PMU-WAMS research and application in Brazil

Wide area measurement system (WAMS), which is based on synchronization data from phasor measurement units (PMU) and EMS SCADA, is implemented to establish a system model that can handle certain functions such as realtime power system monitoring, oscillation mode analysis, accident analysis and decision-making assistance for emergency control. The Brazilian Interconnected Power System (BIPS) is a large system covering an extensive geographical region, which faces certain risks and challenges. It has several main transmission corridors associated with large power plants and interconnection between the northern and southeastern regions. Mismatch between the energy base and load pool also exists in Brazil as energy resources are not well-distributed; therefore, the use of large-capacity, long-distance transmission technique to transmit remote power is unescapable. On the other hand, there are many types of voltage levels and multiple entangled electromagnetic loops owing to historical reasons. Then, for insufficient power reservation and defective grid body in load pools, once the external power is cut, it’s easy to raise a blackout. The infrastructure is old and the power system operates close to the upper limit. All these represent risks and challenges to BIPS. Through WAMS technology research method in this project, the electrical power system function of monitoring, analysis, and control improved from the static state to the dynamic state. WAMS enhances data integration and real-time analysis capabilities, and can provide dispatchers with high quality real-time dynamic information and decision-making support information, enhance monitoring of auxiliary services in the electricity market, enable operators to improve the accuracy of power network analysis, thereby increasing power grid monitoring and operation, and improve the transmission capacity and reliability of the power grid operation 1].