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

This paper presents an innovative approach to micro-phasor measurement unit (micro-PMU or μPMU) 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 μPMU 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 μPMU installations, but also identifies the minimum number of phases that must be monitored by them.