Wide-Area-Measurement System Development at the Distribution Level: An FNET/GridEye Example

The electric power grid wide-area monitoring system (WAMS) has been extended from the transmission to distribution level. As the first WAMS deployed at the distribution level, the frequency monitoring network FNET/GridEye uses global positioning system-time-synchronized monitors, called frequency disturbance recorders, to capture dynamic grid behaviors. In this paper, the latest developments of monitor design and the state-of-the-art data analytics applications of FNET/GridEye are introduced. Its innovations and uniqueness are also discussed. Thanks to its low cost, easy installation, and multifunctionalities, FNET/GridEye works as a cost-effective situational awareness tool for power grid operators and pioneers the development of WAMS in electric power grids.