Protection of the licensed user (LU) and utilization of the spectrum are the most important goals in cognitive radio networks. To achieve the first goal, a cognitive user (CU) is required to sense for a longer time period, but this adversely affects the second goal, i.e., throughput or utilization of the network, because of the reduced time left for transmission in a time slot. This tradeoff can be controlled by simultaneous sensing and data transmission for the whole frame duration. However, increasing the sensing time to the frame duration consumes more energy. We propose a new frame structure in this paper, in which transmission is done for the whole frame duration whereas sensing is performed only until the required detection probability is satisfied. This means the CU is not required to perform sensing for the whole frame duration, and thus, conserves some energy by sensing for a smaller duration. With the proposed frame structure, throughput of all the CUs is estimated for the frame and, based on the estimated throughput and consumed energy in sensing and transmission, the energy efficient pair of CUs (transmitter and receiver) that maximizes system throughput by consuming less energy, is selected for a time slot. The selected CUs transmits data for the whole time slot, whereas sensing is performed only for certain duration. The performance improvement of the proposed scheme is demonstrated through simulations by comparing it with existing schemes.

This paper proposes a technique for broadcasting control of Smart Air Conditioners (SACs) by implementing the Narrowband Powerline Communications (NB-PLC) technology. The Master Control Room (MCR) generates commands for SACs operation that are sent over power lines by using the communication protocol known as Smart Energy Profile 1.0 (SEP 1.0). The proposed system can also offers features like Demand Response (DR) to facilitate the Smart Grid (SG). Field measurements elucidate the performance of NB-PLC systems. Measurements are carried out by injecting and receiving the NB-PLC signal over low voltage (LV) power lines, medium voltage (MV) power lines and across transformers. A hybrid communication system, NB-PLC integrated with Optical Fiber Network (OFN), is developed for the automation of Distribution System (DS) of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO). The developed system was tested for the DR program in order to support the Smart Air Conditioning system within Lahore. It is suggested that by adjusting the commercial SACs parameters, the task of energy conservation can be achieved by optimizing the peak load curves for greater efficiency. Moreover, data of various types of appliances can also be communicated to the MCR for the purpose of demand side management.