Enhancing State Estimation Accuracy in Distribution Networks: An Optimized Algorithm for Strategic Meter Placement

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

1 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Qom University of Technology, Qom, Iran.

2 Power Systems Operation and Planning Research Department, Niroo Research Institute (NRI), Shahrak Ghods, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Accurate state estimation is crucial for the effective control and management of power grids, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of voltage magnitude and phase angle at network buses. Incorrect estimations may lead to damaging decisions and network collapse. This paper addresses the significance of precise state estimation in distribution networks and proposes an efficient algorithm for optimal measurement device allocation, aiming to minimize estimation errors. The algorithm considers both investment and technical constraints, utilizing an optimal alternative current (AC) power flow model that eliminates the need for exact values of active and reactive load demands. The proposed method identifies optimal locations for installing a specific number of phasor measurement units (PMUs) across the network. The application of the algorithm to 33-bus and 69-bus test systems demonstrates its effectiveness in enhancing state estimation accuracy. Results reveal that optimizing the number and location of measurement devices significantly improves outcomes. A comparative analysis with the conventional weighted least squares (WLS) algorithm underscores the applicability of the proposed model, particularly in distribution networks with limited measurement devices. The proposed method formulates optimal meter placement problems in distribution networks based on an optimal power flow model, which has a superior performance in both accuracy and convergence without needing to exact nodal demands for state estimation. This research contributes to the advancement of state estimation procedures, offering a practical approach to enhance accuracy and reliability in power grid management.

Keywords

Main Subjects


  1. M. S. F. Jabari and M. Zeraati, “A novel meter placement algorithm based on monte carlo coupled state estimation and iterative nonlinear mesh adaptive direct search,” J. Oper. Autom. Power Eng., vol. In Press, pp. 1–36, 2023.
  2. F. Jabari, M. Zeraati, M. Sheibani, and H. Arasteh, “Robust self-scheduling of pvs-wind-diesel power generation units in a standalone microgrid under uncertain electricity prices,” J. Oper. Autom. Power Eng., 2022.
  3. M. Pau, F. Ponci, A. Monti, C. Muscas, and P. A. Pegoraro, “Distributed state estimation for multi-feeder distribution grids,” IEEE Open J. Instrum. Meas., vol. 1, pp. 1–12, 2022.
  4. M. Zeraati, M. R. Sheibani, F. Jabari, and E. HeydarianForushani, “A novel state estimation method for distribution networks with low observability based on linear ac optimal power flow model,” Electr. Power Syst. Res., vol. 228, p. 110085, 2024.
  5. S. Tiwari, A. Kumar, and V. Basetti, “Multi-objective micro phasor measurement unit placement and performance analysis in distribution system using nsga-ii and promethee-ii,” Meas., vol. 198, p. 111443, 2022.
  6. A. A. M. Raposo, A. B. Rodrigues, and M. da Guia da Silva, “Robust meter placement for state estimation considering distribution network reconfiguration for annual energy loss reduction,” Electr. Power Syst. Res., vol. 182, p. 106233, 2020.
  7. B. P. Chintala and D. M. V. Kumar, “Multi-objective hybrid decomposition and local dominance based meter placement for distribution system state estimation,” IET Gener. Transm. Distrib., vol. 14, no. 20, pp. 4416–4425, 2020.
  8. R. Madbhavi, B. Natarajan, and B. Srinivasan, “Meter placement approaches for matrix completion-based distribution system state estimator,” Electr. Power Syst. Res., vol. 213, p. 108687, 2022.
  9. M. P. Anguswamy, M. Datta, L. Meegahapola, and A. Vahidnia, “Optimal micro-pmu placement in distribution networks considering usable zero-injection phase strings,” IEEE Trans. Smart Grid, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 3662–3675, 2022.
  10. M. Moradi-Sepahvand, E. Mashhour, and S. S. Mortazavi, “Optimal placement of a combination of single-phase and three-phase pmus for observability of smart distribution networks with asymmetrical structure,” Int. J. Electr. Power Energy Syst., vol. 105, pp. 592–601, 2019.
  11. A. B. Pengwah, Y. Z. Gerdroodbari, R. Razzaghi, and L. L. H. Andrew, “Topology identification of distribution networks with partial smart meter coverage,” IEEE Trans. Power Delivery, vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 992–1001, 2024.
  12. P. Buason, S. Misra, S. Talkington, and D. K. Molzahn, “A data-driven sensor placement approach for detecting voltage violations in distribution systems,” Electr. Power Syst. Res., vol. 232, 2024.
  13. C. B. Prasad and D. V. Kumar, “Meter placement in active distribution system using objective discretization and indicator-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm with adaptive reference point method,” J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. B, vol. 103, no. 3, pp. 887–901, 2022.
  14. H. Zhang and T. Zufferey, “Studying the impact of smart meter placement on low-voltage grid state estimation,” in 2022 Int. Conf. Smart Energy Syst. Technol., pp. 1–6, IEEE, 2022.
  15. P. Paruta, T. Pidancier, M. Bozorg, and M. Carpita, “Greedy placement of measurement devices on distribution grids based on enhanced distflow state estimation,” Sustainable Energy Grids Networks, vol. 26, p. 100433, 2021.
  16. H. G. Abood, V. Sreeram, and Y. Mishra, “An incremental meter placement method for state estimation considering collinear measurements and high leverage points,” Int. J. Smart Sens. Intell. Syst., vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 1–12, 2020.
  17. D. M. Ferreira, P. M. Carvalho, and L. A. Ferreira, “Optimal meter placement in low observability distribution networks with der,” Electr. Power Syst. Res., vol. 189, p. 106707, 2020.
  18. V. Zamani and M. E. Baran, “Meter placement for conservation voltage reduction in distribution systems,” IEEE Trans. Power Syst., vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 2109–2116, 2017.
  19. M. Zeraati, M. Shabanzadeh, M. R. Sheibani, and F. Jabari, “Meter placement algorithms to enhance distribution systems state estimation: Review, challenges and future research directions,” IET Renewable Power Gener., vol. 16, no. 15, pp. 3422–3444, 2022.
  20. B. P. Chintala and D. V. Kumar, “Multiobjective meter placement in active distribution system state estimation using inverse-model-based multilabel gaussian classification with adaptive reference point method,” Int. Trans. Electr. Energy Syst., vol. 31, no. 8, p. e12935, 2021.
  21. F. G. Duque, L. W. de Oliveira, E. J. de Oliveira, and J. C. de Souza, “A cost-benefit multiobjective approach for placement of meters in electrical distribution systems,” Electr. Power Syst. Res., vol. 191, p. 106897, 2021.
  22. E. T. Ghadikolaee, A. Kazemi, and H. A. Shayanfar, “Novel multi-objective phasor measurement unit placement for improved parallel state estimation in distribution network,” Appl. Energy, vol. 279, p. 115814, 2020.
  23. A. H. Marzouni, A. Zakariazadeh, and P. Siano, “Measurement devices allocation in distribution system using state estimation: A multi-objective approach,” Int. Trans. Electr. Energy Syst., vol. 30, no. 8, p. e12469, 2020.
  24. T. C. Xygkis and G. N. Korres, “Optimized measurement allocation for power distribution systems using mixed integer sdp,” IEEE Trans. Instrum. Meas., vol. 66, no. 11, pp. 2967– 2976, 2017.
  25. M. Pau, M. Ginocchi, D. Pacheco, F. Ponci, and A. Monti, “A meter placement strategy for distribution grids based on cost–benefit analysis,” IEEE Trans. Instrum. Meas., vol. 73, pp. 1–12, 2024.
  26. M. Mahdavi, H. H. Alhelou, and P. Cuffe, “Test distribution systems: network parameters and diagrams of electrical structural,” IEEE Open Access J. Power Energy, vol. 8, pp. 409–420, 2021.

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 28 July 2025
  • Receive Date: 18 June 2024
  • Revise Date: 21 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 02 February 2025
  • First Publish Date: 28 July 2025