24th International Conference on Electricity Distribution
Paper 0645
ENEL GLOBAL SOLUTION FOR POWER QUALITY MONITORING AND ANALYSIS
José María ROMERO GORDON
Endesa – Spain
josemaria.romero@enel.com
ABSTRACT
The paper deals with the solution for power quality
monitoring and analysis selected by Enel Global
Infrastructure & Networks.
The traditional approach for interfacing power quality
instruments (PQIs) has been based on proprietary central
systems developed by PQI manufacturers. On the
contrary Enel has always stood for non-proprietary
solutions for interfacing these devices and their data.
However, the upload, the analysis and the reporting of
any recording data to a central location had never been
completely optimized before. Based on the long-time
analysis of both the size of databases and the proprietary
interfacing methods, Enel Global Infrastructure &
Networks decided a new approach valid for the whole
company on a long-term prospective.
As a result a set of global standards for power quality
instruments and systems have been developed for the
Enel group, leveraging compatible and replaceable
devices both at hardware and software levels. This new
approach shall reduce the implementation and
integration costs of the upcoming power quality systems.
INTRODUCTION
The Enel group gathers extensive and long experience on
power quality monitoring throughout the world.
Monitored sites mostly comprise nearly 4000 fixed
installed indoor power quality instruments (PQIs) in Italy,
more than 1400 PQIs in Spain, over 300 in Colombia and
170 in Brazil. An important share of them has been
monitored for over a decade [1 - 2] and the most part of
them are class A devices according to IEC 61000-4-30
[3].
Recent regulations, such as the Romanian act 11/2016 [4]
or the update of the Brazilian Módulo 8 [5] and Chilean
NTD [6], will likely enlarge the amount of fixed
installations in several thousand units.
In order to reduce the complexity of the engineering
process in substations, it was decided to harmonize the
PQIs by defining a common set of physical properties to
be met, e.g. connectors, dimensions and electrical ratings,
which are fully described in a first global standard (Enel
code GSTQ001). It was also addressed a key requirement
of interoperability between PQIs and Power Quality
Management System (PQMS), yielding a second standard
about communication protocols and formats (Enel code
GSTQ002).
CIRED 2017
Glasgow, 12-15 June 2017
Christian NOCE
Enel S.p.A. – Italy
christian.noce@enel.com
Last but not least, another focus point was addressed on
the PQMS. Indeed every country division still has its own
system with lack of interoperability among them. A third
set of standards has been developed covering the internal
architecture (Enel code GSTQ003), user interfaces (Enel
code GSTQ004) and extra algorithms to be applied on the
source data (Enel code GSTQ005).
In this paper, the power quality monitoring and analysis
methodology and the cited Enel global standards (GSTs)
will be presented and discussed.
EXISTING GAPS ON PQ MONITORING
Although important and effective efforts have been made
during the last 20 years in order to standardize what and
how PQIs do measure, there is an important gap on the
way data is accessed and integrated. In contrast to rather
common transducers which follow well-defined remote
control protocols, PQIs still mostly rely on proprietary
PC software and primitive downloading methods. Indeed
every manufacturer do provide its own software for data
extraction and analysis.
For instance, even though plenty of them do manufacture
class A devices according to IEC 61000-4-30, there is
nothing in the standard describing how to extract the
information nor how to interface with the device.
Some improvements have been made on the way data can
be accessed for further analysis. The IEEE PQDIF [7]
format is one of these approaches, standardizing self-
describing archives containing power quality
measurements. Although this format is highly detailed
and is able to describe any set of PQ data, it suffers of
several problems:
 filenames are quite large compared to the
information they store;
 the way data is stored in the PQDIF file is not close
to the way the data is stored in the device, so hard
post-processing is always needed.
It is also rather common that external processes must run
within the proprietary software, not in the PQI itself, for
the translation of raw internal data into PQDIF files.
Nevertheless, the PQDIF format, although not being very
optimal in size, it does provide a full and standardized
way of exchanging PQ data.
Other improvements have been proposed inside the IEC
61850 series [8 – 10], so IEC TR 61850-90-17 [10] will
provide the services and data modelling for transmission
of PQ related data from PQIs to substation/SCADA
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systems.
Nevertheless, the 61850-90-17 will be just a technical
report (and not an international standards), moreover the
file based transmission of PQ data will be still based on
[7] and IEC 60255-24 [11].
Another similar approach is described in CIGRÉ TB596
[12] Annex 4.A, outlining a flat format for PQ data. This
format is able to manage most of the recorded data by
PQIs, it is quite optimized in size and is close to the
internal storage methods. In fact it was taken as a ground
basis for important improvements on Enel’s new PQIs.
Last but not least, it is also quite remarkable that most of
the times the new PQIs can be connected to always-on
broadband links, which is an important improvement
compared to past situations where data had to be
downloaded manually or via lengthy phone calls. This
new situation is the main reason for another important
improvement on Enel’s new PQIs: the distributed
database concept.
DISTRIBUTED DATABASE CONCEPT
PQIs do deliver great amounts of data that is rarely used.
Most of the times just percentile values are needed for a
compliance analysis, but instead thousands of 10-minute
and waveforms are uploaded to a central location and
stored in databases. Less than 1% (if not much less) of
this information is queried by end users, but since it must
be managed centrally, it puts pressure on central systems
and leads to huge and costly database systems. Currently
Enel is able to successfully manage all this information in
a few data centres, so this is the reason why we do know
about the limitations of such approach.
Due to the widespread deployment of fibre optics
throughout substations, it turns out that both bandwidth
has increased and latency decreased dramatically. This
means that querying a central database is no longer the
fastest method to downloading data, but instead each
query can be forwarded to distant locations without
noticing any special quality loss.
In order to tackle both the centric and the distributed data
management, Enel developed a new and detailed
framework for global PQMS that will be depicted in
following sections (standards GTQ003, GTSQ004 and
GTQ005).
GSTQ001 ABOUT INDOOR FIXED PQI
This Enel GST defines the characteristics of the fixed
installed indoor PQI (according to IEC 62586 series [13 -
14]) and accessories for measurement of power quality
parameters in a.c. distribution systems with a declared
fundamental frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. That means,
the definition of hardware and software features of new
PQIs.
The main goal is the harmonisation of PQIs thus reducing
the engineering costs in substations. In the past the
CIRED 2017
Glasgow, 12-15 June 2017
Paper 0645
situation was rather different and Enel had to adapt their
systems in order to integrate existing devices. Instead
from now on manufacturers must adapt themselves in
order to meet these new highly detailed Enel GSTs.
GSTQ001 mostly handles the following features:
 mechanical, either dimensions, environment,
installation modes and connectors;
 electrical, defining type of measurements, ranges,
immunity and emission limits;
 types, class and measurement method of devices
according to [3, 13 and 14];
 data interfacing, either protocols or formats;
 recording and storage capabilities for periodic
variables, events and waveforms.
In short, according to the standard any Enel new PQI
behaves as a fully class A device with high degree of
electromagnetic immunity, wide measurement ranges,
very powerful recording capabilities and strong and
robust interfacing methods.
The standard also defines how to accomplish a technical
conformity assessment (TCA) for any PQI, thus turning
out into a straightforward method for verifying
compliance.
GSTQ002 ABOUT DATA FORMATS AND
PROTOCOLS
This Enel GST defines the formats to exchange PQ
measurements and events between PQI and PQMS,
mainly based on extension to international standard
formats (particularly [7]) or on the adoption of a REST
server.
As already stated in previous sections, PQIs manage lots
of information so the way it is transferred somewhere is a
key issue. No matter how good any PQI is doing its job
according to [3]: if it does not have powerful interfacing
methods it will be just useless. Keep in mind that these
PQIs must be integrated in an overall global PQMS, they
are not intended just for a single user.
Depending on the reliability and performance of the
communication network two different scenarios have
been addressed:
 Low reliability, low bandwidth and/or high latency
(typically older mobile networks): data is packed into
PQDIF files and uploaded to a central location for
later processing and integration into a central
database.
 High reliability, high bandwidth and low latency
(typically fibre optics links): data is kept in the PQI
in an embedded database and is accessed via a
RESTful [15] interface (i.e. common HTTP
requests).
Packed files are fully aligned to the PQDIF standard and
a more restrictive data structure, so when translated they
can be easily inserted in a centric and global database. No
matter which manufacturer has produced the PQI, the
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Paper 0645

binary file will be always translated in the same way. storage.

However, some extended PQDIF requirements are
specified in order to approach some specific PQI internal However, both the PQDIF packing and the RESTful
events not managed by [7], for instance: no GPS interface do live together in every single PQI, so it is up
synchronization, memory full, voltage anomalies etc. the local Enel subsidiary how to proceed and what sort of
storage is better for every specific environment.
Regarding the PQI embedded database, due to the
lowering costs of solid state devices and the long-term GSTQ003 ABOUT PQMS ARCHITECTURE
querying requirements, a minimum permanent storage
size of 30 GB is addressed for any device. In order to This Enel GST defines the architecture, formats and data
guarantee a good end-user interface, a minimum of 2 exchange for the new set of power quality central systems
simultaneous connection (each one with a latency within Enel.
overhead below 500 ms and an overall throughput of 100
kB/s) are requested. Regarding the size of database, a So, a new global architecture was defined taking
minimum of 5-year 10-minute periodic variables, 5000 advantage of the new outstanding embedded features in
events and 1000 waveforms or RMS recordings must be PQIs. It was important to avoid islands among
guaranteed. subsidiaries, i.e. every new PQMS should be fully
interoperable with the others (in any case just avoided
Simple and straightforward RESTful methods are defined due to country policy reasons). Indeed if data
so there is no need for complex computer drivers for management turned out into a distributed architecture
getting the information. Keep in mind that although full throughout substations, why not throughout countries?
binary or text files may be requested, the outstanding
feature is the possibility of raising queries through HTTP, This standard GSTQ003 deals with the main PQMS
yielding the results either in JSON [16] , CSV [17] or features and architecture, while human machine
even COMTRADE [11] format for waveforms. Input interfaces (HMI) and batch data processing are handled in
parameters are embedded within a JSON dictionary. subsequent texts (GSTQ004 and GSTQ005).

Next follows a typical command line query by using the The main goal is the extension of the concept of
popular CURL command line utility embedded database and its RESTful interface into the
(https://curl.haxx.se): PQMS with two main tasks:
 collecting and storing data from remote PQIs (via
curl –sPOST “http://PQI/data/periodic” --header “Content-Type:
application/json” --data “....JSON dictionary...”
translation of uploaded PQDIF files);
 forwarding specific queries to remote PQIs when
Being the JSON dictionary and the output as simple as needed (via the REST API).
stated in the following examples: These tasks are transparent to the end user and the
associated HMIs, just a matter of IP-addressing.
Compared to the RESTful API for PQIs, just a list of
devices is added to the input JSON dictionary. The
results, either in JSON, CSV or COMTRADE formats,
do also include the requested devices into its body. Few
fig. 1 JSON input, some 10-min variables, CSV output. examples are depicted next:
{
"start": "2015-11-16T22:20:00Z" ,
"end": "2015-11-19T10:20:00Z" ,
"vars": [ "v_AN_min", "v_BN_avg", …, "q_AN_min" ] ,
"format": "json"
}
fig. 2 JSON input, some 10-min variables, JSON output.
{
"timestamps1": [ "2015-11-16T22:20:00Z", "2015-11-16T22:30:00Z", …, "2015-11-16T23:50:00Z" ] ,
"timestamps2": [ "2015-11-16T22:30:00Z", "2015-11-16T22:40:00Z", …, "2015-11-17T00:00:00Z" ] ,
"v_AN_avg": [ 231.5, 232.7, …, 235.3 ] ,
… …,
"v_CN_THD_avg": [ 5.12, 5.20, …, 5.68 ] fig. 5 JSON input example, some 10-min variables,
}
2 devices, CSV and JSON output.
fig. 3 JSON output, some 10-minute variables.
t1 t2 v_AN_avg … v_CN_THD_avg
2015-11-16T22:20:00Z 2015-11-16T22:30:00Z 231.5 … 5.12
2015-11-16T22:30:00Z 2015-11-16T22:40:00Z 232.7 … 5.20
… … … …
2015-11-16T23:50:00Z 2015-11-17T00:00:00Z 235.3 … 5.68

fig. 4 CSV output, some 10-min variables.

fig. 6 CSV output example,
The JSON output is better tailored for web browsers, some 10-min variables, 2 devices.
since raw data can be requested on-the-fly from the PQI
and the browser may decide what to do with it, either
plotting or showing it on tables. On the other hand CSV
output is usually better for offline processing or flat

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Paper 0645
name values type example
periodic_json { { } } extended json Each value corresponds to the same response a single PQI shall deliver. Each key is the PQI's id.

{
"DR0013801492RO": {
"timestamps1": [ "2015-11-16T22:20:00Z", "2015-11-16T22:30:00Z", …, "2015-11-16T23:50:00Z" ] ,
 DISPATCHERS: they forward any request from the
"timestamps2": [ "2015-11-16T22:30:00Z", "2015-11-16T22:40:00Z", …, "2015-11-17T00:00:00Z" ] ,
"v_AN_avg":
…
[ 231.5, 232.7, …, 235.3 ] ,
…,
web server to the specific node.

"v_CN_THD_avg": [ 5.12, 5.20, …, 5.68 ]

"S1114|1":
},
{
BACKUP SERVERS: they connect to remote PQIs
"timestamps1": [ "2015-11-16T22:20:00Z", "2015-11-16T22:30:00Z", …, "2015-11-16T23:50:00Z" ] ,
"timestamps2":
"v_AN_avg":
[ "2015-11-16T22:30:00Z", "2015-11-16T22:40:00Z", …, "2015-11-17T00:00:00Z" ] ,
[ 110.5, 111.2, …, 117.3 ] , and download specific sets of measurements.
… …,

}
}
"v_CN_THD_avg": [ 3.10, 2.95, …, 3.75 ]
Typically they will consist of few 10-minute
fig. 7 JSON output example, recordings and events list. Data is stored in a PQ
some 10-min variables, 2 devices. DATABASE.

Last but not least, the PQMS shall be able to integrate GSTQ004 ABOUT PQMS HMI
data from diverse sources such as weather stations,
lightning activity and TSO/DSO grid events. The REST This text outlines a basilar framework for the web server
of any PQMS without getting into esthetical details,
API is just extended to these type of events. See next which will depend upon local country requirements. Any
examples for lightning activity inside geographic web server will communicate and exchange information
polygons: with other PQ elements via the global REST API.
The standard defines most likely input methods and
output reports. The exact shape of these methods within
the web server is open to every country implementation.
Next follows some examples of such input methods and
fig. 8 JSON input example for lightning activity inside a reports:
geographic area.

An overall scheme of a global PQMS is shown on the

following picture:

fig. 10 Input method based on chained dropdown menus.

fig. 11 Input method based on a rectangular area on a map.

fig. 9 Architecture of a global PQMS.

In short it consists of the following elements:

 WEB SERVER, to store, process and deliver web
pages to end-users.
 PQ NODES, consisting of any of the following
elements:
 PQIs in remote substation.
 PQ DATABASES, comprising data from several
PQIs.
 WEATHER DATABASES.
 GRID EVENTS DATABASES, handling event
data from DSO and TSO.
 META DATABASES, containing associated
attributes to any site. fig. 12 Example of an output chart (magnitud/duration
 COMMUNICATION SERVERS, mostly behaving voltage dip or swell).
as global repository for remote PQIs.
 FILE SERVERS, for managing and storing raw files.
 BATCH DATA SERVERS, for offline processing of
data.

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 24th International Conference on Electricity Distribution
fig. 13 Example of a map with simultaneous events.
GSTQ005 ABOUT PQMS BATCH DATA
PROCESSING
This standard is expected to be published in second half
of 2017. It handles the offline calculation of secondary
variables based on primary raw data. The results are
stored in a PQ database. Next follows some examples of
resulting magnitudes:
 Percentiles of any 10-minute variable.
 Time over or under certain thresholds.
 Voltage dips characterisation according to their
severity.
 EHV, HV or MV origin of voltage dips.
 Most likely root fault for any voltage dip.
COUNTRY DEPLOYMENT AND FUTURE
PLANS
First of all it was quite clear that existing PQIs shall be
redesigned in order to cope with the new outstanding
features stated both is GSTQ001 and GSTQ002. While
hardware requirements did not represent a challenge
itself, just a matter of time, the new interface methods
and the embedded database concept put special pressure
on the device. Indeed manufacturers are not comfortable
with embedded time series databases.
Regarding country deployment plans, it must pointed out
that a new Romanian act about power quality was
published in 2016. This act specified that 150 units had to
be installed in MV busbars by the end of 2016 and 450
until 2018. Due to the shortage of time the first 150 units
are based on existing hardware and rely on a firmware
upgrade, being the additional 450 units fully compliant to
the standards. Moreover a fully compliant new PQMS for
Romania is expected to be ready by the end of 2018.
Regarding the rest of countries, there might be plans for
massive installation of PQIs in Brazil and Chile, although
it depends on the evolution of local regulations.
In the mid-term it is forecasted to migrating all the
existing PQMS into the new architecture. These plans
will depend mostly upon budget constraints. By meeting
the Enel PQ standards all these systems shall be
interoperable among them, thus upper interface layers
could be deployed regardless the HMI in use in every
country (turning out into a fully worldwide distributed
architecture).
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Paper 0645
During 2017 a new global standard for portable outdoor
PQI (according to IEC 62586 series) and accessories
(GSTQ006) is expected to be published. These devices
will be fully interoperable with the global PQMS
architecture (stated in GSTQ003).
CONCLUSIONS
Enel has deployed a new framework for their PQ
monitoring and analysis. This new architecture shows up
with many outstanding features that will likely improve
and harmonize PQ analysis throughout the company. One
of the most challenging features are the embedded
database concept together with the global REST API.
Due to country-local regulations, Romania will the first
place to meet the standards. Other countries will join
gradually.
REFERENCES
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distribuzione power quality data warehouse; CIRED International
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[3] IEC, 2015, IEC 61000-4-30, Electromagnetic compatibility
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[13] IEC, 2013, IEC 62586-1, Power quality measurement in power
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[17] The Internet Society, 2005, RFC 4180, Common Format and
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