Synchronized measurements provided by PMUs deployed to improve state visibility in electric power grids can also enable new protection and control applications.
For example, falling conductor detection cuts the risk of wildfires when live conductors contact the ground.
This patented application detects and trips when a broken conductor has fallen mere feet, avoiding an arcing ground fault that could not otherwise be detected. One utility has equipped 16 circuits in high fire risk zones with plans for over 100 installations.
Other potential applications include fault location, microgrid control, and improved grid monitoring.
