Introduction: This project is evaluating the use of Radio Frequency (RF) mesh communications technologies for distribution automation and monitoring applications. The project aims to investigate the technical performance characteristics when used for secondary SCADA communications and explore the comparative total cost of ownership with the alternatives.

Objectives: Existing operational communications technologies broadly meet current requirements for telecontrol and protection. However, the need for future functionality such as demand side management, deeper monitoring and dynamic tariffs is expected to drive a significant increase in the number of sensors, monitoring, Distribution Automation (DA) equipment and volt / VAR optimisation devices on the network increasing both the volume and criticality of data flowing through the communications network.

Wireless RF mesh technology is an alternative approach to operational communications that is being investigated in this project.