Assessment of compliance of phasor measurement units (PMUs) for smart grid applications

This paper introduces a method for evaluating phasor measurement units (PMUs) using the Fluke PMU Calibration system (6135A/PMUCAL), in both steady state and transient conditions, considering its applications in a smart power transmission system. Two numerical distance protection intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) enabled with PMU functionalities and one standalone PMU, are evaluated at different reporting rates (10, 25 and 50FPS) for both M and P class, at nominal frequency of 50 Hz. The PMUs are tested for critical parameters such as total vector error (TVE), response time, frequency error (FE), delay time, and rate of change of frequency error (RFE). The entire testing process is fully automated and controlled remotely. A detailed review of the PMU tests data output is conducted and a comprehensive analysis of the results are presented. The PMU performance is evaluated for compliance with IEEE C37.118-1:2011 and IEEE C37.118-1a:2014 product and standards certification. This automated testing methodology makes the entire testing process simple, accurate, and very efficient.