Multi-objective MILP model for PMU allocation considering enhanced gross error detection: A weighted goal programming framework

Abstract This paper proposes a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model for the optimal phasor measurement unit (PMU) placement (OPP) problem. A majority of the solutions presented for the OPP problem focus on minimizing cost while guaranteeing system observability. While this is a good approach to the OPP problem, the effect of PMU allocation on various energy management system applications should also be considered. This paper addresses the OPP problem considering PMU installation costs, system observability, and gross error detection. In order to allocate PMUs considering gross error detection, the Vulnerability Index (VI) is used to quantify the vulnerability of each element in the system. A weighted goal programming (WGP) framework, which allows for the optimization of contradictory goals, which is a characteristic of the goals considered in this paper, is presented. The goals and weights of the framework are user inputs to the program besides a hard budget restriction. The results of this paper show how the WGP framework allows the priorities of the decision maker to influence the final PMU allocation presented by the MILP, making this model a valuable framework for utilities planning to install PMUs on their network.