Topology Detection in Microgrids with Micro-Synchrophasors
This work addresses the critical need for topology awareness in distribution networks for safe and reliable operation, but the method is tested only on simulated data.
The paper proposes a voting-based topology detection method for microgrids using micro-synchrophasor measurements, achieving high accuracy in identifying network topology. Voltage angle differences outperform voltage magnitude for detection.
Network topology in distribution networks is often unknown, because most switches are not equipped with measurement devices and communication links. However, knowledge about the actual topology is critical for safe and reliable grid operation. This paper proposes a voting-based topology detection method based on micro-synchrophasor measurements. The minimal difference between measured and calculated voltage angle or voltage magnitude, respectively, indicates the actual topology. Micro-synchrophasors or micro-Phasor Measurement Units (μPMU) are high-precision devices that can measure voltage angle differences on the order of ten millidegrees. This accuracy is important for distribution networks due to the smaller angle differences as compared to transmission networks. For this paper, a microgrid test bed is implemented in MATLAB with simulated measurements from μPMUs as well as SCADA measurement devices. The results show that topologies can be detected with high accuracy. Additionally, topology detection by voltage angle shows better results than detection by voltage magnitude.