Continuous damping measurement for power system analysis

This paper reviews the use of technology to measure the damping of power system modes for solving problems that face power system analysts. Inter-area oscillations are of particular concern as these occur over a wide area, often spanning several control areas, and are difficult to characterize accurately using dynamic models. The use of this technology in commercially available tools provides the analyst with unique insight on the dynamic performance of the grid under normal and abnormal conditions. The background and assumptions implicit in the analysis technique are outlined, and its use for various analysis tasks is described. The use is illustrated by investigations of occurrences of poor damping noted in monitored networks.