Applications of a new nonparametric estimator of ambient power system spectra for measurements containing forced oscillations

Synchrophasor measurements from power systems can include several components, including ambient noise, forced oscillations (FOs), and transients. A new nonparametric spectral estimator is proposed that is able to accurately estimate the ambient noise spectrum, even in the presence of FOs. The statistical performance of the method is derived and compared with the commonly used Welch periodogram. The importance of the estimator's characteristics in a FO detection algorithm's design is highlighted with simulation examples. It is expected that other applications will also benefit from the new estimator's defining characteristics.