Optimal Selection of Metering Points for Power Quality Measurements in Distribution System

Quality of power supply in power distribution systems requires continuous measurement using power quality analyzers installed in the grid. The paper reviews the published methods for optimal location of metering points in distribution systems in the context of power quality metering and assessment. Three methods have been selected for detailed analysis and comparative tests. It has been found that utilization of the methods is possible, but their performance varies highly depending on the test grid’s topology. Since the methods rely on the state estimation approach, their performance is strictly related to observability analysis. It has been found that standard observability analysis used for typical state estimation problem yields ambiguous results when applied to power quality assessment. Inherited properties of the selected methods are also analyzed, which allows for the formulation of general recommendations about optimal selection of metering points in a distribution system.