Wide Area Monitoring, Protection and Control of Future Electric Power Networks

Wide-Area Monitoring, Protection and Control (WAMPAC) involves the use of system-wide information and the communication of selected local information to a remote location to counteract the propagation of large disturbances. Synchronized Measurement Technology (SMT) is an important element and enabler of WAMPAC. It is expected that WAMPAC systems will in the future reduce the number of catastrophic blackouts and generally improve the reliability and security of energy production, transmission and distribution, particularly in power networks with a high level of operational uncertainties. In the paper the technological and application issues are addressed. Several key monitoring, protection and control applications are described and discussed. A strategy for developing a WAMPAC system in the UK is given as well.