A Real-time measurement of electrical quantities by using Synchrophasors

Energy Systems Research Laboratory uses Synchronized phasor measurements (synchrophasors) to provide a real-time measurement of electrical quantities from across a power system. These measurements can be used for control, measurement, and analysis of the power system. Applications include validation of system models, measurement of stability margins, maximizing stable system loading, islanding detection, and system-wide disturbance monitoring.
Widespread availability of a standardized time reference provides the foundation for synchrophasor technology. Because the electrical system is constantly moving, a phasor measurement means nothing without comparing it to another phasor measurement taken at the same exact moment in time. With the introduction of very accurate satellite clocks, synchrophasor measurements can be taken over a large geographic area using multiple devices, such as several SEL-421, SEL-451 and SEL-734 Protection, Automation, and Control Systems.

Synchrophasor Operation

Advanced synchrophasor- based tools provide a real-time view of system conditions. Use system trends, alarm points, and preprogrammed responses to help operators prevent a cascading system collapse and maximize system stability.
The Energy Systems Research Laboratory at Florida International University is using different PMUs from SEL in order to benefit following research areas:
• Increase system loading while maintaining adequate stability margins.
• Improve operator response to system contingencies, such as overload conditions, transmission outages, or generator shutdown.
• Advance system knowledge with correlated event reporting and real-time system visualization.
• Promote system-wide data exchange with a standardized synchrophasor data format.
• Validate planning studies to improve system load balance and station optimization.