Implementation and application of an independent Texas synchrophasor network

Synchronized phasor measurements are becoming widely used in wide-area networks (WANs) around the world for real-time control, monitoring, and post-disturbance analysis. While a few utilities in Texas presently employ synchrophasors in their service territories to increase overall service reliability, many challenges have prevented the development of a large-scale synchrophasor measurement network spanning the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) interconnection. New comprehensive analyses of data gathered from measurement units strategically placed throughout ERCOT will ultimately allow these utilities to make more informed control decisions. This paper discusses the ongoing development of a synchrophasor network by the University of Texas and the network applications, including modal analysis of measured angle differences between measurement locations. Understanding how high penetration levels of wind generation in West Texas affect overall system stability is of key interest. Phasor measurements in this network are taken from conventional 120 V wall outlets. Most data are sent to Austin through the public Internet.