Distribution Synchrophasors: Pairing Big Data with Analytics to Create Actionable Information

In the evolution of advanced sensing technologies, transmission systems have led distribution. The visibility and diagnostics of the transmission grid have been transformed over the past decade with the systematic deployment of phasor measurement units (PMUs). Similar and even more advanced new information sources are now becoming available at the distribution grid, using distribution-level PMUs, also called micro-PMUs (μPMUs). μPMUs provide voltage and current measurements at higher resolution and precision to facilitate a level of visibility into the distribution grid that is currently not achievable. However, mere data availability in itself will not lead to enhanced situational awareness and operational intelligence. Data must be paired with useful analytics to translate these data to actionable information. In this article, we explore some of the opportunities to leverage μPMU data, combined with data-driven analytics, to help electrical distribution system planners and operators to get out in front of problems as they evolve.