Distribution PMU Placement Strategy for Critical Infrastructure Observability

This paper presents a placement methodology for Phasor Measurement Units (intelligent electronic devices with synchrophasor capability) in a distribution system. The methodology proposed is based on optimizing the observability of critical load locations, vulnerable distributed energy resources, and feeder segments that feed important load centers. To develop this work, data from the Puerto Rican electrical distribution system was utilized, with a focus on the feeders in the municipalities of Vieques and Culebra. These communities are islands geographically isolated from the main island of Puerto Rico and are exposed to multiple points of failure. Most of the simulations contained in this work were conducted by using DNV-GL Synergi, a specialized distribution load flow tool. This environment allows obtaining peak load demand to make determinations highlighted in the proposed criteria. The results allowed the Transmission and Distribution Operator (T&D) to identify the appropriate allocation of PMUs.