Proposal of a fuzzy-based PMU for detection and classification of disturbances in power distribution networks

•Measurement of voltage and current phasors with synchronism.•Diagnosis of the cause of electrical disturbances.•Estimation of electrical parameters.•Low manufacturing cost with an embedded fuzzy inference system.

The dynamic nature of distribution grids leads to new concerns in the operation of such electrical systems. Some features of these networks, such as distributed generation using renewable resources, changing load characteristics and increased reliability requirements, point out to the need for improved monitoring and control capabilities. Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) provide synchronized measurements of voltage and current phasors at various locations, offering numerous possibilities to estimate the state and health of a power distribution network. In this context, a cost-optimized PMU is proposed in this paper with some exclusive features for distribution systems, such as a fuzzy inference system for identifying the cause of eventual electrical disturbances and techniques for estimating electric parameters via measured field data, which are requirements desired by power distribution companies. Experimental results are considered to prove the effective operation of the proposed PMU in power distribution systems.