A New Technique for Rapid Tracking of Frequency Deviations Based on Level Crossings

A novel frequency computation technique suitable for single or three phase voltage signals is proposed. The method is based on a generalization of the zero crossing detection to a level crossing detection. This yields several estimates of the frequency within one cycle. A composite "best estimatet" is obtained by an appropriate weighted average of these estimates. The method is insensitive to amplitude variations, unbalance and is capable of tracking small frequency deviations in as short a duration as a fraction of a cycle. The measurement scheme is particularily suitable for integration with the digital schemes for real-time monitoring control and protection of power systems.