Reliability analysis of a geographic information system-aided optimal phasor measurement unit location for smart grid operation

The conventional power system is going through a paradigm change towards smart grid, incorporating technological innovations for sensing, communicating, applying intelligence and exercising control through feedback. Recently, phasor measurement units (PMUs) have been used extensively for the purpose of sensing and communication. In many system planning studies, planners experience conflicts while taking into account the requirements related to communication systems, environment and geographic configurations owing to lack of proper spatial co-ordination. A geographic information system (GIS) provides a rich set of functions to view the power system network and to explore the geospatial relations. The main contribution of this article is to investigate the impact of topological attributes on commissioning phasor measurement units to ensure reliability through different phasor measurement unit connectivity configuration. Comparative studies have been done amongst different phasor measurement unit connectivity configuration for determining the most reliable data exchange methodology. Case studies related to the eastern grid of India corroborate the potential use of geographic information system taking pragmatic spatial aspects into account for phasor measurement unit placement.