Optimal PMU placement in a power network for full system observability

This paper addresses the problem of optimal placement of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) by comparing two different placement algorithms namely, Integer Linear Programming and Matrix Manipulation. The results are compared to check the suitability of these algorithms for networks of different sizes such as networks with higher number of buses such as utility networks and those with smaller number of buses such as small microgrids. Finally suggestions are made as to which algorithm should be used to calculate the optimal locations to render a given power network fully observable. The issue of installing PMUs in a system that has conventional measurement units is also discussed. This work forms a part of a joint project between Eskom, the national electric utility in South Africa and the University of Cape Town in creating indigenous PMU placement software for the utility to aid their asset management.