PLCC BASED LOAD SCHEDULING

A PROJECT REPORT

submitted by

SARATH C M
Reg. No : 13009130
to
the Mahatma Gandhi University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree
of

Bachelor of Technology
In
Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Mar Athanasius College of Engineering
Kothamangalam, Kerala, India 686 666
MARCH 2016
 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS
ENGINEERING
MAR ATHANASIUS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
KOTHAMANGALAM

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the report entitled PLCC Based Load Scheduling
submitted by Mr. Sarath C M (Reg. No : 13009130) to the Mahatma Gandhi
University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of
Bachelor of Technology in Electrical & Electronics Engineering is a bonafide record of
the project work carried out by him under my/our guidance and supervision. This
report in any form has not been submitted to any other University or Institute for any
purpose.

.................................. ...............................
Internal Examiner External Examiner

.......................... .................................
Coordinator HEAD OF THE DEPT.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is a great pleasure to acknowledge all those who have assisted and supported me
for successfully completing my project.

First of all, I thank God Almighty for his blessings as it is only through his grace
that I was able to complete my project successfully.

I am deeply indebted to Dr. Soosan George T, Principal, Mar Athanasius College

of Engineering for her encouragement and support.

I express my deep sense of gratitude to Prof. Elizabeth Sebastian, Head of Electri-

cal & Electronics Engineering Department, for the valuable guidance as well as timely
advice which helped me a lot in doing the project successfully.

I also extend my deep sense of gratitude to our Faculty Advisor Smt. Sija Gopinathan,
Assistant Professor, Electrical & Electronics Engineering Department for their creative
suggestions during the preparation of the project.

I take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to my project guide Smt. Ninu
Joy, Assistant Professor and all the members of the Department of Electrical & Elec-
tronics Engineering for sharing their valuable comments during the preparation of the
project.

I wholeheartedly thank all my classmates, for their valuable suggestions and for the
spirit of healthy competition that existed between us.

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 ABSTRACT

Power line communication (PLC) carries data on a conductor that is also used
simultaneously for AC electric power transmission or electric power distribution to
consumers. This MCU based project is to control the load shedding on the basis of
current consumption of a costumer. A current sensor in consumer end monitors load
current. In substation end a limit value of current that entered through keypad is
transmitted through modem. The modem at the consumer end demodulates the data
and gives it to the MCU. If current goes above limit value then the MCU operate relay
to switch off the load. Operation of the system is set for peak time of 6.30 pm to 10.30
pm and RTC is used to set time. By this current monitored individual load scheduling
system we can efficiently reduces unnecessary load shedding for long hours in an area.
An LCD unit is interfaced in the system displays the status of the system. The popular
micro controller PIC16f877A is used here as the MCU.

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CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 LITERATURE SURVEY 2

3 BLOCK DIAGRAM AND DESCRIPTION 4

3.1 SUBSTATION END . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.1.1 PLCC MODEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.1.2 MICROCONTROLLER UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.1.3 DISPLAY SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.1.4 VISUAL INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1.5 CONTROL SWITCHES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.2 CONSUMER END . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2.1 PLCC MODEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2.2 LINE CURRENT SENSOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2.3 REAL TIME CLOCK CIRCUITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2.4 CONTROL SWITCHES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2.5 MICROCONTROLLER UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2.6 RELAY INTERFACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2.7 ELECTRICAL RELAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.2.8 DISPLAY SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4 FLOW CHART 11
5 WORKING 13
5.1 TRANSMITTER SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.2 RECEIVER SECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6 CONCLUSIONS 16

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REFERENCES 17

iv
 LIST OF FIGURES

3.1 Substation End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3.2 PLCC Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.3 PIC16F877 Microcontroller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.4 LCD Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.5 Light Emitting Diodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.6 Consumer End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.7 Current Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.8 Real Time Clock DS1307 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.9 Control switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.10 Electrical Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.1 Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2 Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

5.1 Circuit Diagram of Substation End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

5.2 Circuit Diagram of Consumer End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Power line communication (PLC) carries data on a conductor that is also used simulta-
neously for AC electric power transmission or electric power distribution to consumers.
It is also known as power line carrier, power line digital subscriber line (PDSL), mains
communication, power line telecom (PLT), power line networking (PLN), and broad-
band over power lines (BPL). A wide range of power line communication technologies
are needed for different applications, ranging from home automation to Internet access.
Electrical power is transmitted over long distances using high voltage transmission lines,
distributed over medium voltages, and used inside buildings at lower voltages. Most
PLC technologies limit themselves to one set of wires (such as premises wiring within
a single building), but some can cross between two levels (for example, both the distri-
bution network and premises wiring). Typically transformers prevent propagating the
signal, which requires multiple technologies to form very large networks.

Power line communications systems operate by impressing a modulated carrier sig-

nal on the wiring system. Different types of power line communications use different
frequency bands, depending on the signal transmission characteristics of the power
wiring used. Since the power distribution system was originally intended for transmis-
sion of AC power at typical frequencies of 50 or 60Hz, power wire circuits have only
a limited ability to carry higher frequencies. The propagation problem is a limiting
factor for each type of power line communications. Data rates and distance limits vary
widely over many power line communication standards. Low-frequency (about 100200
kHz) carriers impressed on highvoltage transmission lines may carry one or two analog
voice circuits, or telemetry and control circuits with an equivalent data rate of a few
hundred bits per second; however, these circuits may be many miles long. Higher data
rates generally imply shorter ranges; a local area network operating at millions of bits
per second may only cover one floor of an office building, but eliminates the need for
installation of dedicated network cabling.

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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE SURVEY

A Proposed Method of Load Scheduling And Generation Control Using GSM And
PLCC Technology by Subhra J. Sarkar and Palash K. Kundu, this paper has presented
with the various advances in load forecasting techniques, now a day it is possible to
perform load scheduling effectively. Modern day wireless communication techniques
are replacing the older wire based systems. In this paper it is proposed to implement
an automated system employing GSM and PLCC for the smooth operation of power
generation and control. Load dispatch centre (LDC) will communicate with the in-
dividual power generation units and send scheduling based information through GSM
techniques. The generation plants, in turn will actuate the scheduled data for their
generation control using power line communication based SCADA system.

Home Energy Management System based on Power Line Communication by Young-

Sung Son, Topi Pulkkinen, Kyeong Deok Moon and Chaekyu Kim , This paper de-
scribes a home energy management system (HEMS) based on power line communica-
tion. Smart metering and power line communication can provide detailed information
of energy consumption patterns and intelligent controlling to appliances at home. We
propose a HEMS that can provide easy-to-access information on home energy consump-
tion in real time, intelligent planning for controlling appliances, and optimization of
power consumption at home. The HEMS consists of three modules: an advanced power
control planning engine, a device control module, and a power resource management
server. Our prototype system reduces the cost of power consumption by about 10%.

Automatic Meter Reading and Load Management Using Power Line Carrier Com-
munication by M V Aleyas, Nishin Antony, Sandeep T, Sudheesh Kumar M, Vishnu
Balakrishnan, This paper presents, Energy crisis is the main problem faced by present
day society. A suitable system to control the energy usage is one of the solutions for
this crisis. Load shedding, power cut etc. helps to rearrange the available power but

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PLCC BASED LOAD SCHEDULING

they can’t be used to prevent the unwanted usage of energy, peak time load control etc.
Also a system is needed to monitor the power consumption of an overall area to select
the areas to suitably control the energy usage. One of the easiest solutions for this is by
using power line communication. PLC is the communication technology that enables
sending data over existing power cables. This means that with just power cables run-
ning to an electrical device, one can power it up and at the same time control/retrieve
data from the device in full duplex manner. The major advantage of PLC is that it
does not need extra cables. It uses existing wires. Thus by using power line commu-
nication we can monitor and control the usage of devices by providing a control the
usage of devices by providing a control circuit at consumer end. In this project we are
trying to control, monitor (metering), messaging through power line communication
with consumer and to control the load from a centralized control room. Thus flexible
load control can be achieved.

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CHAPTER 3

BLOCK DIAGRAM AND DESCRIPTION

3.1 SUBSTATION END

Figure 3.1: Substation End

3.1.1 PLCC MODEM

The PLCC modem which is used to communicate the MCU with the power line.
The PLCC modem at the substation side transmits the limit value of current entered
through keypad. It also transmits the control signals from substation end to the con-
sumer end. Modem is connected with the MCU trough a serial interface circuit.

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PLCC BASED LOAD SCHEDULING

Figure 3.2: PLCC Modem

3.1.2 MICROCONTROLLER UNIT

MCU is the micro controller unit, which controls all the functions of other blocks

Figure 3.3: PIC16F877 Microcontroller

in this system. MCU takes or read data from control switches and controls all the
functions of the whole system by manipulating these data. MCU transmit the limit
value the costumer end. Modem is connected with the MCU through a serial interface
circuit. It controls visual and audio indication unit and displays status on LCD.

3.1.3 DISPLAY SECTION

LCD display is used for displaying the status of the system. Here display the limit
current. LCD module is a dot matrix liquid crystal display that displays alphanumeric,
kana (Japanese character) and symbols. The built in controller and driver LSI, pro-
vide convectional connecting between LCD and most 4 or 8 bit microcontroller. The
CMOS technology makes the device ideal for applications in handheld portable and
other powered instruments with low power consumptions.

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PLCC BASED LOAD SCHEDULING

Figure 3.4: LCD Display

3.1.4 VISUAL INDICATORS

LED can be used as visual indicator. Need of this unit is for indicating the data transfer

Figure 3.5: Light Emitting Diodes

through modem. A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source. LEDs

are used as indicator lamps in many devices, and are increasingly used for lighting. In-
troduced as a practical electronic component in 1962, early LEDs emitted low-intensity
red light, but modern versions are available across the visible, ultraviolet and infrared
wavelengths, with very high brightness.

3.1.5 CONTROL SWITCHES

Control keys are input keys that are used to enter the limit value of current. Matrix
keypad is used here.

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PLCC BASED LOAD SCHEDULING

3.2 CONSUMER END

Figure 3.6: Consumer End

3.2.1 PLCC MODEM

The PLCC modem which is used to communicate the MCU with the power line.
The PLCC modem at the substation side transmits the limit value of current en-
tered through keypad. It also transmits the control signals from substation end to the
consumer end. Modem is connected with the MCU trough a serial interface circuit.

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PLCC BASED LOAD SCHEDULING

3.2.2 LINE CURRENT SENSOR

Current sensors are used to determine the amount of current flow. The amount of

Figure 3.7: Current Sensor

load current should be informed to the microcontroller for processing. Current sen-
sor is nothing but a component produces a voltage proportional to the current to be
measured. If the current is alternating in nature the sensor output voltage also will be
alternating. But the current sensor here used should have an output voltage which can
be interfaced with the digital circuits. Usually CT will be a good choice. But now a lot
of Hall Effect based current sensors are available and have a direct interface to digital
voltage circuits.

3.2.3 REAL TIME CLOCK CIRCUITS

This is a full time running clock and can be used for reading the time. It is interfaced

Figure 3.8: Real Time Clock DS1307

to the microcontroller. Here it is used to set the peak time during which the system
operates.

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PLCC BASED LOAD SCHEDULING

3.2.4 CONTROL SWITCHES

Here we have four switches interfaced in our system. The upper and lower limit of

Figure 3.9: Control switch

peak time can be entered through this keyboard. INC and DEC keys are used for this.

3.2.5 MICROCONTROLLER UNIT

MCU controls the functioning of relay by manipulating the data received from PLC
modem and the output of current sensor. LCD is interfaced with the MCU for dis-
playing the status of the load, current time and peak time. The limit current value is
transmitted to the consumer end through the PLC modem. Current sensor interfaced
to MCU. MCU continuously monitor the load current. If current goes above limit value
as per the instruction received from the authority, MCU energizes the relay through a
relay interface to off the load.

3.2.6 RELAY INTERFACES

RELAYs are a usually comes with a higher voltage like 6 or 12V and a current rating of
50 to 200 ma which can not be handled with microcontroller I/O pins due to their lesser
voltage and current capabilities. More over RELAYs are inductive in nature which is
not recommended to connect any digital device directly because the digital circuits
may be damaged due to the heavy back emf spikes during the turn off of RELAYs.
So a relay interfacing circuit is necessary between the microcontroller and RELAYs.
Usually transistor based switches are used for this purpose. The switching transistors
arrays are very common in the form of ICs which are used widely in case of more than
one RELAYs are used. This Chip is coming with the protection diode inside it to avoid
the back emf effects.

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PLCC BASED LOAD SCHEDULING

3.2.7 ELECTRICAL RELAY

The purpose of this block is to control the load. The relays are magnetized by the cur-

Figure 3.10: Electrical Relay

rent from the relay interfacing circuit it is further controlled by the microcontroller. A
relay is an electrical switch that opens and closes under the control of another electrical
circuit. In the original form, the switch is operated by an electromagnet to open or
close one or many sets of contacts. Because a relay is able to control an output circuit
of higher power than the input circuit, it can be considered to be, in broad sense, a
form of an electrical amplifier.

3.2.8 DISPLAY SECTION

LCD displays the sensor out put and real time.

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CHAPTER 4

FLOW CHART

Figure 4.1: Transmitter

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PLCC BASED LOAD SCHEDULING

Figure 4.2: Receiver

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CHAPTER 5

WORKING

This PLC based load scheduling system is used to control the load shedding on the
basis of current consumption of costumers on peak hours through PLC modem.

5.1 TRANSMITTER SECTION

Figure 5.1: Circuit Diagram of Substation End

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PLCC BASED LOAD SCHEDULING

Transmitter section keypad, microcontroller, PLC modem, LCD displays and audio
and visual indications. With the help of this keypad we can select a limit value for
current for each device.This limit values for each device are transmitted to the receiver
side through power line modem. The data entered is modulated and transferred through
230 V power lines along with AC signals.

5.2 RECEIVER SECTION

Receiver side includes power line modem, current sensors, microcontroller, relays and
relay interfacing. Power line modem is attached with a microcontroller through an
interface circuit. MCU receives the transmitted details through the power line modem
and displays it on the LCD.
A current sensor is placed in the consumer end to monitor load current. The modem

Figure 5.2: Circuit Diagram of Consumer End

at this end demodulates the data and gives it to the MCU. From current sensor output
interfaced with the MCU, it determines the amount of current flowing. MCU compares
the current sensor output with the limit value received. If current goes above limit
value then the microcontroller operate the corresponding relay to OFF the devices. A
relay interface is used here because the current output from the microcontroller is very

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PLCC BASED LOAD SCHEDULING

small that it is not sufficient to magnetize the relay. After a particular time interval
relay operate to switch on load. If the load current remains above limit then load
switch off again. Operation of the system is set for peak time of 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm
and RTC is used to set time. An LCD unit is used to display status of the system and
time information. LEDs will be ON when devices are ON and in OFF condition during
devices are in OFF condition.

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, M.A.C.E 15

CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSIONS

This MCU based project PLCC controlled load scheduling is developed to control the
load shedding on the basis of current consumption of each consumer. PLCC modem is
used for communication between substation and consumer. Power line modem is useful
to send and receive serial data over existing AC mains power lines of the building. It
has high immunity to electrical noise persistence in the power line and built in error
checking so it never gives out corrupt data. A current sensor in consumer end monitors
load current. In substation end a limit value of current that entered through keypad is
transmitted through PLC modem. The modem at the consumer end demodulates the
data and gives it to the MCU. If current goes above limit value then the MCU operate
relay to switch the load off. Operation of the system is set for peak time of 6.30 pm
to 10.30 pm and RTC is used to set time. By this current monitored individual load
scheduling system we can efficiently reduces unnecessary load shedding for long hours
in an area.

16
REFERENCES

[1] Young-Sung Son, Topi Pulkkinen, Kyeong-Deok Moon and Chaekyu Kim, ”Home
Energy Management System based on Power Line Communication”, IEEE Trans-
actions on Consumer Electronics, Vol. 56, No. 3, August 2010

[2] Subhra J. Sarkar, Palash K. Kundu, ”A Proposed Method of Load Scheduling And
Generation Control Using GSM And PLCC Technology”, MFIIS, Paper ID.176,
september 2015

[3] M V Aleyas, Nishin Antony, Sandeep T, Sudheesh Kumar M, Vishnu Balakrish-

nan, ”Automatic Meter Reading and Load Management Using Power Line Carrier
Communication ”, IJAREEIE ,Vol. 3, Issue 5, May 2014

[4] Priyanka R Daware, S.S.Patil, ”A Low cost E-Billing and Supply control using
Power Line Communication”, International Research Journal of Engineering and
Technology (IRJET), Volume.02 Issue.03, June-2015

17