Estimation of topology, line parameters and switches status in medium voltage distribution systems using smart meter measurements

Abstract

The widespread deployment of smart meters on customers provides the possibility to create new applications to be integrated into the Distribution Management Systems (DMS), envisioning gains in the operation and planning of distribution systems. However, the large amount of data measured by those devices poses a challenge to the utilities, mainly in the respect of how to transform the collected data into useful information. In this context, the main objective of this Ph.D. project associated with this Research Internship Abroad Project (BEPE-DR) consists in developing new methods and functionalities for integration into the modern Distribution Management Systems by employing, among others, data provided by customer smart meters installed in modern distribution systems with high penetration of distributed energy sources. The development of a method to estimate the topology and line parameters of medium voltage distribution systems was selected to be investigated during the BEPE-DR due to the promising results obtained with the similar method in low voltage distribution systems. This research is proposed to be carried out in the United States, where almost 60 million of customer smart meters have already been installed. During his visit, the student will be supervised by Professor Surya Santoso, IEEE Fellow, which has significant contributions in training highly qualified human resources (15+ Ph.D. and 30+ M.Sc researchers) and developing high level research projects, as can be seen for the number and quality of his publications in the most prestigious journals (more than 50 journal papers with more than 10,000 citation in the GoogleScholar). During this visit, the candidate will closely interact with researchers and other projects developed at the University of Texas at Austin (L-ASPIRES lab).