Abstract:
Introducing Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in distribution systems and high interest on microgrid
deployment are fundamentally changing the way that distribution systems are planned, operated, protected, and managed. The conventional SCADA systems for several reasons will not be able to
provide adequate monitoring, visibility and control requirements to detect and respond to fast system
dynamics introduced by highly variable DERs and/or other grid-edge devices. Synchrophasor
measurement technology and phasor measurement unit (PMU) applications, which are primarily
introduced and applied at transmission systems, nowadays are slowly finding their way into distribution
systems. At distribution levels, PMUs can be applied at specific nodes across medium voltage circuits
or on selected laterals, to address challenges brought about by changes in dynamic nature of the system.
PMUs provide high resolution synchronized (GPS time-stamped) measurement and multiple point field
monitoring that are needed to implement distributed controls and advanced automation schemes.
This paper describes the research, development and demonstration projects on distribution PMU
applications performed by San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E). The paper focus is on comparing the
data monitoring and controls via traditional SCADA systems with those of a PMU system. Several study
cases are reported to describe and categorize the technical requirements and issues that support
utilization of PMUs for deploying high resolution and time-stamped data measurement outside of the
substations. The paper also describes the technology, equipment implementations, and infrastructure
that are used in the recent projects to achieve the synchrophasor data transfer and monitoring, both
locally (e.g. at substation level), and centralized (at control centre). The primary application would be
for system operators to monitor and control the distribution systems and to introduce advanced SCADA
visualization and condition-based monitoring of critical assets. Two key topics described in details are
PMU placement criteria and performance monitoring indices of interest for operators and planning
engineers.
F. Goodman, A. Salmani, F. Katiraei, S. Chuangpishit, M. Yazdanian, A. Zamani,In Proc. Cigre Canada 2018, Calgary, Alberta, October 2018, Paper 097
KEYWORDS: Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), Distribution System, Renewable Integration, Data Monitoring, synchrophasor measurement technology, Distribution PMU (D-PMU)