Measurements for Wide Area Monitoring, Protection, and Control systems: algorithms, instruments and architectures

The electric power grid is undergoing a significant transformation as it evolves from traditional centralized systems to more decentralized, dynamic, and smart networks. This transition is driven by the increasing integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs), Electric Vehicles (EVs), and distributed generation, all of which present new challenges in terms of stability, reliability, and control of the power systems. In this context, Wide Area Monitoring, Protection, and Control (WAMPAC) systems have emerged as a critical solution to enhance the real-time observability and responsiveness of modern power grids. WAMPAC systems take advantage of synchronized measurement networks to provide a comprehensive view of grid dynamics over large geographical areas. By utilizing data from Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), WAMPAC systems enable improved detection of grid disturbances, faster response times to system events, and optimized grid management. These advancements are crucial for ensuring the security and efficiency of future power systems, especially in light of the increasing complexity and variability introduced by distributed generation based on RESs. In this context, this thesis focuses on the development, characterization and validation of key measurement tools and methodologies for WAMPAC systems, addressing the core challenges of latency, synchronization accuracy, and synchrophasor estimation algorithms even in presence of dynamic and transient conditions. As a first step, the thesis explores the evolution of power systems and introduces the role of WAMPAC in modern power grids, illustrating the key components of these systems, including PMUs, and the challenges associated with their implementation. To further investigate the implementation of PMUs, new synchrophasor estimation algorithms based on Taylor-Fourier models are proposed and evaluated in order to minimize the measurement error even under real dynamic and transient conditions. Since PMU measurements are affected by synchronization error, advanced synchronization technologies, such as White Rabbit (WR) protocol, and their impact on power system applications are then analyzed. In addition, the evaluation of time quality in modern power systems is also addressed, focusing on the functionality of all-digital measurement chains and proposing a method for evaluating the quality of synchronization. Finally, to validate WAMPAC systems, architectures for measuring the latency are presented, with a detailed discussion of a proposed latency characterization system, including both validation and real measurements from the field. By providing novel insights into architectures, instruments and measurement algorithms, the research activity reported in the thesis aims to contribute to the ongoing development of reliable and efficient WAMPAC systems for modern power grids.