Review of Approaches for Using Synchrophasor Data for Real-Time Wide-Area Control

Due to the changing nature of power systems-with reduced electrical inertia and the prevalence of smaller controllable power resources rather than large generators-new control approaches are required to mitigate disturbances. Ubiquitous measurements and communications networks can be leveraged to accelerate and provide a targeted, real-time response in such future systems. However, autonomous control of power systems requires dependable measurements. This paper provides a review of state of the art approaches to real-time power system control using synchrophasor measurements. In particular, examples are given involving recent developments in frequency regulation. Through a case study, it is shown how laboratories can be linked using Software-Defined Networking technologies to conveniently share resources in order to realistically and comprehensively validate synchrophasor-based control systems.