Wide-area measurement system development at the distribution level: An FNET/GridEye example

Electric power grid wide-area monitoring system (WAMS) have been extended from the transmission to distribution level. As the first WAMS deployed at the distribution level, the frequency monitoring network FNET/GridEye uses GPS-time-synchronized monitors called frequency disturbance recorders (FDRs) 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 multi-functionalities, FNET/GridEye works as a cost-effective situational awareness tool for power grid operators and pioneers the development of WAMS in electric power grids.