Generalized formulation of the optimal monitor placement problem for fault location

This paper extends and generalizes the formulation of the optimal monitor placement problem for fault location for its implementation on large power systems. The proposed formulation, which models the monitor placement as an integer linear programming problem, is applied on several test systems including the IEEE reliability test system (RTS) and the IEEE 118-bus power flow test system. It was found that two monitors are sufficient in order to correctly locate any fault occurring throughout the RTS network. Studies on the 118-bus system revealed that full fault location observability can be achieved with 13 monitors. Simulation results from these studies show the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed modeling approach.

► The formulation of an optimal monitor placement method for fault location is extended and generalized.
► The optimal monitor placement is modeled as an integer linear programming problem.
► The monitor location area is introduced to facilitate formulation and solution of the problem.
► Proven results derived from the application of the developed methodology in two IEEE test systems are given.