Enhancing Distribution System Monitoring and Resiliency: A Sensor Placement Optimization Tool (SPOT)

Optimal placement of new sensors is of great importance to enhancing distribution system monitoring and resiliency. Utilities are in need of a platform for an optimal sensor placement strategy other than the traditional experience-based strategy. In this paper, a sensor placement optimization tool (SPOT) is developed. It contains two selected modules based on industry priority: distribution system state estimation (DSE) and recloser placement (RP). The DSE module incorporates three-phase system functionality to reflect practical distribution systems with asymmetrical topology and unbalanced loading. In the RP module, the impact of microgrids is modeled. SPOT is timely since it can assist utilities in developing their own optimal sensor allocation strategies.