Capterra Glossary
Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs)
Phasor measurement units (PMUs) are devices used to detect electrical waveforms in order to analyze power grid systems and detect potential issues. A phasor is a mathematical way to describe the shape of a waveform. A PMU can measure quantities of the waveform by its magnitude and phase angle of a voltage. Data is time-stamped using GPS to synchronize measurements across a power line or grid. These measurements are called synchrophasors.
What Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs)
Grid operators at power utilities use PMUs to ensure that power continues to flow as it’s being distributed residentially and commercially. Synchrophasors are helpful monitoring tools to anticipate when a line or grid is at risk of shutting down.