A Micro-PMU Placement Scheme for Distribution Systems Considering Practical Constraints

Abstract: This paper presents an innovative approach to micro-phasor measurement unit (micro-PMU) placement in unbalanced distribution networks. The methodology accounts for the presence of single-and-two-phase laterals and acknowledges the fact that observing one phase in a distribution circuit does not translate to observing the other phases. Other practical constraints such as presence of distributed loads, unknown regulator/ transformer tap ratios, zero-injection phases (ZIPs), modern smart meters, and multiple switch configurations are also incorporated. The proposed micro-PMU placement problem is solved using integer linear programming (ILP), guaranteeing optimality of results. The uniqueness of the developed algorithm is that it not only minimizes the micro-PMU installations, but also identifies the minimum number of phases that must be monitored by them.