For interpolated discrete Fourier transform (IpDFT)-based phasor estimators, the out-of-band interference (OOBI) test is among the most challenging ones. The typical iterative-interpolated DFT (i-IpDFT) phasor estimator utilizes a two-step iterative framework to eliminate the effects of the negative frequency and OOBI. However, the speed of estimation is limited by the adopted frequency estimator and the redundant iterations. To this end, this article proposes a fast i-IpDFT (FiIpDFT) method for the phasor estimation of an OOBI contaminated signal, which utilizes the three-point IpDFT (I3pDFT) technique. The proposed method first applies a noniterative frequency, amplitude, and phase estimator to eliminate the negative frequency interference. Then, a straightforward formula and two-stop criterion are introduced to reduce the computational burden of the OOBI elimination process. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed FiIpDFT method are validated by simulations. These are designed, under steady and dynamic conditions, according to the requirements of the Standard IEC/IEEE 60255-118-1.

The interpolated discrete Fourier transform (IpDFT) is one of the most popular techniques to estimate the parameters of a damped real-valued sinusoidal signal (DRSS). However, its accuracy is affected by strong noise presence and short observation windows. To this end, this letter proposes a novel two-point IpDFT method, called I2pZDFT, for the parameter estimation of a DRSS. The proposed I2pZDFT uses the zero-padding technique to increase the sampling rate in the frequency domain. The conjugate symmetry and the parity of the zero-padded signal are utilized to eliminate the influence of the spectral leakage. Simulation results highlight that the proposed I2pZDFT outperforms the existing IpDFT-based methods in terms of noise immunity, especially in the case of observation windows as short as 0.5 ~ 1 cycles.

The frequency shifting and filtering (FSF) algorithm, a variant of DFT, has the merit of high efficiency for frequency analysis thanks to its simple implementation in the time domain. However, the inevitable white noise injected by various factors leads to inaccurate frequency estimation in practical measurement. This paper investigates the influence of a stationary white noise on FSF-based frequency estimation of the power system. The variance expression of the frequency estimator is derived theoretically and compared to its unbiased Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB). The obtained results are validated by several computer simulations.

Since the integration of electronic devices and intelligent electronic devices into the power grid, power quality (PQ) has consistently remained a significant concern for system operators and experts. Maintaining high standards of power quality is crucial to preventing malfunctions and faults in electric assets and connected loads. Recently, PQ studies have shifted their focus to a specific frequency range, previously not considered problematic—the supraharmonic 2 kHz to 150 kHz range. This range is not populated by easily recognizable harmonic components of the 50 Hz to 60 Hz mains fundamental, but by a combination of intentional emissions, switching non-linearities and byproducts, and various types of resonances. This paper aims to provide a detailed analysis of the impact of supraharmonics (SHs) on power network operation and assets, focusing on the most relevant documented negative effects, namely power loss and the heating of grid elements, aging of dielectric materials, failure of medium voltage (MV) cable terminations, and interference with equipment and power line communication (PLC) technology in particular. Under some shareable assumptions, limits are derived and compared to existing ones for harmonic phenomena, providing a clear identification of the primary issues associated with supraharmonics and suggestions for the standardization process. Strictly related is the problem of grid monitoring and assessment of SH distortion, discussing the suitability of normative requirements for instrument transformers (ITs) with a specific focus on their accuracy.

The aim of this work is to assess whether actual distorted conditions of the network are really affecting the accuracy of inductive current transformers. The study started from the need to evaluate the accuracy performance of inductive current transformers in off-nominal conditions, and to improve the related standards. In fact, standards do not provide a uniform set of distorted waveforms to be applied on inductive or low-power instrument transformers. Moreover, there is no agreement yet, among the experts, about how to evaluate the uncertainty of the instrument transformer when the operating conditions are different from the rated ones. To this purpose, the authors collected currents from the power network and injected them into two off-the-shelf current transformers. Then, their accuracy performances have been evaluated by means of the well-known composite error index and an approximated version of it. The obtained results show that under realistic non-rated conditions of the network, the tested transformers show a very good behavior considering their nonlinear nature, arising the question in the title. A secondary result is that the use of the composite error should be more and more supported by the standards, considering its effectiveness in the accuracy evaluation of instrument transformers for measuring purposes.