Optimal PMU placement for power system observability using Taguchi binary bat algorithm

Phasor measurement units (PMUs) are considered as a promising tool in wide area monitoring, protection, and control of power system networks. In this paper, a novel technique based on Taguchi binary bat algorithm (TBBA) is proposed to determine the optimal number and placement locations of PMUs such that power system is completely observable. The proposed TBBA combines the systematic reasoning ability of the Taguchi method with the traditional binary bat algorithm thereby enhances the initial population, and subsequently, improves the computational efficacy of the solution. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on a number of power system test systems under different operating conditions. Results thus obtained are compared with the existing techniques published in the literature. From the results it has been found that the proposed technique not only yields multiple global optimal solutions in single experimental run but also provides solution with lesser computational time. Further, the proposed technique provides similar or better optimal solutions in comparison with the other techniques proposed in the literature.