Diagnostic Applications for Micro-Synchrophasor Measurements

This report articulates and justifies the preliminary selection of diagnostic applications for data from micro-synchrophasors (µPMUs) in electric power distribution systems that will be further studied and developed within the scope of the three-year ARPA-e award titled Micro-synchrophasors for Distribution Systems

Topology Detection in Microgrids with Micro-Synchrophasors

Network topology in distribution networks is often unknown, because most switches are not equipped with measurement devices and communication links. However, knowledge about the actual topology is critical for safe and reliable grid operation. This paper proposes a voting-based topology detection method based on micro-synchrophasor measurements. The minimal difference between measured and calculated voltage angle or voltage magnitude, respectively, indicates the actual topology. Micro-synchrophasors or micro-Phasor Measurement Units ({\mu}PMU) are high-precision devices that can measure voltage angle differences on the order of ten millidegrees. This accuracy is important for distribution networks due to the smaller angle differences as compared to transmission networks. For this paper, a microgrid test bed is implemented in MATLAB with simulated measurements from {\mu}PMUs as well as SCADA measurement devices. The results show that topologies can be detected with high accuracy. Additionally, topology detection by voltage angle shows better results than detection by voltage magnitude.Comment: 5 Pages, PESGM2015, Denver, C

Every Moment Counts: Synchrophasors for Distribution Networks with Variable Resources

Chapter 34 in the textbook, "Renewable Energy Integration: Practical Management of Variability, Uncertainty and Flexibility

Chapter 34 - Every Moment Counts: Synchrophasors for Distribution Networks with Variable Resources

Historically, with mostly radial power distribution and one-way power flow, it was only necessary to evaluate the envelope of design conditions, e.g., peak loads or fault currents, rather than continually observe the operating state. But the growth of distributed energy resources introduces variability, uncertainty, and opportunities to recruit diverse resources for grid services. This chapter addresses how the direct measurement of voltage phase angle might enable new strategies for managing distribution networks with diverse, active components.Comment: 14 pages, Chapter, Renewable Energy Integration, Academic, 201