Low-Cost Implementation of an Active Phasor Data Concentrator for Smart Grid

Nowadays., synchrophasor technology is becoming an important element for monitoring power systems. The base elements of the measurement architecture are represented by the Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) and the Phasor Data Concentrator (PDC). The PMU is the “sensor” of the measurement system and the PDC is the collector of the data forwarded by PMUs installed on the field. Recently, several research works and pilot projects are pushing to extend the benefit of synchrophasor technology from transmission grids to distribution networks. In this context, different projects are seeking to use low-cost platforms to design devices with PMU functionalities. In this perspective, to achieve a complete measurement architecture based on low-cost synchrophasor technologies, this work presents a PDC design based on a low-cost platform, in which, despite the simplicity of the considered hardware, advanced PDC functionalities are implemented. The proposed device is evaluated through the performance of the time synchronisation module and the number of data streams, compliant with standard IEEE C37.118.2-2011, that can be managed at different reporting rates.