Analysis of Power System Disturbances Based on Wide-Area Frequency Measurements

It is very important to understand system dynamics during disturbances in order to improve control measures to ensure power system security and reliability. Power system disturbances are examined in this paper based on wide-area frequency data from a nation-wide frequency monitoring network (FNET). Frequency characteristics of events in three major North America power grids are investigated. Typical frequency patterns of generation loss and load drop events are analyzed for Eastern Interconnection system, Western Electricity Coordinating Council system, and Electric Reliability Council of Texas system. The recovery patterns following disturbances are also studied to evaluate control performances of the interconnections.