Synchrophasor Communication over Internet: Performance Analysis of different Methods based on Real Experiences

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical description and a practical experience in different synchrophasor communication methods applied in real implementations of PMUs connected over both a wired and a mobile internet link. The analyzed methods are proposed in the IEEE Standard C37.118.2-2011 and are the most used in the literature and real applications including commercial PMUs. A complete description is presented and the main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, including network efficiency algorithms that can affect PMU link are discussed. As PMUs are being applied on existing power systems in developing countries, where dedicated Ethernet or fiber-optic links are not always available, wired internet connections and GSM/GPRS usually become the only possible solutions. Performance of PMUs over Internet, in terms of data frames quality and latency, is analyzed by means of tests designed for this purpose, and statistical analysis of results from real experiences is presented and compared with real applications requirements.