Optimal placement for robust distributed measurement systems in active distribution grids

Future active distribution grids will be characterized by rapid and significant changes of operation and behavior due to, for example, intermittent power injections from renewable sources and the load-generation characteristic of the so-called prosumers. The design of a robust measurement infrastructure is critical for safe and effective control and operation. In previous works, the authors proposed a placement procedure that allows finding an optimal measurement location incorporating Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and smart metering devices for distribution system state estimation (DSSE). In this paper the concept of robustness is introduced in the optimal meter placement procedure, so that the distributed measurement system can provide accurate estimates also in the occurrence of either loss of data or degradation of metrological performance of the measurement devices. Tests performed on a small UKGDS 16-bus distribution network are presented and discussed.