On the need of uncertainty computation of electrical waveforms on a sample-by-sample basis

The deployment of inverters and rectifiers in the distribution power grid is generating an increase in the number and relevance of impulsive events, such as spikes, supraharmonic emissions, and high-level transients. These events may impact the protection equipment or the devices connected to the grid. Commercial measurement instruments to detect and assess these events are not able to follow some of the sharp high-amplitude variations in the grid, which impedes an accurate measurement of these impulsive events. This paper presents a new approach for a more accurate assessment, based on a sample-by-sample analysis, including techniques for waveform reconstruction and uncertainty calculation. This contribution proposes a methodology to quantify the distortions introduced by the measurement instruments used during the measurements in the power grids. The proposed techniques will provide a better understanding of the impulsive events present in the grid and valuable knowledge to design mitigation measures against these disturbances.