A practical approach on optimal RTU placement in power distribution systems incorporating fuzzy sets theory

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) infrastructures have so far been brought into the huge amount of focus since the need for a more reliable power system accosting with the catastrophic events of interruptions has been raised. Hence, benefiting from an automation technology which can remotely monitor and coordinate commands to enable immediate response and switching are obviously inevitable. This paper outlines an implementable method in response to the goal of placement of remote terminal units (RTUs) which are in charge for data acquisition and control in a power distribution system. In this light, a new practical methodology based on the robust decision making (DM) method, analytical hierarchical process (AHP), is proposed to simply and at the same time profoundly exploit some practical aspects which have not been considered before in the cases of placements. The proposed method investigates both qualitative and quantitative aspects interrelated with the placement problem. Fuzzy sets are then involved to overcome the existent uncertainty and judgment vagueness. The optimum number of RTUs to be located in the previous-step obtained candidates is determined through reliability cost/worth analysis. Having the belief practically implemented on a real distribution test feeder of Iran’s power grid, the efficacy and accuracy of the proposed methodology are satisfactorily confirmed.

► The paper aims to determine the optimal number and location of RTUs in power distribution system.
► The practical qualitative/quantitative aspects and criteria are more at the point of paper focus.
► Power substation candidates are optimally/practically found via a modified fuzzy AHP approach.
► Reliability analysis is then employed to find the optimum number of substations for automation.
► Sensitivity of the results to some parameters of great importance in reality is then scrutinized.