Using Synchrophasors to Detect Transient and Voltage Instability in Transmission Networks and in Active Distribution Networks

This paper summarizes three prospective applications of synchronized phasor measurement units (PMU) in electric power systems (EPS). Two applications focus on system wide stability of generation/transmission networks, whereas one application focuses on the stability of active radial distribution feeders with synchronous-machine-based distributed generation. The paper highlights that the application of synchrophasors to detect the proximity of voltage instability has been implemented with actual PMU measurements in two EPS. The paper also presents the application of synchronized measurements in out-of-step protection both in bulk transmission and in radial active distribution networks.