Monitoring power system disturbances at the distribution level

Wide-area measurement systems (WAMS) enable the monitoring of bulk power systems providing deep insight into system dynamics. The North American frequency monitoring network (FNET) takes GPS-synchronized wide-area measurements in a low-cost, easily deployable manner at the 120 V distribution level. A situational awareness system has been implemented on the server located at Virginia Tech to detect and analyze power system disturbances in near-real time. This paper discusses several major disturbances in Eastern Interconnection (EI) observed by FNET. Important parameters of power systems, such as frequency, voltage and phase angle, are examined to understand system behavior during disturbances. The recordings and analysis show that a great deal of valuable information about dynamics in transmission systems can be obtained at a lower voltage level.