Testing and Calibration of Phasor Measurement Units (NCSLI Measure reprint)

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Testing and Calibration of Phasor Measurement Units - NCSLI Measure reprint (287.62 KB)

This article, by Richard Pirret, was published in the June 2012 issue of NCSLI Measure magazine.

Abstract: In the evolving Smart Grid, time-variant sources and loads introduce disturbances that can threaten the stability of the grid. Sophisticated protection and control systems are required to preserve reliability. These systems rely on accurate, synchronous measurements of voltage, current and frequency made by Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). Although PMUs first appeared in 1988, their recent deployments promise to enhance the accuracy and consistency of PMU Measurements. IEEE C37.118.1:2011, "Standard for Synchrophasor Measurements for Power Systems," established new performance limits for PMU test and calibration. The revised standard more clearly defines existing concepts, and enhanced and added material to the sections on stady state and dynamic tests. The emergence of automated systems supports the consistent execution of standard tests during PMU calibrations, and the observance of sound traceability practices for PMU ensures the accuracy of those calibrations. This paper describes the fundamentals of phasor measurements, the recent revisions to the IEEE C37.118.I standard, a new automated PMU calibration system developed at Fluke, and the establishment of traceability for PMU calibrations.