Wide-Area Monitoring, Protection, and Control of Future Electric Power Networks

TLDR

Wide‑area monitoring, protection, and control (WAMPAC) uses system‑wide and remotely communicated local data to mitigate large disturbances, with synchronized measurement technology as a key enabler, and is expected to reduce catastrophic blackouts and enhance reliability in highly uncertain power networks. This paper addresses the technological and application issues of WAMPAC. The authors describe key WAMPAC monitoring, protection, and control applications and outline a strategy for developing such a system in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

Wide-area monitoring, protection, and control (WAMPAC) involves the use of system-wide information and the communication of selected local information to a remote location to counteract the propagation of large disturbances. Synchronized measurement technology (SMT) is an important element and enabler of WAMPAC. It is expected that WAMPAC systems will in the future reduce the number of catastrophic blackouts and generally improve the reliability and security of energy production, transmission, and distribution, particularly in power networks with a high level of operational uncertainties. In this paper, the technological and application issues are addressed. Several key monitoring, protection, and control applications are described and discussed. A strategy for developing a WAMPAC system in the United Kingdom is given as well.