Frequency Disturbance Recorder Design and Developments

Frequency is one of the most important parameters for determining the performance of an electrical power system. To study and gain a better understanding of the power system dynamics, the concept of building a frequency monitoring network (FNET) was proposed in 2000 and now has been realized. The FNET system consists of many high dynamic precision frequency estimation devices, also known as frequency disturbance recorders (FDR). These FDRs can be used at any 110 V or 220 V wall outlet and transmit measured frequency data remotely via the Ethernet. There are currently more than 40 FDRs placed strategically in different locations within the United States to monitor the entire power network. This paper summarizes the implementation of several FDR design and discusses some of ongoing hardware developments conducted in FNET.