Optimized allocation of power quality monitors in distribution systems considering fault location

Short-duration voltage variations are disturbances of great concern, in the context of power quality. The permanent monitoring of these events is important because they are unpredictable and cause high economic losses to consumers. The strategic placement of power quality monitors has been studied, aiming, mostly, to reduce the installation cost of this monitoring system. However, it is more important not just monitoring these disturbances, but also identify their sources. This paper proposes a multi-objective approach, aiming, besides to reduce the cost also provide a meter allocation in favor of the location of the disturbance source. The optimization model proposed is solved by means of the Algorithm for Bicriteria Discrete Optimization and applied in IEEE 13 bus distribution test system. Several options of monitoring systems were obtained, respecting various constraints that influence decision making.