Development of a portable software tool for time domain modal analysis

Estimation of dynamic behaviors in power systems is a key feature for low-frequency oscillations characterization in wide-area monitoring and control systems (WAMS, WACS). This paper presents the development of an eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA)/Prony portable software tool and its use to perform robust modal analysis in a single-input-single-output (SISO) measurement-based context. The algorithm is developed using C language and open source libraries to minimize portability issues. The performance of the proposed algorithm on discrete-time signals is evaluated through field measurement data analysis, and then by a comparison with rotational invariance (ESPRIT) techniques.