Wide area measurements for power system stability

This paper discusses the application of Phasor Measurement Units (PMU's) to improve power system stability. The focus is on using PMU data to influence power system primary equipment and secondary controls to provide real time improvement. Modal analysis of PMU data from multiple locations is used to identify inter-area stability issues and local oscillation modes. Oscillatory stability monitoring techniques based on PMU data were validated against standard systems with known frequency components. A virtual PMU which includes IEEE C37.118 communication was created to be able to run in a PC environment. Key system stability metrics are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the control actions. This paper also discusses the use of remote measurements to improve local power system stability. The paper specifically looks at improving the Power Oscillation Damping (POD) feature of HVDC technology through the use of remote measurements. The paper also looks at small signal stability issues and the improvement through Wide area measurements (WAM).