Synchrophasors: A primer and practical applications

Although the concept and definition of Synchrophasors dates back to 1980, the combination of 2^nd generation IED platforms and power system needs has brought the technology into high-visibility in the electric power industry. As synchrophasor technology has matured, nuances of the measurement of a synchronized phasor have been identified and the details of ldquohowrdquo a phasor is defined, synchronized to absolute time, reported, and communicated have subsequently been re-codified int he recently revised IEEE standard: Synchrophasors for Power Systems - C37.118. This paper reviews the concept of the synchronized phasor in light of the IEEE C37.118 standard. Specifically, details of an ldquoun-correctedrdquo Fourier based phasor during off-nominal frequency conditions are presented as well as techniques for correction to meet the Synchrophasor standard. The need for IED input transformer and filter characterization / correction is presented. Simulations of various system transients and their phasor response are presented - specifically, the response of synchrophasor calculation to dynamic system conditions. Finally, this paper reviews application of synchrophasors on the SRP system today as well as plans and needs in the future.