Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) instrumental in detecting and managing the electrical island created in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav

Abstract

During the landfall of Hurricane Gustav on September 1, 2008, an electrical island was formed in an area including the New Orleans, LA and Baton Rouge, LA metropolitan areas. This paper discusses the use of Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) in detecting and identifying the island, as well as, the use of PMUs in the management of the island during the 33 hours the island was in place. This paper is a testament of actual events and actions taken during a hurricane whose destructive capacity in terms of customer outages is only second to Hurricane Katrina. Our conclusions from this experience include: (1) PMUs are vital in the identification and warning of islanding conditions, and (2) PMU's provide significant insight in managing an island.