The SyMUSE (Synchronized Measurement Units and advanced State Estimation) projec proposes a new approach to monitoring the distribution network, based on synchronized measurement units (SMUs).

To date, the most advanced systems for monitoring electrical networks, Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), have been designed for transmission networks and are not capable of capturing all the necessary information for state estimation in distribution networks.

In distribution networks, in fact, the presence of harmonics, interharmonics, and fast dynamics is much higher compared to transmission networks. While traditional PMU measurements treat these phenomena as disturbances to be filtered out, in distribution networks they must be correctly accounted for and measured. Furthermore, the accuracy of measurements depends on the operating conditions, which, even under standard scenarios in distribution networks, may exceed the regulatory limits established for PMUs.

This project proposes to define innovative SMU (Synchronized Measurement Unit) architectures, capable of representing the state of the network with maximum compression (through synchrophasors) as well as maximum granularity, depending on the specific operating conditions. In other words, it aims to combine traditional PMUs with the more recent Waveform Measurement Units (WMUs), which, however, generate a massive data flow.

In the evolving context of modern distribution systems, the data provided at variable rates by SMUs could enable a more flexible and accurate reconstruction of the network state. Achieving this monitoring objective requires addressing both theoretical challenges and practical considerations. Two key aspects will be taken into account:

Information quality: Measured or estimated data are only useful if accompanied by a reliable indication of their quality. A distinctive feature of the project is the proposal of a synchronized and distributed monitoring system based on SMUs, which integrates information quality assessment by considering all the elements involved (measurement models, employed transducers, algorithms, communication infrastructure), and studies their combined effects on the results. In this way, each data point will be associated with its accuracy.

Monitoring tools: The system will be designed to support state estimation of the distribution network. In particular, an adaptive state estimation technique will be developed, capable of providing the necessary information to manage any operating condition, thanks to the flexibility of the SMUs.