Phase Identification in Power Networks: Achieving Accuracy with Synchrophasors
As power networks grow more complex with the rapid integration of renewables. Accurate phase identification has become a critical challenge. Traditional manual methods or data-driven approaches can be error-prone, time-consuming, and complicated by transformer vector groups.
With synchrophasor technology, utilities and engineers now have access to fast, precise, and safe phase identification. Even in the field. Dewesoft’s GridPhase solution, available in Australia and New Zealand through Metromatics, brings synchrophasor-based phase mapping into practical use.
The Challenge: Why Phase Identification Is Difficult
Phase identification ensures that electrical circuits are correctly mapped and balanced. Without it, utilities face:
- Manual errors from traditional tracing techniques.
- Transformer distortion that shifts voltage angles, complicating phase detection.
- Distributed generation from rooftop solar and renewables adding uncertainty.
- Inefficient balancing of loads across phases, leading to higher losses.
For a country like Australia, with long transmission distances and a high proportion of distributed energy resources, these challenges are amplified.
The Solution: Synchrophasors for Phase Mapping
Synchrophasors, also known as Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), measure voltage and current waveforms with GPS time synchronisation. By comparing phase angles across locations, they deliver highly accurate identification regardless of transformer connections.
Dewesoft’s GridPhase solution leverages this technology with:
- GPS-synchronised measurement of voltage angle differences.
- Automatic transformer compensation — independent of vector group.
- Handheld and reference devices for field and substation use.
- GridPhase Web interface for centralised phase mapping and data storage.
This eliminates the uncertainty of manual methods and delivers results in real time.
How It Works
- Reference Device is installed at a substation or known point.
- Handheld Unit is used in the field to measure phase at distribution points.
- GPS Synchronisation ensures accurate time stamping and comparison.
- Transformer Compensation Algorithm corrects for phase shifts across different transformer groups.
- Results are uploaded to GridPhase Web, providing a clear phase map of the entire network.
Transformer Compensation
Traditional methods often fail because transformer vector groups shift voltage angles by 30°, 60°, 90° or more. These phase shifts make it difficult to track connections across feeders. Dewesoft’s GridPhase automatically compensates for these vector group variations, ensuring accurate identification no matter the transformer type.
Benefits for Australian Utilities
- Accuracy at Scale: Reliable phase identification across long feeder lines.
- Speed: Field teams can identify phases within minutes.
- Safety: No need for risky manual tracing or temporary jumpers.
- Renewable Integration: Easier connection of solar farms, wind generation, and microgrids.
- Regulatory Compliance: Supports standards-based monitoring and reporting.
Practical Use Cases
- Commissioning of new feeders and substations.
- Balancing loads to reduce technical losses.
- Faster fault restoration after outages.
- Integrating distributed energy resources into existing grids.
Comparison to Other Methods
Alternative data-driven approaches — such as smart meter clustering, voltage correlation, or machine learning — have been tested globally. For example:
- Clustering with PCA and k-means achieves >90% accuracy in simulations.
- Neural network models can maintain >83–90% accuracy even with noise.
While promising, these methods often require large datasets, centralised processing, and offline analysis. In contrast, GridPhase delivers field-ready, real-time results. Therefore, making it the most practical solution for Australian networks needing immediate phase validation.
Technical Notes
For engineers who need the detail:
- GridPhase measures GPS time-synchronised voltage phasors (amplitude and angle).
- Transformer immunity is achieved via a mathematical compensation algorithm that adjusts for specific vector groups.
- Export all results for integration with SCADA, GIS, or asset management systems.
Why Partner with Metromatics
As the Australian distributor for Dewesoft, Metromatics provides more than just the technology:
- Local sales, service, and training from offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
- Expertise in integrating synchrophasor solutions into Australian grid environments.
- Onsite support and long-term service to ensure maximum ROI.
Conclusion
Accurate phase identification is vital for reliable, efficient, and renewable-ready power networks. With Dewesoft’s GridPhase solution, Australian utilities can move beyond error-prone methods to a modern, GPS-synchronised, and transformer-compensated system.
👉 Contact Metromatics today to learn more about synchrophasor technology and request a demonstration of the GridPhase phase identification system.