Synchrophasor System Research Articles

A Comprehensive Risk Assessment Framework for Synchrophasor Communication Networks in a Smart Grid Cyber Physical System with a Case Study

The smart grid (SG), which has revolutionized the power grid, is being further improved by using the burgeoning cyber physical system (CPS) technology. The conceptualization of SG using CPS, which is referred to as the smart grid cyber physical system (SGCPS), has gained a momentum with the synchrophasor measurements. The edifice of the synchrophasor system is its communication network referred to as a synchrophasor communication network (SCN), which is used to communicate the synchrophasor data from the sensors known as phasor measurement units (PMUs) to the control center known as the phasor data concentrator (PDC). However, the SCN is vulnerable to hardware and software failures that introduce risk. Thus, an appropriate risk assessment framework for the SCN is needed to alleviate the risk in the protection and control of the SGCPS. In this direction, a comprehensive risk assessment framework has been proposed in this article for three types of SCNs, namely: dedicated SCN, shared SCN and hybrid SCN in an SGCPS. The proposed framework uses hardware reliability as well as data reliability to evaluate the associated risk. A simplified hardware reliability model has been proposed for each of these networks, based on failure probability to assess risk associated with hardware failures. Furthermore, the packet delivery ratio (PDR) metric is considered for measuring risk associated with data reliability. To mimic practical shared and hybrid SCNs, the risk associated with data reliability is evaluated for different background traffics of 70%, 80% and 95% using 64 Kbps and 300 Kbps PMU data rates. The analytical results are meticulously validated by considering a case study of West Bengal’s (a state in India) power grid. With respect to the case study, different SCNs are designed and simulated using the QualNet network simulator. The simulations are performed for dedicated SCN, shared SCN and hybrid SCN with 64 Kbps and 300 Kbps PMU data rates. The simulation results are comprehensively analyzed for risk hedging of the proposed SCNs with data reliability and hardware reliability. To summarize, the mean risk with data reliability (RwDR) as compared to the mean risk with hardware reliability (RwHR) increases in shared SCN and hybrid SCN by a factor of 17.108 and 23.278, respectively. However, minimum RwDR increases in shared and hybrid SCN by a factor of 16.005 and 17.717, respectively, as compared to the corresponding minimum RwHR. The overall analysis reveals that the RwDR is minimum for dedicated SCN, moderate for shared SCN, and highest for hybrid SCN.

변전소의 재생에너지 모니터링을 위한 동기페이저 시스템 구축

변전소의 재생에너지 모니터링을 위한 동기페이저 시스템 구축

Third-Generation Cellular and Wireless Serial Radio Communications: Field Testing for Smart Grid Applications

Increasingly, smart grid solutions use wireless communications as a core component for moving information and, thus, facilitate more intelligent decision making. This article considers a synchrophasor system implemented on a distribution feeder simultaneously using two separate wireless communication technologies to transmit synchrophasor measurement data. This system was implemented to demonstrate advanced distributed-generation control and how it impacts grid support on the broader electrical feeder. For purposes of performance evaluation, both a wireless serial communications solution and a third-generation (3G) cellular solution were implemented. Phasor measurement unit (PMU ) data, which are streamed without interruption up to 60 messages/s, offer a means to continuously evaluate the two communications systems; performance data measured and archived over a one-week period provided detailed comparison information. Using this information, this article recommends which wireless technology may be better suited for various utility applications.

Data quality issues for synchrophasor applications Part I: a review

Synchrophasor systems, providing low-latency, high-precision, and time-synchronized measurements to enhance power grid performances, are deployed globally. However, the synchrophasor system as a physical network, involves communication constraints and data quality issues, which will impact or even disable certain synchrophasor applications. This work investigates the data quality issue for synchrophasor applications. In Part I, the standards of synchrophasor systems and the classifications and data quality requirements of synchrophasor applications are reviewed. Also, the actual events of synchronization signal accuracy, synchrophasor data loss, and latency are counted and analyzed. The review and statistics are expected to provide an overall picture of data accuracy, loss, and latency issues for synchrophasor applications.

Cyber security testing and intrusion detection for synchrophasor systems

Synchrophasor systems are an emerging technology. Prior to installation of a synchrophasor system a set of cyber security requirements must be developed, new devices must undergo vulnerability testing, and proper security controls must be designed to protect the synchrophasor system from unauthorised access. This paper describes the process taken to develop a set of cyber security requirements for an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funded synchrophasor project. The paper further describes vulnerability analysis and testing performed on synchrophasor system components. Finally, the paper describes intrusion detection rules written as a response to vulnerabilities discovered in the vulnerability analysis and testing process.

Life Cycle Management Tools for Synchrophasor Systems: Why We Need Them and What They Should Entail

Abstract: A synchrophasor system solution generally incorporates precise timing sources, Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), Phasor Data Concentrators (PDCs), communication network and phasor based applications. Even though all components may pass the laboratory tests, there is no guaranty that everything will work properly together after installation and deployment in the field. To preserve an acceptable level of service quality, the system components need to be tested keeping in mind different stages of the deployment. This paper discusses various aspects of a comprehensive life-cycle management model for Synchrophasor technology, ranging from the component to the overall end-to-end system level, and rigorous procedures for testing and evaluating such mission critical systems. In this effort, a unique PMU calibration lab is constructed to execute standardized PMU acceptance tests according to IEEE and IEC standards, such as the IEEE C37.118.1a among others. Field end-to-end calibrator is introduced using an accurate reference PMU called “Gold PMU” to perform field acceptance and periodic maintenance tests utilizing the nested testing concept. To illustrate the value of synchrophasor life-cycle management tools, use cases for state estimation and fault location application end-to-end tests are implemented to evaluate impact of accuracy deterioration and component failure on the performance of the synchrophasor system.

Cyber Security Threats in Synchrophasor System in Wide Area Monitoring System

Cyber security has become a critical priority for electric utilities. With the increase in the use of intelligent measuring devices like PMUs and more advanced communications and information technology in smart grid, the overall attack surface has increased. Cyber attacks against synchrophasor system critical infrastructure are detrimental to the functioning of the society as a whole. This paper presents the latest on cyber security of synchrophasor system in smart grid, specifically; it focuses on the deep understanding of the risk in terms of threats, vulnerabilities and consequences that arise from cyber attacks. Since the research on cyber security for the smart grid is still in its early stage, our objective is to provide an overview, analyze potential cyber security threats, and review existing security solutions in the Wide Area Monitoring System.

Cyber Security Threats in Synchrophasor System in Wide Area Monitoring System

<p>Cyber security has become a critical priority for electric utilities. With the increase in the use of intelligent measuring devices like PMUs and more advanced communications and information technology in smart grid, the overall attack surface has increased. Cyber attacks against synchrophasor system critical infrastructure are detrimental to the functioning of the society as a whole. This paper presents the latest on cyber security of synchrophasor system in smart grid, specifically; it focuses on the deep understanding of the risk in terms of threats, vulnerabilities and consequences that arise from cyber attacks. Since the research on cyber security for the smart grid is still in its early stage, our objective is to provide an overview, analyze potential cyber security threats, and review existing security solutions in the Wide Area Monitoring System.</p>

Cyber Security Threats in Synchrophasor System in Wams

Cyber Security Threats in Synchrophasor System in Wams