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

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

Monitoring voltage collapse margin by measuring the area voltage across several transmission lines with synchrophasors

We consider the fast monitoring of voltage collapse margin using synchrophasor measurements at both ends of transmission lines that transfer power from two generators to two loads. This shows a way to extend the monitoring of a radial transmission line to multiple transmission lines. The synchrophasor voltages are combined into a single complex voltage difference across an area containing the transmission lines that can be monitored in the same way as a single transmission line. We identify ideal conditions under which this reduction to the single line case perfectly preserves the margin to voltage collapse, and give an example that shows that the error under practical non-ideal conditions is reasonably small.Comment: IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting, July 201