Considerations for Integrating PMU Capabilities Into Grid-Connected Power Electronics Converters

Abstract

Information is the pathway to smart electricity distribution grids. Current trends point at phase measurement units (PMUs) becoming the gateway to getting distribution grid information to increase its observability, controllability and monitoring and deliver more advanced grid services and other functionalities. Grid-connected power electronics converters (GCPECs) are ubiquitous in distribution grids as the interface between the grid and distributed generation sources and modern electronic loads. The paper proposes the integration of PMU capability into GCPECs. The cyber-physical systems framework of smart grids is used to illustrate the concepts and benefits of PMU enabled GCPECs. The coordinated initiatives of solar and energy storage GCPECs becoming more grid supportive, providing more information to the grid operators and allowing their direct control by the utilities are summarized as the basis for further development of GCPECs. Finally, the need for communication infrastructure and the potential of using optical sensors for the PMU enabled GCPECs are discussed.