Modern electricity grids are evolving rapidly as renewable energy grows, and electricity demand increases. In this changing landscape, grid operators need accurate, real-time information to maintain system reliability and respond quickly to disturbances. The GridEye project, funded by the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (NextGenerationEU), addresses this need by developing advanced technologies that allow transmission system operators to understand what is happening on transmission lines at any moment, detect faults faster, and adapt protection systems to real operating conditions.
The Challenge
Traditional grid monitoring relies on static assumptions and slow reporting rate measurements; however, today’s transmission systems require far greater visibility. Operators often cannot see how line parameters change with weather conditions and system operation, making it harder to predict issues before they occur. Without accurate power system modeling, protection systems may not operate optimally, increasing the chances of delayed fault clearing or unnecessary outages.
The Solutions
GridEye offers a modern, data-driven approach to understand and protect the transmission grid. One of its central innovations is the development of tools capable of estimating transmission line parameters through the use of PMU measurements with very high accuracy, even when measurements are available only from one end of the line. This provides operators with a clear, continuously updated picture of line behavior.
Building on this improved visibility, GridEye introduces an adaptive protection scheme that adjusts its settings dynamically to reflect real-time operating conditions, ensuring the fast faults clearance.
The project also develops advanced methods for identifying and classifying faults using synchronized PMU measurements. Through detailed analysis of voltage signals, GridEye can recognize the type of fault that has occurred and is progressing toward locating it along the line. This capability supports faster restoration and reduces the operational impact of unexpected events.
All these innovations are being integrated into the GridEye software tool, a user-oriented platform that retrieves and processes PMU data, visualizes important information, and provides analysis features that help operators make informed decisions in real time. The tool is designed to function within a control center environment and is being prepared for demonstration using actual PMU data from the Cyprus transmission system.
Outcomes
GridEye has achieved several important advancements. The algorithms for estimating transmission line parameters have been validated and have demonstrated accuracy minimizing the estimation error below 5%. The adaptive protection model has been implemented and underwent extensive testing within realistic simulation environments, while the developed fault classification and localization schemes reliably distinguish different types of faults. All these modules were integrated into the GrideEye tool which can be used in modern control centers of the transmission grid.
The Impact
GridEye is positioned to make a meaningful contribution to the modernization of power systems. By offering real-time insight into the behavior of transmission lines, it strengthens the reliability of the grid and reduces the likelihood of outages. Its adaptive protection approach helps ensure that the grid responds effectively to changing conditions, supporting a safer and more stable energy supply.
The project also plays an important role in enabling the transition to renewable energy. With more accurate monitoring and flexible protection settings, operators can more confidently manage the variability associated with solar and wind resources. Furthermore, GridEye fosters collaboration across Cyprus’s research and energy sectors, helping build local expertise and supporting the development of innovative smart-grid solutions.
Overall, the impact of the GridEye project on the operation of the Cypriot transmission grid is evident through the extensive use of the data retrieval and data visualization modules of the GridEye tool by engineers of the Cyprus Transmission System Operator. These modules enable the visualization and analysis of disturbances using measurements from the 18 PMUs installed at the transmission level of the Cyprus power system.
Building a Smarter Energy Future
As electricity networks continue to evolve, the need for intelligent, real-time monitoring becomes more critical. GridEye provides the tools and insights necessary to meet this challenge. By bringing advanced analytics, adaptive protection, and operational visibility together in one platform, the project contributes to a more resilient, efficient, and future-ready power system—one capable of supporting the changing demands of modern society.
The GridEye project has received funding from the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) of Cyprus through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (NextGenerationEU) under the grant agreement ENTERPRISES/ENERGY/1123/0015.
