OpenPMU: Open source platform for Synchrophasor applications and research

Synchrophasor measurement is increasingly becoming a standard tool of the electrical power systems engineer and is attracting much interest in the research community due to the novel new methods and techniques it offers for observing and controlling the power system. A common difficulty in the development of Synchrophasor based technology is the closed environment in which the measurement algorithms and processes governing the operation of Phasor Measurement Units, PMUs, are developed. While most PMUs will support the relevant IEEE standards for Synchrophasor measurement, where transient or dynamic operation is concerned it would be useful to have detailed knowledge of the mathematical transforms and indeed any limitations of the measurement hardware. This can be especially important in developing new protection systems utilizing Synchrophasors, when confidence in the system rests on consistent performance between devices over a long period of service, including device upgrades. The “OpenPMU” described in this paper intends to settle some of these concerns by defining and developing a research orientated platform for Synchrophasor algorithm and application development.