructure Considerations
1.4. Cybersecurity Considerations
1.5. Regulatory and Normative Considerations
2. Low-Speed/Low-Power Wireless Services
2.1. Overview
2.2. Integration
2.3. Trends
3. Private Mobile Radio - PMR
3.1. Overview
3.2. Integration
3.3. Trends
4. Mission-Critical Services over Broadband (MCX) and PMR-Cellular Convergence
4.1. Overview
4.2. Integration
4.3. Trends
5. Local Wireless
5.1. Overview
5.2. Integration
5.3. Trends
6. Cellular
6.1. Overview
6.2. Integration
6.3. Trends
7. LEO Satellite
7.1. Overview
7.2. Integration
7.3. Trends
8. GEO Satellite
8.1. Overview
8.2. Integration
8.3. Trends
9. Infrared, RFID and Short-Range Field Bus Technologies
9.1. Overview
9.2. Integration
9.3. Trends
10. Theoretical Cases
10.1. Remote Asset Monitoring - Transmission Line Condition Monitoring
10.2. Field Worker Collaboration and Support - Distribution Maintenance Operations
10.3. Data-driven Maintenance Planning - Substation Equipment Condition Monitoring
10.4. Cybersecurity and Threat Monitoring - Wireless OT Network Security
10.5. Integration of IIoT in Grid Assets - Smart Distribution Network
10.6. Hydroelectric Fleet Safety - Private 5G and Edge AI for Dam Monitoring
10.7. Offshore Wind Farm Connectivity - Hybrid GEO/LEO and Private Mesh
10.8. Wildfire Risk Mitigation - LoRaWAN Weather Sensing and Automated PSPS Triggering
10.9. Mission-Critical PTT Migration - TETRA Sunset to Private 5G MCPTT
11. Conclusion
11.1. Technology Selection Decision Framework
Appendix A. Definitions
Appendix B. Comparison Technologies Table
Appendix C. References
Additional informations
| Publication type | Technical Brochures |
|---|---|
| Reference | 1008 |
| Publication year | |
| Publisher | CIGRE |
| ISBN | 978-2-85873-713-0 |
| Study committees | |
| Working groups | WG D2.44 |
| File size | 3 MB |
| Pages number | 76 |
| Price for non member | 150 € |
| Price for member | Free |
Authors
Alexandre PINHEL, Convenor (BR), David HEQIANG, Secretary (CN)
Alan LARA (US), Gareth Taylor (UK), Jan PIOTROWSKI (PL), Khaled DARWISH (AE), Saad MILOUDI (FR), Oscar NGWENYA (ZA)
Keywords
Wireless communications, grid asset monitoring, asset maintenance, condition-based maintenance, private mobile radio, TETRA, mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT), 5G, private 5G, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, IIoT, LEO satellite, Starlink, satellite communications, substation communications, cybersecurity, operational technology (OT), utility telecommunications, hybrid communication architecture, wildfire mitigation, offshore wind connectivity
