Department of Energy/University research: A smart partnership for a smart grid

The U.S. Department of Energy is partnering with NERC in supporting the development and deployment of a time-synchronized phasor measurement network in North America that takes advantage of advanced sensing, communication and computational systems. This network for the first time enables a wide area view of the power system, and real time monitoring of voltage and current magnitudes and phase angles, and system frequency under both steady state and dynamic conditions. To take full advantage of this new real-time access to synchronized data, DOE is turning its R&D focus increasingly to longer range research at laboratories and universities to develop advanced analytical tools and applications that support better planning and operation of the grid, and improved grid reliability and asset management. This research includes fundamental investigations in data integration, adaptive islanding, optimal power flow, oscillation analysis, and other areas. Development of these tools through universities provides cutting edge research focused on a national need and strengthens university power programs that will provide the next generation of power engineers and educators.