On-line impulse response extraction of a power transfer path using pulse compression probing

Measurement-based extraction of non-parametric small signal models of power transfer paths in real-time can greatly benefit wide-area control, monitoring, and protection of a power system. This paper explores the feasibility of using pulse compression (PC) probing for on-line identification of impulse responses and change detection of selected power transfer paths. These real-time schemes become possible due to the increasing presence of modern power electronic control devices in, for example, high voltage dc (HVDC) transmission systems, as well as networked measurement devices of high reporting rates, such as phasor measurement units (PMUs). The paper discusses the principle of PC probing, including probing signal synthesis, injection, and the acquisition of perturbed system measurements for on-line extraction of small signal impulse responses. A 5-bus test power system is built to illustrate the results of impulse response identification, and change detection using pulse-compression probing.