UTILIZING PHASOR MEASUREMENT UNITS

(PMUS) FOR MONITORING AND

CONTROLLING POWER SYSTEMS
Mutiu K. Agboola1, F. O Afolalu 2, I. A. Bamikefa3, and Tajudeen Soliu 4
1,2,3,4
Departments of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author:soliutajudeenfpe.undergraduate@gmail.com

Abstract— Power systems are an essential component of the infrastructure that keeps modern civilizations running smoothly. In order to
maintain the stability, efficiency, and dependability of power systems, better monitoring and control approaches are required as electricity
demand rises and renewable energy sources are introduced into the grid. With a focus on real-time monitoring and control using phasor
measurement units (PMU), which entails the installation of PMUs at substations along transmission lines in the power system, In this study, the
most recent innovations and methods for power system monitoring and control are examined. The PMUs take rapid samples of the voltage and
current phasors and send the information to a control center for processing and analysis. Model-based analysis: Total Vector Error (TVE) is
used to analyze the PMU data in order to offer real-time data on the state of the power system. This information is then used by operators to
make decisions on power system control and operation, such as adjusting the settings of protective relays, controlling reactive power, and
managing system stability. The result shows that using PMUs for power system monitoring and control will improve the reliability and
efficiency of power system operation. The real-time measurement and analysis of voltage and current phasors have enabled operators to detect
and respond quickly to power system disturbances, such as faults and voltage fluctuations, before they escalate into larger problems.

Keywords — Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter, Distributed network protocol 3 (DNP 3) , Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), Phasor
Measurement Unit (PMU), SCADA, Total Vector Error (TVE)

I. INTRODUCTION
As the power system continued to grow and become more complex, the need for effective control and coordination of the
system also grew. Thus, Electric Power System also continued to develop, with the introduction of new technologies, Power
electronics devices, advanced metering infrastructures (AMIs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and
phasor measuring units (PMUs) are some of the components needed to improve the system's monitoring, management, and
stability [1]. A Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) measures the voltage and current phasors of an electrical power system in real
time [2]. PMUs synchronize with GPS to accurately time-stamp measurement data, enabling power system monitoring and
control. [3]. PMUs are utilized for dynamic security evaluation, fault localization and detection, and estimation of the state of the
power system. To increase system stability and visibility in the current power grid, they are increasingly being deployed. [4].
PMUs are devices that continuously track and store the magnitude and phase angle of current and voltage phasors [5]. They are a
popular option for use in power system monitoring and control applications because they can give exact, synchronized, and in-
the-moment phasor data [6].
Hassan et al. (2018) work concentrated on the phasor measurement unit-based digital smart grid applications using delay
analysis of a two-way synchronization method. PMUs connect with one another utilizing a two-way synchronization system that
combines GPS (Global Positioning System) signals with electrical signals from the power grid. Using IEC 61850 and six Ethernet
ports for communications, this paper suggests developing a synchronization system for a smart grid. The authors' investigation
shows that the proposed method greatly outperforms IEEE C37.118 in terms of delays and errors. Prototype of the adopted
higher-level communication protocol, enhanced, and acknowledged as an industry standard was also given a lot of attention by
the study. However, it has been noted that the IEC 61850 still has issues with synchronization, measurement, security, and the
communication infrastructure.
Gonzalez et al., (2020) conducted research on “Advanced Distribution Measurement Technologies and Data Applications for
Smart Grids”, Advanced distribution measurement technologies refer to the use of advanced sensors, communication systems,
and data analytics tools to increase the "smart grids'" (electricity distribution network) reliability, security, and efficiency. In this
essay, eight extremely sophisticated distribution network measurement devices were compared based on their technical attributes,
such as sampling frequency, reporting intervals, data measuring, prices, precision, and responsiveness to time. Due to their highly
accurate measurements, communication systems, and remote storage of the extracted data, micro-phasor measurement units and
power quality monitor devices have the best overall performance to track dynamic and transitory events in distribution systems,
according to the comparison results. However, some regulatory frameworks may limit utilities' ability to employ cutting-edge
distribution metering systems due to concerns about data privacy and security. This could limit the benefits of these technologies
by preventing people from using them.

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 Additionally, Yildirim et al. (2018) created a real-time data-driven power quality monitoring program capable of analyzing
complex power quality issues using Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware that operated as a standalone integrated
system. An FPGA and a signal card block are the two blocks that the PQM integrates. The signal card block is used to store the
voltage and current signals that have been measured. The total harmonic distortion (THD), distortion index, and power crest
factor are among the power quality indices that the FPGA calculates after processing these signals using a digital processing
technique. Using the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or IP communication protocol, the data and indices are first quickly
transported from a remote network device to the monitoring center. According to this, the data packets may be transmitted via
either a regular internet connection or a local IP Ethernet. The data is then automatically selected, saved in a database on the
server, and passed through a security network system. Finally, a website with the collected data may be accessible, enabling
administrators and users to log in from any location with an Internet connection. In power quality data files, both archival and
real-time measurements are present. The authors got to the conclusion that the useful life of the parts of smart grids are greatly
extended by these modern monitoring methods. However, because real-time power quality monitoring software depends on
accurate sensor data, any errors or sensor malfunctions can impair the software's ability to provide accurate data, leading to
inaccurate readings and false insights.
The detection, characterization, and analysis of grid events using PMU data from three sites on the campus of Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) were covered by the authors of this work. A database storage system was created by
Swenson et al. (2019) to combine timestamps of nanosecond accuracy from various distribution systems with micro-PMU data.
The Berkeley Tree Data Base (BTrDB), which serves as a central data repository, enables quick data filtering and event isolation
by statistically encoding raw data. At three PMU stations on the LBNL site, the twenty-six voltage sags were captured. There,
these stations were put on display and combined into an event library that the research community can use. These sporadic events
and their potential for proactive control were examined using the Ward and K-Means clustering method. If you save a lot of data
for a long time, the high accuracy timestamps will consume a lot of storage space. This could lead to an increase in the need for
bigger, more expensive storage equipment as well as more time and resources for data processing and analysis.
To automate electricity distribution, An IoT-based SCADA combined with fog was suggested by Tom et al. (2017). The
power sensor, cloud architecture for monitoring outages, and an IoT-based SCADA system with an integrated fog router were all
introduced by the authors. By leveraging the voltages and currents produced by smart meters and line sensors, this fog router was
able to pinpoint distribution system issues. A further benefit of the power sensor is that it enables SCADA systems to manage,
control, and regulate power grids. This sensor can determine the root mean square (RMS) value of the voltage, active power, and
reactive power data every 2–4 s. The operator is then able to oversee and manage the grid using the information sent to a master
station. However, because fog computing relies on local processing, it could be challenging to use in remote locations with shaky
or inconsistent network connectivity. This can cause latency and cause critical programs to take longer to react.
Vanfretti et al. (2017) carried out study on "Monitoring and Control of Renewable Energy Sources Using Synchronized
Phasor Measurements." The architecture presented in this paper can be used to monitor and manage renewable energy sources
utilizing phasor measurements. Phasor measuring units (PMUs), which are tools that can gauge an alternating current's phase
angle and frequency, are the basis for the method the authors suggest. Simulations of a power system with a wind farm and a
photovoltaic power plant are used to test and validate the proposed framework. The simulation's findings demonstrate that the
suggested framework can both be used to operate the system to maintain stability and avert blackouts, as well as to detect and
isolate system faults.

II. THE PHASOR MEASUREMENT UNIT (PMU)

A. Introduction
To quickly measure and monitor electrical parameters like voltage, current, frequency, and phase angle, power systems use
phasor measuring units (PMUs). Real-time monitoring, wide-area monitoring, high precision, Some of the key benefits of using
PMU include quick response and better system stability. A PMU can measure 50/60 Hz AC waveforms (voltages and currents) at
a rate of 48 samples per cycle, making it possible to detect voltage or current changes in less than one cycle. PMUs, on the other
hand, are unable to precisely replicate these waveforms when the frequency does not change within or close to the range of 50 or
60 Hz. The basis for PMU phasor measurements is a cosine wave with the structure described below:
A cos (ωt +θ)
For PMU measurements, the scalar value A in this function is sometimes referred to as the magnitude of the voltage or current.
The ω is the wave form's angular frequency (often 250 or 260 radians per second), and θ is the phase angle from a predefined
starting location that has been moved. Most of the time, Assuming that the angular frequency won't change, PMUs just assess the
voltage's magnitude and phase angle. Taking into account the notion that this frequency won't alter.

B. Working principle

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 As shown in Figure 1, the GPS (Global Positioning System) provides precise time synchronization to the PMU. In order to
precisely timestamp the measured phasors and send them to the IRIG-B (Inter-Range Instrumentation Group Time Code), which
provides a precise time signal to synchronize all the devices in the power system, the PMU leverages this time synchronization.
The PMU receives the IRIG-B signal and uses it to align the measured phasors with the power system's time reference, and pass
the signal for current transformer to measures the current flowing through the power bus. The voltage across the power bus is then
monitored by the voltage transformer. This measurement is used by the PMU to determine the current's strength and phase angle.
This measurement is used by the PMU to determine the voltage's magnitude and phase angle. The electrical network that supplies
power to the linked devices is referred to as the "power bus." To ascertain the electrical characteristics of the power system, the
PMU measures the phasors at the power bus.

Power
GPS PMU CT VT bus

Communication

Fig. 1: Overview of the phasor measurement unit

III. METHOD OF INSTALLATION

in order to create a typical synchronized phasor measurement system. When the receiver portion detects the GPS signal, it
sends a phase-locked sampling clock pulse via the DNP 3 to the analog-to-digital converter system. To represent the waveform's
phasor, a complex number is derived from the sampled values. The discrete Fourier transform (DFT) method, a short-time
variation of Fourier analysis, implies that a signal is composed of its fundamental frequency and its harmonics and exists for a
very little period of time (referred to as a "window"). The DFT analysis's findings regarding the components of various
frequencies were combined to create the original waveform. combining the phasors of the three phase’s results in the positive
sequence measurement shown in Figure 2.

GPS
receive
r

DNP 3

V/I Synchroniz
Sequence ed phasor
analog
A/D DF analyzer measureme
channel
T nt

Figure 2 the Synchronized Phasor Measurement System (PMU) in block diagram form

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 IV. TEST AND RESULT ANALYSIS
a. Accuracy Test
PMU (Phasor Measurement Unit) accuracy is typically measured in terms of its ability to accurately measure voltage and
current phasors. The Total Vector Error (TVE), which is utilized for this test, is a metric that measures the discrepancy between
the measured and actual phasors as a percentage of the magnitude of the real phasor. A sample of a PMU accuracy test result for
measuring voltage and current is shown in Tables 1 and 2, respectively:

Table I: Voltage Measurement Test

S. No Measured
Actual voltage
voltage TVE
phasor
phasor
132 kV/ 0 deg 131.95 kV / 0.05%
1
0.2 deg
66 kV/ 0 deg 65.975 kV/ 0.025%
2
0.2 deg
33 kV/ 0 deg 32.9875 kV/ 0.0125%
3
0.2 deg

Table II: Current Measurement Test

S. No Measured
Actual current
current TVE
phasor
phasor
1000 A / 45 deg 999.7 A/ 0.3%
1
45.1 deg
500 A / 45 deg 499.8 / 45.1 0.2%
2
deg
250 A / 45 deg 249.9 / 45.1 0.1%
3
deg

However, this PMU demonstrated very good accuracy, with TVEs well within the required standards for high-precision phasor
measurement. PMUs are known for their high measurement accuracy, typically within 0.1% or 0.05% better, while SCADA
systems have lower measurement accuracy, typically within 1% or better. AMI systems have even lower measurement accuracy,
typically within 2-3%.

b. Communication Test
This test is performed to confirm the accuracy and dependability of the communication between the PMU and the control
center. The test involves simulating different communication scenarios and checking for any errors or delays. A communication
test result of a Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) typically includes information about the device's ability to communicate with
other devices in a power system network. Table 4 below is an example of a PMU communication test result:
Test: PMU Communication Test
Device under test: PMU-001
Test conducted by: Power System Testing Lab.

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 Table III: PMU Communication Test

S. No Test Parameter Test Result

1 Master Station IP Address 192.168.1.1
2 PMU IP Address 192.168.1.2
3 DNP3 Protocol Version 3

4 Communication Medium Ethernet

Master Station Request Class 0, Object
5 30 (Analog
Input)
PMU Response Class 0, Object
6 30 (Analog
Input)
Data Received Voltage: 125.6
kV, Current: 200
7
A, Frequency: 50
Hz
Time Stamp 2023-05-07
8
12:30:45
9 Communication Latency 10 ms

10 Data Integrity Verified

11 Test Result Pass

This test was carried out using the DNP3 protocol version 3 via Ethernet communication channel. The master station
requested voltage, current, and frequency analog input data from the PMU, and the PMU complied. The data received was
voltage: 125.6 kV, current: 200 A, and frequency: 50 Hz, and the time stamp for the received data was 2023-05-07 12:30:45. The
communication latency was 10 ms, and the data integrity was verified. Based on these results, the test passed

c. Stability Test.

This test is performed to ensure that the PMU measurements are stable over time. The test involves monitoring the PMU
measurements over a period of time and checking for any fluctuations or drifts. A stability test is conducted to ensure that a
Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) is capable of providing accurate and reliable data in a variety of operating conditions. Table 3 is
an example of a stability test result for a PMU:
Test Condition: Sudden 3-phase fault at 2.5 km from PMU location Test Duration: 5 seconds

TABLE IV: Stability Test Result for PMU.

Current Phase angle
Voltage Frequency
measure measurement
measurement measurement
ment deviation
deviation deviation
deviation
0.2% 0.5% 0.1 Hz 0.1 degree

In terms of stability test data difference, PMU data is the most detailed than any other means of measurement and control, it
also provides the most accurate information on the power system's dynamic behavior.

V. CONCLUSION
The use of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) has been viewed as useful equipment that can be employed in power systems
for monitoring and controlling the system and also to improve the quality of the power system in this study, because they can also
provide high-resolution, time-synchronized data which can be used to improve situational awareness, detect and diagnose system
disturbances, and improve system control. The use of PMUs can lead to improved system stability, increased system efficiency,
and reduced operating costs. However, the implementation of PMUs can be complex and costly, and further research is needed to
fully realize the benefits of PMU-based monitoring and control. Overall, PMUs have the potential to greatly improve the
reliability and efficiency of power systems, making them an important area of ongoing research and development.
VI. COMPETING OF INTEREST
There are many competing interests regarding the use of PMUS for monitoring and controlling power systems. PMUs have
many applications including wide-area monitoring, control and protection, stability analysis, and control of power system
oscillations. one significant problem is the cost of PMUs, which can seriously impede widespread deployment. another problem is

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the requirement for standard data formats and communication protocols to enable compatibility between various PMUu devices
and systems. regarding potential answers to these problems, efforts are being made to lower the price of PMUs by the creation of
low-cost PMU devices and the application of alternative measurement techniques. aiming to develop standard data formats and
communication, organizations like the IEEE and IEC are also engaging in standardization effort.

VII. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
All praises, adoration and glorification are due to nobody except God Almighty, the owner of knowledge, the most magnanimous,
Special appreciation and gratitude to a bailiwick man, Engr. Mutiu K. Agboola (PROTOCOL) for his invaluable guidance,
fatherly role, support, and encouragement throughout the entire duration of this course.

VIII.AUTHORS CONTRIBUTION
Reviewing and synthesizing information from the body of research on PMUs, power system monitoring, and control in order to
offer fresh viewpoints or insights.

IX. FUNDING

This project did not yet receive any funds from anyone either Government or any Private Organiszation
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