A Digital Twin of an Electrical Distribution Grid: SoCal 28-Bus Dataset

TL;DR

The paper presents the SoCal 28-Bus Dataset, an open-access, real-world distribution-grid dataset with densely deployed synchro-phasor and synchro-waveform measurements plus digitized topology, designed to enable high-fidelity observability, system identification, and control-oriented research. It combines a phylogeny of data types—synchro-waveforms at $2.5\,\text{kHz}$, synchro-phasors, and circuit parameters—along with a robust synchronization framework and a clear error characterization to support both phasor- and time-domain analyses. The authors provide two digital-twin style models (phasor-domain bus injection and time-domain inductive-line circuits) and demonstrate state-estimation workflows that achieve sub-percent residuals, illustrating the dataset’s practical value for monitoring, diagnostics, and optimization in distribution networks. Overall, the dataset enables researchers and utilities to test and validate algorithms on a real system, bridging the gap between simulation and real-world operation with a scalable, privacy-conscious sensing approach.

Abstract

We provide an open-access dataset of phasor & waveform measurement units (PMUs/WMUs) of a real-world electrical distribution network. The network consists of diverse sets of generation resources (including solar panels, fuel cells, natural gas generators, and utility interconnections), loads (including large-scale electric vehicle charging, data centers, central cooling, offices), topology changes (such as line outages and load transfers), as well as a mixture of single- and three-phase networks. We describe a densely deployed PMU sensor network in a distribution grid, in which all buses with non-zero power injections are measured. This approach enables a range of applications such as state estimation, system identification, power flow optimization, and feedback control, several of which are discussed in this paper. Additionally, we provide a synchronized waveform dataset which allows the analysis of harmonics, transient events, dynamic grid impedance, and stability. Data collection started in 2023 while new data is generated continuously and made available online. A characterization of measurement error is provided. Finally, we provide circuit topology and parameters as a part of the dataset. Together, the circuit and timeseries data offer an opportunity for researchers to develop and test algorithms on a real-world system.

Figures (13)

• Figure 1: A summary of power systems metering approaches us_department_of_energy_big_nodatenoauthor_estimated_2021. WAMS: Wide Area Measurement System. PMUs: Phasor Measurement Units. SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. ADMS: Advanced Distribution Management Systems. AMI: Advanced Metering Infrastructure. BMS: Building Management Systems. The map is adapted from ahmad_guardians_2024.
• Figure 2: Three-phase voltage and current injection waveform measurement at bus 1118. Phase imbalance, harmonic distortion, non-unitary power factor, and a transient event are present.
• Figure 3: Three-phase voltage and current injection phasor measurement (magnitude and phase) at bus 1033. Current polarity reversal is observed due to a nearby generator coming online.
• Figure 4: An sub-circuit of this dataset. Zero-impedance elements are removed in plotting. Tie breakers are open during normal operating conditions.
• Figure 5: Left: a meter box including voltage connections (3-phase 4-wire), current transformer connections (twisted pairs), and an Ethernet connection. Some sites may additionally include an edge computing device, a wireless communication module, and a battery power backup system. Right: a typical installation site with transformers and switchgear.