What are the benefits of event-driven data acquisition for power quality monitoring in transmission grids?

Using ibaPDA, event-driven data acquisition enables precise recording of critical grid events with high temporal resolution. The key advantage is reducing data volume while still capturing all relevant disturbances. Technically, configurable triggers detect anomalies, load changes, or control deviations and record them automatically with pre- and post-event buffers. In practice, this allows focused analysis of power system events without continuous recording, optimizing storage usage while ensuring that all essential data for assessing grid stability and power quality remains available.

What role does high-resolution data synchronization play in analyzing complex grid phenomena?

ibaPDA enables synchronized acquisition of diverse measurement values and internal control signals on a unified time base. This provides a clear benefit by making complex interactions between grid variables, protection systems, and control loops transparent. Technically, electrical parameters and internal signals are recorded with precise time alignment. In practice, engineers can correlate dynamic effects or instabilities across the grid, leading to more accurate root cause identification and significantly improving the reliability of operational decisions.

Why is long-term archiving of grid data essential for evaluating grid stability?

ibaHD-Server provides a robust platform for long-term storage of high-resolution grid data. Its main value lies in enabling multi-year trend analysis and performance evaluation. Technically, large data volumes are stored in a structured way for efficient retrieval. In real-world applications, grid operators can track changes in power quality, load conditions, and stability over time, supporting both operational optimization and informed strategic decisions, as well as compliance with regulatory requirements.

What options exist for standardized processing of measurement data for system studies and grid analysis?

With ibaDatCoordinator, measurement data can be automatically converted into standardized formats such as COMTRADE. This makes downstream processing in simulation and analysis tools much easier. Technically, raw measurement data is transformed into structured files compliant with industry standards. Combined with ibaAnalyzer, these datasets can then be analyzed in depth. In practice, this enables efficient collaboration across engineering tools and teams, particularly for validating short-circuit calculations or performing advanced power system studies.

What is the importance of disturbance analysis for improving availability in transmission networks?

ibaAnalyzer enables in-depth analysis of grid disturbances and their root causes. Its key benefit lies in evaluating events within the broader context of grid behavior. Technically, synchronized datasets are visualized and analyzed to reveal timing relationships and system interactions. In practice, this allows targeted optimization of control strategies and system parameters, helping to stabilize operations and minimize unexpected outages, ultimately improving overall network availability and operational reliability.

Large-Scale Small-Signal Excitation

Measured by iba

The energy transition is fundamentally reshaping power grids: decentralized generation, volatile energy sources, and increasingly dynamic grid conditions are placing growing demands on transmission system operators. Ensuring security of supply in Germany requires maximum transparency—especially during critical grid events.

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Challenges Benefits Used Functions More Success Stories

Initial Situation and Challenges

Amprion, one of Germany’s four transmission system operators, operates an extra-high-voltage network spanning approximately 11,000 kilometers. This network connects major generation facilities with industrial consumers, distribution system operators, and millions of end users. To gain a detailed understanding of complex grid behavior and to document grid events reliably, Amprion relies on the iba system for high-resolution data acquisition and analysis.

Solution Approach with the iba System

At the core of the solution is ibaPDA, deployed as a high-resolution disturbance recorder for the automated acquisition and analysis of grid-relevant events. In addition to conventional electrical quantities, numerous internal signals from control and protection systems are recorded synchronously. Comprehensive trigger definitions ensure that only relevant events are captured—at high temporal resolution and across a wide range of signals.

For long-term assessment of grid quality and utilization, Amprion also uses ibaHD-Server to archive 400 kV measurement data over extended periods. This enables trend analyses over several years and allows local grid conditions to be evaluated with high precision.

In addition, ibaDatCoordinator is used to automatically convert all relevant measurement data into COMTRADE format. In combination with ibaAnalyzer, this enables standardized execution of complex analyses, such as the verification of short-circuit current calculations in accordance with IEC 60909-0.

Practical Example: Detecting Instability and Taking Targeted Action

In November 2024, a STATCOM installation within the Amprion grid repeatedly exhibited unstable control behavior. Using the high-resolution ibaPDA recordings, the behavior could be analyzed in the temporal context of other grid events. The evaluation indicated external influences as the root cause. Based on these findings, the control behavior was simulated under realistic conditions at a test facility, optimized accordingly, and subsequently released for operation.

Conclusion

With the iba system, Amprion is able to analyze even the most complex grid phenomena in a well-founded and reproducible manner—supporting grid stability, informed decision-making, and a future-proof power supply.

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Results and Benefits

Event-based recording

enabled by extensive trigger functionality

Long-term grid transparency

through high-resolution archiving in ibaHD-Server

Efficient downstream processing

and automated conversion to COMTRADE format

With the combination of high-resolution data acquisition and structured analysis, the iba system supports us in evaluating even complex grid phenomena in a detailed and reproducible way.

Thomas Puetz
Amprion GmbH

Used Functions

The following functions of the iba system are used in this application.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the benefits of event-driven data acquisition for power quality monitoring in transmission grids?: Using ibaPDA, event-driven data acquisition enables precise recording of critical grid events with high temporal resolution. The key advantage is reducing data volume while still capturing all relevant disturbances. Technically, configurable triggers detect anomalies, load changes, or control deviations and record them automatically with pre- and post-event buffers. In practice, this allows focused analysis of power system events without continuous recording, optimizing storage usage while ensuring that all essential data for assessing grid stability and power quality remains available.
What role does high-resolution data synchronization play in analyzing complex grid phenomena?: ibaPDA enables synchronized acquisition of diverse measurement values and internal control signals on a unified time base. This provides a clear benefit by making complex interactions between grid variables, protection systems, and control loops transparent. Technically, electrical parameters and internal signals are recorded with precise time alignment. In practice, engineers can correlate dynamic effects or instabilities across the grid, leading to more accurate root cause identification and significantly improving the reliability of operational decisions.
Why is long-term archiving of grid data essential for evaluating grid stability?: ibaHD-Server provides a robust platform for long-term storage of high-resolution grid data. Its main value lies in enabling multi-year trend analysis and performance evaluation. Technically, large data volumes are stored in a structured way for efficient retrieval. In real-world applications, grid operators can track changes in power quality, load conditions, and stability over time, supporting both operational optimization and informed strategic decisions, as well as compliance with regulatory requirements.
What options exist for standardized processing of measurement data for system studies and grid analysis?: With ibaDatCoordinator, measurement data can be automatically converted into standardized formats such as COMTRADE. This makes downstream processing in simulation and analysis tools much easier. Technically, raw measurement data is transformed into structured files compliant with industry standards. Combined with ibaAnalyzer, these datasets can then be analyzed in depth. In practice, this enables efficient collaboration across engineering tools and teams, particularly for validating short-circuit calculations or performing advanced power system studies.
What is the importance of disturbance analysis for improving availability in transmission networks?: ibaAnalyzer enables in-depth analysis of grid disturbances and their root causes. Its key benefit lies in evaluating events within the broader context of grid behavior. Technically, synchronized datasets are visualized and analyzed to reveal timing relationships and system interactions. In practice, this allows targeted optimization of control strategies and system parameters, helping to stabilize operations and minimize unexpected outages, ultimately improving overall network availability and operational reliability.