According to a survey of 97 electric utility officials in 30 countries, the use of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) may be on the rise. The 2019 Newton-Evans study of protective relay usage, plans and trends found that 44% of International utilities and 31% of North American utilities surveyed indicated use of PMUs; a 3% increase over the previous study’s findings. See the comparison of findings in Figs. A and B below.
Fig. A
Fig. B
PMUs are important for dynamic monitoring of bulk power transmission systems; the accurate, timestamped readings of current and voltage by amplitude and phase provide a real-time visualization of the system to more efficiently detect cascading blackouts and other system disturbances.
Several of the participating North American utilities were primarily larger distribution utilities. Among North American utilities that provide at least some transmission services, 38% are using PMUs as of 2019.
The Worldwide Study of the Protective Relay Marketplace in Electric Utilities: 2019-2022 measures current market sizes and contains projections on a world region basis for the next few years. More than 35 topics are covered in the utility survey portion of this study. The entire research program will define the product and market requirements which suppliers must meet in order to successfully participate in one or more of these diverse world market regions.
The new study also includes surveys of a combined total of nearly 50 P&C consultants and relay manufacturers. The observations of both groups will be reported in the market assessment report (Volume Three) of the series.
To order the Newton-Evans report, Worldwide Study of the Protective Relay Marketplace In Electric Utilities: 2019-2022, complete this order form and send it to the address below or fax it to +1 443 218-3807:
Send email inquiries to info@newton-evans.com or call +1 410 465 7316.
summary reviews and highlights from completed studies
