Binary-arithmetic approach to observability checking in state estimation

An efficient and robust technique for observability checking in power system state estimation based on Gaussian elimination and binary arithmetic is provided. Since the proposed technique uses binary arithmetic, no rounding error, numerical instability or zero identification problems occur. In some cases, the technique may not identify all observable state variables, requiring an additional numerical analysis over a matrix of dimension that is highly reduced. An illustrative example of small size and a realistic case study are used to demonstrate the features of the proposed technique. Adequate conclusions are finally drawn.