FNET: A Quickly Deployable and Economic System to Monitor the Electric Grid

Abstract

In a time where the electric grid has become a potential target for malicious attacks against homeland security, this paper presents a system that can detect and locate disturbances that have an impact the electric grid. The system presented is referred to as FNET which is short for "Internet-based Frequency Monitoring Network. " FNET uses frequency measurements taken from across the electric interconnection to detect and locate disturbances such as generator trips and load shedding. These events occur routinely (almost daily) under normal system conditions. In these circumstances, the electric grid and its components usually respond in a manner so as to preserve the grid's integrity. However, in a time where threats to homeland security can involve threats to the electric grid, such disturbances caused by malicious (and perhaps multiple) attacks can cascade leading to the collapse of the entire electric grid. The goal of this work is to show that FNET can be an invaluable tool for enhancing situational awareness of the country's electric infrastructure especially in situations where the preservation of homeland security is critical.