Implementation and testing of a real-time mode estimation algorithm using ambient PMU data

This paper presents a software implementation of a real-time power system mode estimator application which uses ambient synchrophasor data. The software is built using Statnett's Synchrophasor Software Development Kit (SDK) as a platform for fast prototyping of real-time synchrophasor applications. The SDK extracts synchrophasor data received in the IEEE C.37.118 protocol and provides them as LabVIEW signals. These signals are preprocessed and mode frequencies and damping ratios are calculated by Yule-Walker's method. The implemented LabVIEW software employs state machine logics which enables modifications and upgrades to the algorithm.