Optimal PMU placement for full observability of the power network with maximum redundancy using modified binary cuckoo optimisation algorithm

In this study, a new evolutionary algorithm named as modified binary cuckoo optimisation algorithm (MBCOA) is presented to solve optimal phasor measurement unit (PMU) placement (OPP) problem. The proposed method is classified as topological approaches. The basis of the method is in the lifestyle of the brood parasite bird named cuckoo that immigrates to the best habitat to obtain sufficient food and suitable nests for egg laying. The proposed binary structure is not introduced and applied to OPP problem up to now. OPP is tested on different networks consist of IEEE 14, 30, 57 and 118 bus test systems during normal operation and single event contingencies, i.e. single PMU failure and single line outage. The proposed MBCOA is also applied to 2383 and 2746 bus test systems to show its ability to handle large scale power networks. It is shown that MBCOA can obtain the best result from the search region with a minimum number of iterations.