New signal processing tools applied to power quality analysis

This paper deals with the comparison of new signal processing tools for power quality analysis. Three new signal processing techniques are considered: the continuous wavelet transform, the multiresolution analysis and the quadratic transform. Their theoretical behaviours are investigated using the basic theory of the Fourier transform. Then, examples of the four most frequent disturbances met in the power system are chosen. Finally, each kind of electrical disturbance is analyzed with example representing each tool. A qualitative comparison of results shows the advantages and drawbacks of each new signal processing technique applied to voltage disturbance analysis. The continuous wavelet transform appears to be a reliable method for detecting and measuring voltage sags, flicker and transients in power quality analysis.