A sensor placement and network design paradigm for future smart grids

In this paper, we propose a method for sensor placement and communication network design for the purpose of distributed estimation in future smart grids. We use generic observability from structured systems theory to devise sensor placement strategies that are independent of the actual parameter values and are only a function of the underlying structure, i.e., the zero and non-zero pattern, of the physical network. We then use these results to design communication networks among the sensors that ensure observability of the distributed observers formulated on the sensor measurements.