How can phasor measurement units be integrated with other smart grid technologies and applications?

1 Communication networks

PMUs rely on communication networks to transmit and receive data from other PMUs, control centers, and other devices. Communication networks can be wired or wireless, and can use various protocols and standards. Some of the challenges and requirements for communication networks are latency, bandwidth, reliability, security, and interoperability. Communication networks should be able to handle large volumes of data, ensure timely delivery, prevent data loss or corruption, protect data from cyberattacks, and support different types of devices and applications.

2 Data processing and analysis

PMUs generate a huge amount of data that need to be processed and analyzed to extract useful information and insights. Data processing and analysis can be done at different levels, such as local, regional, or global. Data processing and analysis can involve various techniques, such as filtering, compression, aggregation, synchronization, visualization, and machine learning. Data processing and analysis can provide various benefits, such as situational awareness, state estimation, fault detection and localization, stability assessment, load forecasting, and optimal power flow.

3 Control and optimization

PMUs can enable more effective and efficient control and optimization of the smart grid. Control and optimization can be done at different levels, such as device, substation, or system. Control and optimization can involve various methods, such as feedback, feedforward, adaptive, or predictive. Control and optimization can achieve various objectives, such as voltage regulation, frequency regulation, power quality improvement, demand response, energy management, and economic dispatch.

4 Protection and security

PMUs can improve the protection and security of the smart grid. Protection and security can be done at different levels, such as component, zone, or network. Protection and security can involve various schemes, such as differential, directional, distance, or impedance. Protection and security can address various issues, such as faults, disturbances, islanding, cyberattacks, or physical attacks. Protection and security can use various actions, such as isolation, restoration, reconfiguration, or coordination.

5 Integration and interoperability

PMUs can be integrated and interoperable with other smart grid technologies and applications. Integration and interoperability can be done at different levels, such as hardware, software, or protocol. Integration and interoperability can involve various standards, such as IEEE C37.118, IEC 61850, or IEC 61970. Integration and interoperability can support various functions, such as data exchange, information sharing, or service provision. Integration and interoperability can enable various benefits, such as modularity, scalability, flexibility, or compatibility.

6 Challenges and opportunities

PMUs also face some challenges and opportunities for their integration with other smart grid technologies and applications. Some of the challenges are cost, complexity, compatibility, or coordination. Some of the opportunities are innovation, collaboration, or education. PMUs can overcome some of the challenges and seize some of the opportunities by adopting best practices, developing new solutions, or engaging stakeholders.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?