Abstract-This paper describes challenges for integrating high fidelity data with utility distribution operations. Two research projects are described microsynchrophasors (µPMU) and OpenPMU and explore the applications of data for electric power distribution systems.Index Terms-Phasor measurement units, voltage measurement, power distribution, model validation, smart grids.

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The scalable communication, processing and storage of data within a power network is becoming more and more necessary to ensure the reliability of the grid and maintain the security of supply to consumers. Not all communications are performed in the same timeframe, at the same frequency, or at the same time of day; this results in problems when trying to coordinate a power network and the necessary data exchange. Different open or proprietary standards are often incompatible with each other both in terms of their communication protocols and data models. This causes electricity companies and standards groups to develop their own method of data exchange thus resulting in problems for exchanging and integrating this data, both internally and externally. Overcoming the challenges with incompatible data structure, serialisation formats and communication protocols will make it easier to integrate systems and realise the potential of being able to integrate data across domains. These include the ability to integrate real-time data into offline analysis tools; or utilising smart-meter data to enable true real-time pricing for electricity markets.

The widespread introduction of phasor measurement unit (PMUs) in transmission networks is well understood and has improved visibility enhancing grid stability and avoiding low probability events such as blackouts. For many transmission system operators, there is little-to-no visibility of the real-time state of distribution networks beyond the grid supply points. With the increased penetration of distributed energy resources on low-and medium-voltage networks of the state, and thus behaviour, of the distribution network cannot be assumed to follow historical patterns. The future transition to distribution system operator concept requires better visibility, especially around grid supply points, for deploying wide-area control strategies and active network management schemes. This implies active sharing of data between transmission and distribution monitoring systems. There are a number of challenges in extending the use of PMUs to distribution networks. Many of the lessons and best practises at transmission do not translate to the operation of distribution networks, as an exponential increase in network complexity makes it infeasible to perform complex analysis of the complete network model in real time. This paper presents a methodology for addressing the problems faced in deploying microPMUs at the distribution level.