Flexible Wide Area Monitoring, Protection and Control applications in future power networks

The complexity of future power networks and the expected high level of uncertainties in these networks might radically affect the required security and reliability of their operation. Wide-Area Monitoring, Protection and Control (WAMPAC) involves the use of system-wide information and the communication of selected local information to a remote location to counteract the propagation of large disturbances and reducing by this the probability of potential catastrophic blackouts. Synchronized Measurement Technology (SMT) is an important element and enabler of WAMPAC. It is expected that WAMPAC systems will in the future generally improve the reliability and security of energy production, transmission and distribution, particularly in power networks with a high level of operational uncertainties. In the paper several key protection and control applications are described and discussed. A strategy for developing a WAMPAC system in the UK is given as well.