Wide-area measurement systems and phasor measurement units

Abstract

Wide Area Measurement Systems (WAMS) is a collective technology to monitor power system dynamics in real time, identify system stability related weakness and helps to design and implement counter measures. It uses a global positioning system(GPS) satellite signal to time synchronize from phasor measurement units (PMUs) at important nodes in the power system, sends real-time phasor (angle and magnitude) data to a Control Centre. The acquired phasor data provide dynamic information on power systems, which help operators to initiate corrective actions to enhance the power system reliability. The goals of WAMS are real time monitoring, post disturbance analysis, adaptive protection and power system restoration. The major components of WAMS are Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU), Phasor Data Concentrator (PDC), Global Positioning System (GPS for Time Synchronization of the phasors), Communication channel (Preferably optical fiber cable), Visualization and analysis tools, Wide area situational awareness system and Wide area protection and control. This chapter is going to discuss about the goals and benefits of using PMUs, comparison between PMUs and SCADA system, Detailed description of WAMS components, synchronized PMUS, different kind of applications of WAMS in power sector, Components and operation of PMUS, real time examples of WAMS in power system operation and control.