Wide Area Monitoring System (WAMS): The Foundation Block of Smartgrids for Event Analysis

Abstract

Indian Electric Grid working as ONE GRID comprising of high capacity transmission corridors, characterizing rise in penetration level of Renewable Energy (RE) has resulted into complexity in grid Operation, Monitoring and Control. This calls the need to adopt and utilize SMARTGRID technology for Grid management and event analysis. This paper discuses in brief various aspects related to SMARTGRID technology development in the area of Wide Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS) in Indian context. It discusses in detail how WAMS system can be used as a Wide Area Disturbance/Event Analysis System, which is a very important building block while developing SMARTGRIDS. Considering the fact that any occurrences/disturbances/events in power system create oscillations. This paper discuses how Phasor Measurement Unit’s (PMU) data as a foundation block of WAMS system can be utilized to understand these events. Paper further presents learnings from MAHATRANSCO SMARTGRID project on WAMS experience in understanding various events in the system along with analysis on type of oscillations seen using PMU data with the help of case studies. This shall assist in improving grid monitoring and operation in a smarter way.