Fault-location observability analysis on power distribution systems

Most of the fault-location methods developed in the past employed measurements obtained from a limited number of meters installed in a power system. Optimal meter placement in power systems is to make the best use of a limited number of meters available to keep the entire network observable. This article presents the fault-location observability analysis for distribution systems and proposes a novel optimal meter placement algorithm to keep the system observable in terms of fault-location determination. First, the observability of fault location in power systems is defined. Then analysis of the whole system is performed to determine the fewest number of meters needed and the best locations to place those meters to achieve fault-location observability. Case studies based on a 16-bus distribution system have been carried out to illustrate the proposed algorithms.