What are the emerging technologies and tools for voltage and reactive power monitoring and analysis?

2 Phasor measurement units

Phasor measurement units (PMUs) are specialized sensors that can measure the voltage and current phasors at high sampling rates, typically 30 to 60 times per second. They can capture the magnitude and phase angle of the voltage and current signals, which are essential for understanding the dynamic behavior and stability of the grid. PMUs can also synchronize their measurements using a common time reference, such as GPS, enabling them to provide a coherent and accurate picture of the grid state across different regions and networks. PMUs can facilitate the voltage and reactive power analysis by providing data for applications such as state estimation, contingency analysis, voltage stability assessment, and oscillation detection.

3 Data analytics and visualization

Data analytics and visualization are techniques that can process, analyze, and present large amounts of data from smart meters, sensors, PMUs, and other sources in a meaningful and understandable way. They can help the operators and planners to extract useful insights and patterns from the data, such as trends, correlations, outliers, and anomalies. They can also help them to visualize the voltage and reactive power profiles, contours, margins, and limits on different time scales and spatial resolutions. Data analytics and visualization can enhance the voltage and reactive power monitoring and analysis by providing tools for decision support, performance evaluation, and scenario planning.

4 Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are branches of computer science that can enable systems to learn from data and perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as reasoning, prediction, classification, and optimization. They can offer solutions for complex and nonlinear problems that may not be easily solved by conventional methods. AI and ML can improve the voltage and reactive power monitoring and analysis by providing methods for data-driven modeling, forecasting, control, optimization, and fault detection and diagnosis.

5 Distributed ledger technology

Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a system that can record and share data among multiple participants in a network without relying on a central authority or intermediary. It can provide security, transparency, and traceability for the data transactions, as well as enable smart contracts that can execute predefined rules and actions. DLT can support the voltage and reactive power monitoring and analysis by facilitating the coordination and communication among different grid actors, such as generators, consumers, prosumers, aggregators, and market operators. It can also enable new business models and services that can incentivize the participation and contribution of distributed energy resources for voltage and reactive power management.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?