Data Compression for Next Generation Phasor Data Concentrators (PDCs) in a Smart Grid

The storage space and cost for Smart Grid datasets has been growing exponentially due to its high data-rate of various sensor readings from Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI), and Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). The paper focuses on Phasor Data Concentrators (PDCs) that aggregate data from PMUs. PMUs measure real-time voltage, current and frequency parameters across the electrical grid. A typical PDC can process data from anywhere ten to forty PMUs. The paper exploits the need for appropriate security and data compression challenges simultaneously. As a result, an optimal compression method ER1c is investigated for efficient storage of IREG and C37.118 timestamped PDC data sets. We expect that our approach can greatly reduce the storage cost requirements of commercial available PDCs (SEL 3373, GE Multilin P30) by 80%. For example, 2 years of PDC data storage space can be easily replaced with only 10 days of storage space. In addition, our approach in combination with AES 256 encryption can protect PDC data to larger degree as per National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards.