A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF WIDE-AREA MONITORING AND CONTROL OF POWER SYSTEMS USING PHASOR MEASUREMENT UNITS PMUS

Sreedhara Babu  Korukonda; Alka  Yadav

doi:10.29121/ijoest.v10.i2.2026.750

Authors

Sreedhara Babu Korukonda Mtech Scholar, Vikrant University Gwalior MP
Alka Yadav Assistant Professor Department of Electrical Engineering Vikrant University Gwalior

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/ijoest.v10.i2.2026.750

Keywords:

Phasor Measurement Units Pmus, Wide-Area Monitoring Systems Wams, Wide-Area Monitoring, Protection, Control Wampac, Synchro-Phasor Technology

Abstract

The modern power systems are becoming increasingly complex due to the large-scale interconnections, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the dynamic changes in loads, which require the sophisticated monitoring and control systems. Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) have led to the creation of Wide-Area Monitoring, Protection, and Control (WAMPAC) systems, capable of transforming the grid, boosting its reliability, stability, and operational efficiency. PMUs are also used to offer time-synchronized measurements (synchro phasors) that can offer real-time insight into the dynamics of a system, which was not possible with traditional SCADA systems. This paper provides an extensive overview of the PMU technology and its application in Wide-Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS), their structure, essential elements, and communication structure. It also discusses key applications like real-time monitoring, state estimation, oscillation detection, fault location, voltage stability assessment, and wide-area control. The study also addresses some of the critical challenges, such as high implementation costs, data management complexities, cybersecurity threats, and communication latency, as well as interoperability issues. Further recent developments, including the combination of PMUs with smart grids, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and Wide-Area Control Systems (WACS) are discussed, as well as future research directions, including optimization of costs, improved security, and autonomous operation of grids. In general, PMU-based WAMS is found as a foundational technology in terms of designing intelligent, resilient, and sustainable power system.

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