Placement of Micro-PMUs and Voltage Estimation in Radial Distribution Networks with Zero Injection constraints

This paper introduces a new method for optimizing the placement of Micro-Phasor Measurement Units (μPMUs) and improving voltage estimation in radial distribution networks, with a focus on Zero Injection Bus (ZIB) constraints. Radial networks, particularly those integrating increasing levels of distributed generation (DG), face significant challenges in state estimation. The proposed approach employs mathematical optimization to strategically place μPMUs, ensuring comprehensive network observability and accurate voltage estimation using Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) technology and the Weighted Least Squares (WLS) algorithm, while effectively addressing the complexities posed by ZIBs. Comparative analyses with existing methods demonstrate that the proposed approach reduce μPMUs requirements for the IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus systems, achieving full observability with fewer units. Additionally, it supports high-quality voltage estimation, overcoming key limitations of prior methods. The results confirm the efficiency and practicality of the approach, offering a cost-effective solution for enhanced monitoring and control in modern distribution networks with renewable energy integration.