Development of a distribution level data acquisition system and preliminary results

With the development of smart grids and the deployment of their enabling technologies, improved data acquisition will be needed at the distribution level to understand the full impact of these changes. With this in mind, NREL has developed a high-speed measurement and data collection network targeted specifically at the distribution level. This network is based around adaptable, rugged measurement devices designed for deployment at a variety of low and medium voltage locations below the substation. Each of these devices is capable of real-time data transmission via an internet connection. This paper presents the data collection results and a preliminary data analysis, as well as a brief introduction to some of the distribution level visualization applications that have been developed based on the incoming data streams.