I have previously written about synchrophasors. These are systems that measure the status of the electric power grid at high resolution and enable a wide range of applications that allow operators to manage their systems more efficiently, integrate new generation sources, and improve reliability. Synchrophasor technology monitors the grid at a rate 100 times faster than existing systems and is a core component of a modernized grid.
The Department of Energy is working in partnership with industry members to advance and accelerate the use of this technology. Since 1995, the Department has sponsored R&D in Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and synchrophasor applications. Through the Smart Grid Investment Grants and Smart Grid Demonstration Projects, which were funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, DOE and industry members co-funded approximately $330 million in synchrophasor projects, leading to the installation of over 1,000 PMUs and extensive synchrophasor communications networks. Thanks to these industry and federal investments, today much of North America’s grid is actively monitored by almost 2,000 PMUs and associated communications networks.
Recently awarded synchrophasor R&D projects are working to advance synchrophasor-based applications for utility control rooms. Complementary Department research is exploring ways to use synchrophasor technology as part of transforming the electricity distribution system.
DOE is partnering with the Electric Power Research Institute to support the North American Synchrophasor Initiative (NASPI), a collaborative effort among industry, government and vendors to advance the adoption and value of synchrophasor technology for grid reliability and efficiency. NASPI hosts workgroup meetings twice a year focusing on how to implement and use synchrophasor technology. Recent NASPI technical studies have addressed the value proposition for synchrophasor technology, diagnosing equipment health with PMU data, and how to perform model validation using synchrophasor data.
Synchrophasor technology improves grid operators’ ability to integrate and manage renewable generation. In recognition of this use, DOE’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Energy Douglas Hollett joined the NASPI Work Group meeting earlier this month to present the NASPI Awards. These awards recognize important organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions and accomplishments in the synchrophasor field. This year’s awardees are:
- NASPI Volunteer of the Year Award – Ken Martin, Electric Power Group
- NASPI Control Room Solutions Task Team Most Valuable Player Award – Sarma Nuthalapati, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)
- NASPI Engineering Analysis Task Team Most Valuable Player Award – Matthew Rhodes, Salt River Project
- NASPI Performance Requirements, Verification & Standards Task Team Most Valuable Player Award – Allen Goldstein, National Institute for Standards & Technology
- NASPI Outstanding Student of the Year (Graduate level) – Lingwei Zhan, University of Tennessee Knoxville
- NASPI Outstanding Utility of the Year – Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)
The Office of Electric Delivery and Energy Reliability appreciates the accomplishments of these award winners and other synchrophasor contributors, and the support of our sister office, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, in delivering the awards.