Optimal PMU placement considering topology constraints

•Proposing four topology reconstruction rules and three PMU configuration rules.•Proposing topology constraints analysis.•Proposing an improved genetic algorithm based on serial number coding.•Improvement in algorithm speed.•Improvement in optimal solutions considering the maximum redundancy index.

A new optimization algorithm for optimal PMU configuration based on combination of graph theory and genetic algorithm is proposed. According to four topology reconstruction rules and three PMU configuration rules based on the graphic relationships between PMUs, constraints of PMU placement are put forward through topology constraint analysis, which dramatically limits the feasible solution space, thereby enhancing the algorithm speed. Meanwhile, an improved genetic algorithm based on serial number coding is presented to avoid infeasible solutions and improve the overall optimization performance. New corresponding crossover and mutation operator is also created. Examples show that the proposed algorithm performs very well and is highly valuable to large-scale networks.