Distribution Switchgear Evolution: Deploying Synchrophasors in Medium Voltage Reclosers (263)
Through the ongoing evolution of the energy supply network driven by decentralisation of generation and consumption, an emerging need for new protection and control techniques has arisen. For a connected future, the distribution grid must evolve to handle the greater variation in power flow and control requirements. This paper outlines the ongoing ARENA backed project at NOJA Power for the world’s first major distribution system synchrophasor measurement acquisition and equipment deployment. The landmark data acquired from this project will be used to evolve protection and automation schemes in the distribution network.
Synchrophasors and their corresponding Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) have been successfully deployed throughout transmission networks. The greater granularity of data acquisition allows for higher selectivity and specificity of protection, whilst enabling greater visibility for control of the system. These system attributes will be a necessity in the Distribution network of the future to solve the complex protection challenges posed by decentralised generation, renewable integration and power system stability under a varied generation mix.
Australian ACR manufacturer NOJA Power has embarked on a project in partnership with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), Energex (A Subsidiary of Energy Queensland), AusNet Services, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), the University of Queensland and Deakin University in the world first distribution system-wide synchrophasor acquisition. The project will be achieved through an evolution of the NOJA Power OSM Recloser system to incorporate a PMU, with data aggregation technology and data analysis in partnership with the local universities. The project outcomes and gathered synchrophasor data will be shared among the participants, supporting further tertiary institution research into protection schemes at the distribution level.
This presentation covers the fundamentals of Synchrophasor technology, the project overview and anticipated outcomes, along with future research opportunities and guidelines for future projects.