Edited by Sarma Nuthalapati
The book is dedicated to the memory of Dr. James S. Thorp who is one of the pioneers in the development of PMUs and synchrophasor technology.
(Reviewed by Alex Apostolov, USA)
Synchrophasor technology has been around for a few decades but while at the beginning it was something exotic and expensive that required purchasing of dedicated phasor measurement units (PMU), their installation and maintenance, today it is available as an integrated function in many IEDs. Unfortunately, many utilities are not taking advantage of the synchrophasor measurements. This is where the book “Power System Grid Operation Using Synchrophasor Technology” can help
This book provides a comprehensive overview of synchrophasor technology applications in grid management through 20 chapters authored by professionals from various organizations actively using this technology. The content covers essential aspects from data quality to practical applications across different global power systems.
Chapter 1 establishes context for the book, explaining why synchrophasor technology is critical for modern grid management. Chapter 2 addresses PMU data quality challenges, offering methods for real-time data validation and error detection. Chapter 3 outlines procedures for testing synchrophasor devices and applications before field deployment, including specifications for testing equipment and architecture requirements.
The book then presents regional case studies of synchrophasor implementation. Chapter 4 details Bonneville Power Administration’s early adoption of the technology in the 1990s, highlighting control room applications and value realized. Chapter 5 examines China’s synchrophasor network, describing their communication infrastructure and advanced applications.
Chapters 6-11 focus on oscillation detection and management:
- Chapter 6 presents a generalized approach to identify signature oscillations
- Chapter 7 discusses ERCOT’s use of synchrophasors for oscillation detection
- Chapter 8 examines oscillation detection and mitigation in India’s power grid
- Chapter 9 details oscillation detection experiences at PEAK Reliability in the Western Interconnection
- Chapter 10 covers ISO New England’s online oscillation management
- Chapter 11 explains oscillation monitoring architecture at California ISO
Chapter 12 shifts to phase angle monitoring at CAISO, while Chapters 13-14 address Linear State Estimation (LSE) techniques. Chapter 13 provides technical details of linear weighted least-squares and robust linear least-absolute-value power system state estimators. Chapter 14 presents real-world LSE implementations at BPA, Duke Energy, and Southern California Edison, demonstrating how LSE improves data quality and expands PMU observability.
The remaining chapters cover specialized applications:
- Chapter 15 presents ERCOT’s experience with post-event analysis using PMU data
- Chapter 16 explains how India’s grid operators use synchrophasors to evaluate Special Protection Schemes
- Chapter 17 discusses synchrophasors in control room applications for real-time dispatch and post-dispatch analysis of HVDC systems
- Chapter 18 demonstrates how synchrophasor measurements validate power system models
- Chapter 19 details the Grid Stability Awareness System (GSAS), a software suite that monitors grid stability using synchrophasor measurements
- Chapter 20 introduces Grid-Cloud, a cloud-based synchrophasor data sharing platform offering security, scalability, low latency, and cost-effectiveness
The book concludes that synchrophasor technology has matured and demonstrably improves grid reliability worldwide. It serves as both a reference for utilities planning to implement this technology and a textbook for understanding its benefits in grid management.
Throughout the book, real-world applications demonstrate how synchrophasors help with critical grid functions including oscillation detection, phase angle monitoring, state estimation, event analysis, HVDC system operation, protection scheme validation, and model verification. The technology proves especially valuable for identifying system issues like oscillations, validating protection schemes, and improving overall grid stability and reliability.
The book highlights the global adoption of synchrophasor technology, featuring implementations across North America (BPA, ERCOT, ISO New England, CAISO), Asia (China, India), and other regions, showcasing how the technology addresses region-specific grid challenges while contributing to universal improvements in grid management and reliability.
Sarma Nuthalapati, the editor of the book, was inspired to publish it based on his work on the September/October 2015 PES Magazine Issue which included articles from across the world on experiences of using synchrophasor technology.
Power System Grid Operation Using Synchrophasor Technology
Edited by Sarma Nuthalapati
Publisher: Springer
Hardcover ISBN 978-3-319-89377-8
eBook ISBN 978-3-319-89378-5
