Distributed state estimation with PMU using grid computing

State estimation is an essential tool in monitoring the power system. As the size of the electric power system continues to grow, a state estimator has to be more computationally efficient and robust. This can be achieved by technical advancement in computational science and improving the state estimation algorithm. Distributed state estimation (DSE) decomposes the power system into smaller subsystems. This provides a way to simultaneously poll the measurements and execute the state estimation for a smaller size power system. PMUs can synchronize the measurements between different areas which are perfectly suited for distributed state estimation. The results obtained by local state estimation will be sent to the coordinator for further processing with consideration of the reference angle and boundary estimates. The phase angles and voltages estimated in each sub-area are usually based on their own area reference bus. Considering there are PMUs in the power system, this paper proposes a new method of calculating the reference angle difference between different areas. Grid computing has been used to help in DSE computation as a novel approach. The preliminary test results have presented for a small scale test case.