Using Synchrophasors to Improve Bulk Power System Reliability in North America

Maintaining reliable operation of the bulk power system is a fundamental aspect of grid operation, and focuses on ensuring the system can withstand sudden disturbances or unanticipated failures of system elements such that instability, uncontrolled separation, or cascading failures will not occur. Phasor measurement units (PMUs) provide the capability for enhanced real-time monitoring and control room solutions as well as improved power system analysis in the planning horizon. With over 1,700 PMUs deployed in the North American grid, numerous PMU-based applications have been developed. This paper summarizes synchrophasor-based applications and presents utility synchrophasor experience.