Measurement location for state estimation of distribution networks with generation

State estimation is important for the automatic management and control of complex distribution networks with significant distributed generation. State estimation has been used extensively on transmission systems where, generally, measurements of busbar voltages and line power flows exist. However, distribution systems normally have only a limited number of measurements. In such systems additional measurements are expensive and careful selection of location becomes important. The paper presents a heuristic approach to identify potential points for location of voltage measurements for state estimation as part of a proposed distribution management system controller. The developed technique identifies measurement locations to reduce the voltage standard deviation of the busbars which do not have a measurement. It addresses the problems of classical transmission meter placement methods, which are not directly applicable to distribution systems due to limited measurements, and unobservability of the network. © lEE, 2005.