Phasor Measurement Unit Optimal Configuration Method Based on Random Matrix Theory for Observability of Faults in Distribution Network

In this paper, an optimal configuration method for phasor measurement units (PMUs) for observability across the entire network during faults is proposed. To determine the sensitivity coefficient of each node, first single phase and double phase to ground faults are set at each node. Corresponding mean spectral radiuss (MSRs) are then computed, and the two MSRs that are obtained are weighted. When a fault occurs at the node with the least sensitivity, the PMU of insensitive nodes is progressively subtracted based on the sensitivity level, and the corresponding MSR is computed until the fault is undetectable. This approach targets the observability of faults throughout the entire network, and the PMU configuration that is obtained is optimal. The simulation results of the IEEE 36-node and IEEE39-node model have verified that under the proposed PMU optimal configuration, and the random matrix theory can be used to monitor the distribution network in real time and the fault can be accurately detected and the fault occurrence time is determined.