National Instruments Aust & NZ announces the launch of a new phasor measurement unit (PMU) hardware platform for the NI Grid Automation System. Operators can use the new PMU application to gain better insight into grid health, allowing them to tailor measurement solutions to their specific and evolving needs.
NI’s Grid Automation System is based on the CompactRIO embedded control and acquisition system. The processing unit runs a deterministic version of Linux Real-Time with a fully programmable software application layer that helps blend custom requirements with commercial off-the-shelf hardware.
The new system ships with PMU technology that functions out of the box and meets ANSI Standard C37.118.1a-2014, or as an open LabVIEW software project for customisation.
Facing challenges with renewable generation, energy storage, plug-in electric vehicles, interconnects and increasing demand, grid companies are seeking solutions to simplify substation automation while improving measurement visibility. PMU technology has, therefore, become a mainstream tool for power systems engineers. However, this type of control platform requires a manual approach to measurement and is often tied to equipment providers.
Open PMU technology resources are ideal for companies that need to develop a platform quickly while still retaining freedom in both hardware and software design and specifications.
National Grid UK used CompactRIO to design its own custom measurement system for harmonic measurement with the technology being used to measure, collate and analyse power quality on the UK transmission network.
According to Peter Haigh, senior power systems engineer at National Grid UK, the CompactRIO platform solution from NI allows them to deliver what is needed now and what they may need in the future.