The “Inform IT Wide Area Monitoring PSG830” solution from ABB is a system (WAMS) that collects and analyzes real-time data throughout the power grid –enabling operators to detect the first signs of grid instability, prevent the spread of disturbances and avoid grid collapse.
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The problem
Many of the world’s power grids are heavily loaded and operating close to their maximum capacity. When sudden bulk transfers of power occur, the grids become unstable and vulnerable to system-wide disturbances such as cascade tripping and blackouts. |  |
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A system that could measure and monitor voltage and current input throughout the grid in real-time has long been a priority for utilities, governmental organizations and major industrial users. Such a system would enable operators to detect the first signs of instability and take appropriate action to stop the disturbance from spreading.
The difficulties in developing this type of system have been enormous – in particular, how to collect, coordinate and synchronize the vast amounts of data in such a complex and widely dispersed system as a power grid in real time. ABB’s Wide Area Solutions represent the first and only WAMS product to succeed.
The solution
“Inform IT Wide Area Monitoring PSG830”
combines advanced phasor measurement, which includes Global Positioning System (GPS) and application software to measure and monitor the status of a power grid.
The PMUs (phasor measurement units) are located at key points in the grid, such as in substations, to measure various types of input, such as synchronized phasor measurements which allow to compute and to monitor different type of instabilities (e.g. voltage instability, frequency instability) on a System Monitoring Center.
The data is transmitted to a central location, typical in a controlcenter, where it is collected and analyzed by the ABB wide area solution. PSG830 picks up the first signs of grid instability and gives operators valuable information to respond to the disturbance and prevent it from spreading.
The benefits
PSG830 is a direct response to a pressing need to detect and counteract stress in the power grid. At stake are millions of dollars in lost revenues and growing customer dissatisfaction as the results of shutdowns, outages and blackouts.
System-wide real-time information from ABB’s wide area solutions improve availability and transmission capacity, and enable utilities to correctly identify investment priorities.
Achieving a modest one percent increase in transmission capacity on existing assets gives a rapid and substantial return on investment.