Smart Meters for Monitoring Power Quality in Distribution Grid.

Abstract

With this paper, we have introduced a new system which can perform real time continuous power quality (PQ) monitoring in the distribution grid. This system provides proper PQ monitoring bylallocating to perform real time monitoring and to observe past information about the PQ profile. PQ issues like, under voltage, over voltage, voltage sag and swell, voltage unbalance and harmonic level exceeding can be identified by using this system. Real time monitoring of PQ parameters assists to identify issues. They can know the time and location where the PQ disturbance occurs. By studying these data, utility can take basic idea about the PQ disturbances that occurs in the grid. Then they can take necessary actions to improve the PQ in the grid. Solutions can be long term or short-term processes. A smart meter is developed to acquire grid parameters to monitor PQ. Gathered data are then processed and calculate PQ parameters like rms voltage and current, total harmonic distortion (THD), active and reactive power consumption and voltage unbalance in three phases. The significant feature of this smart meter is the ability to measure THD of current and voltage that other existing meters do not have. Measured PQ parameters are transmitted to a central station (relevant grid substation) by using cloud-based technology. Then real time PQ monitoring can be done through the graphical user interface (GUI) which is developed by using MATLAB, by the utility. Though, the GUI utility can monitor PQ issues and observe past data records, this system is not expensive and also has the ability to perform real time PQ monitoring and observing past records.