Distribution Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) in Smart Power Systems

The phasor measurement units (PMUs) have very wide applications in power systems. PMUs could be effectively used when compared to traditional systems like SCADA. The distribution PMUs are intended for distribution networks owing to their performance with precision and related applications. The purposes of PMUs face several challenges. The applications of PMUs become very much essential in the present scenario as the need for distribution energy resources is increasing. Also, the emerging 5G communication technologies require devices that transfer data faster and precisely. Still, the deployment of PMUs cannot be done in all the buses. It elevates the cost of the installation. Thus, the optimization techniques are the solution for the placement of PMUs. The data gathered will be compressed and archived by using the next level devices such as phasor data concentrator and compression units. PMUs can do a vital part in protection if exact and synchronized high‐resolution measurements are given. The measurements can be used for power system protection, computerization, and organizing closed‐loop feeders with high penetration of DG. This category of function can establish valuable not only for medium‐voltage closed‐loop operation but also for usual secondary networks. Such application is used in the area of large metropolitan cities, which are also open to practicing significant propagation of intermittent DG. Statistics offered by PMUs would be important for making certain secure operations of this very complex and dynamic system. This is an apparent indication that the engineering is forecasting to make use of PMUs to concentrate on various emerging needs and challenges elaborated in this chapter.