Power Line Communication vs. Talkative Power Conversion: A Benchmarking Study

The convergence of energy transmission and data communication has become a key feature of decentralized energy systems across a broad spectrum of voltage/power ranges, including smart grid applications and cyber-physical power systems. This paper compares two distinct approaches: Power Line Communications (PLC) and Talkative Power Conversion (TPC). While PLC leverages existing power infrastructure for data transmission by using external data transmitters and receivers, TPC integrates communication capabilities directly into power electronic converters. We present their technical foundations and applications, benchmark their strengths and bottlenecks, and outline future research directions regarding TPC that could bridge the gap between power and communication technologies.