The opportunity for synchrophasors in distribution networks with integrated renewable energy sources

Synchrophasor measurements have traditionally been reserved for monitoring the operation of transmission systems. With significant developments occurring in distribution networks, specifically the integration of renewable power plants (RPPs), synchrophasor monitoring at distribution level have become of interest. To apply synchrophasors in distribution networks high precision angular recordings with accurate clock synchronization are required, termed micro-synchrophasors. A goal of micro-synchrophasor application on RPP integration is to extract small signal stability information to enable a better understanding of the dynamic phenomena when sources of renewable energy integrate with the distribution system. This paper evaluates synchrophasors at a 75 MW Photovoltaic (PV) plant connected to a 132 kV distribution network in the South African power system.