Optimal Placement of Phasor Measurement Units in Electric Power System Networks- A Review

Abstract

The contribution of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) to modern electrical power systems by providing real-time, synchronized measurements of electrical parameters across the grid for monitoring, stability and reliability of power system cannot be overstated. However, due to the high costs associated with PMU installation and maintenance, an optimal placement strategy is essential to achieve maximum system coverage using minimal resources. This problem is formulated as the optimal PMU placement (OPP) problem with the goal of minimizing the number of PMUs required to ensure observability of the power system. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the OPP problem, with a focus on both single- and multi-objective formulations of the problem, the practical constraints as well as a variety of algorithms and techniques used in solving the problem. This review offers researchers the information required to select the most appropriate and practical computational approaches for their specific applications. The paper also highlights promising directions for future research, including dynamic network reconfiguration, integration of cybersecurity measures, and the incorporation of PMU placement strategies within microgrids.  

Keywords: Phasor Measurement Units, Optimal PMU Placement, Observability, Mathematical and Heuristic Algorithms