Fast Synchrophasor Estimation by Means of Frequency-Domain and Time-Domain Algorithms

This paper presents a performance comparison of two classes of synchrophasor estimators recently proposed in the literature, i.e., the frequency-domain algorithms known as interpolated discrete Fourier transform (IpDFT), and the time-domain algorithms based on the weighted least squares (WLSs) approach. The analysis is focused on fast phasor estimation only and it is performed under steady-state, dynamic, and transient conditions, when the length of the observation interval is equal to one or two nominal cycles of the acquired electric waveform. The considered testing conditions include not only the worst-case scenarios specified in the IEEE Standard C37.118.1-2011, but they also combine the effect of static and dynamic disturbances. As accuracy performance parameters, the total vector error as well as the amplitude and phase estimation errors are considered and evaluated. Estimator responsiveness is analyzed instead in terms of response times, when amplitude or phase steps occur. The preferable one- and two-cycles IpDFT and WLS algorithms are first determined by choosing the windows and the number of Taylor's series terms (in the WLS case only) assuring the best accuracy. It is shown that, when the time-domain approach is considered and one-cycle or two-cycle intervals are observed, the best accuracy is achieved by the WLS algorithm based on the rectangular window or the two-term one-cycle maximum image tone interference rejection (MIR) window, respectively. Conversely, when the frequency-domain approach is adopted, the best accuracy is achieved by the IpDFT-based on the MIR window related to the observed interval length. The estimates produced by the selected WLS and IpDFT algorithms are then compared against the boundaries specified in the Standard IEEE C37.118.1-2011 for P-and M-class compliance. During the discussion, advantages and disadvantages of both time-domain and frequency-domain approaches are highlighted.