A multicriteria approach for meter placement in distribution systems

One of the principles of Smart Grids is to have a communication network that will integrate equipment allowing the monitoring and operation to be performed in real time in order to improve the quality indicators. However, this migration to an automated and monitored environment will demand many resources that will be used to perform the migration gradually. Therefore, this work proposes a methodology for allocation of meters with the function of improving the accuracy of state estimation algorithms, but also considering other selection criteria, given the fact that many of automation equipment such as reclosers, automated switches, voltage controllers also perform the function of meters. The paper demonstrates the implementation of a state estimator based on the WLS method, which serves as the basis for the analysis of quantitative criteria such as the accuracy of the estimator, losses, voltage levels and reliability. Thus, the criteria are analyzed considering the needs defined by experts through the Analytic Hierarchy Process, so alternatives of locations and equipment can be prioritized. Finally, the methodology is demonstrated by experimental evaluation on a real feeder.