Multiple Solutions for Optimal PMU Placement Using a Topology-Based Method

Abstract

This paper presents a novel topology-based optimal PMU placement strategy. The proposed strategy provides the entire feasible solution space which gives the observability of the power system by working on binary connectivity matrix of the system. From the feasible solution space, multiple optimal solutions are obtained. Providing multiple optimal solutions gives flexibility to the system operator to choose one optimal solution which best fits sub-ordinate objectives rather than providing single optimal solution which gives no choice to the operator. This novel strategy has been tested on IEEE 14-bus and IEEE 30-bus system. Multiple optimal solutions are obtained while maintaining observability and maximizing redundancy. For demonstrating the advantage of multiple optimal solutions, minor objectives, such as direct monitoring of generator and weak buses are illustrated. One of the multiple solution which best fits to the minor objectives is chosen as a final optimal solution. The proposed method ensures global optimal solution for various objectives under consideration. In addition, normalized Bus observability index and normalized System observability redundancy index are presented to overcome the drawback of SORI and BOI.