The empirical transfer function estimate method for determining mode shape

A very direct method for estimating a power sys tem´s electromechanical mode shape is presented. The method develops an empirical transfer function estimate (ETFE) from measurement data acquired during low-level periodic probing of a power system to obtain a relationship between system outputs distributed throughout the power system. This frequency response is then used to obtain mode shape estimates. The method is applied to a system model and results are compared with true values. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to assess the performance of the method. The algorithm is also applied to Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) data from Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) system wide probing tests and comparisons with the known configuration of the power system are provided.