An optimization framework for planning of WAMS with a heterogeneous communication network

In this work, we propose an optimization model for an integrated minimum-cost planning of a wide area measurement system (WAMS) and its underlying heterogeneous communication network. The integer linear program formulation of the proposed planning approach enables not only a simultaneous optimal placement of phasor data concentrators (PDC) and phasor measurement units (PMU) for the observability of the power system, but also the consideration of multiple communication technologies with their link parameters and costs. The novel network design approach is applied to test networks with different sizes and topological properties. The first results validate that the deployment cost of a WAMS can be reduced by identifying the possible use of low-cost communication technologies with the proposed integrated planning approach while satisfying network requirements.