A PMU Placement Framework in an Active Distribution Network Based on Voltage Profile Estimation Accuracy

Traditional distribution networks have been transformed into active distribution networks (ADNs) due to the growing penetration of flexible resources as well as renewable energy sources (RESs). However, conventional systems have low levels of automation and observability. Thus, it is necessary to install measurement devices like phasor measurement units (PMUs) in these networks to increase their observability. Motivated by the above-mentioned facts, a precision criterion based on the voltage profile of the ADNs is introduced for PMU placement to enhance the accuracy of the distribution state estimation (DSE). This process is performed by specifying the optimal number and location of PMUs. Moreover, the incorrect input data in PMUs can affect the state estimation accuracy. Therefore, the effect of deliberately or non-deliberately erroneous input data in PMUs has been evaluated on the estimated voltage of all nodes. Finally, the developed methodology is implemented on the 77-bus-UK-test distribution network to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed approach in improving the accuracy of the estimated network voltage profile.