Optimal PMU placements using sea lion optimization for adaptable distribution system

. The technological advancements and policy reformations make the electric power distribution system an active network. The modern power system operational regulations encourage coordinated network operations among various entities and customer participation. Unlike traditional operational environments, real-time monitoring has become a mandate for secure and reliable operations. Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) is the most reliable data acquisition tool, and their application for State Estimation (SE) has already been proven. This work extends the application of PMUs for the distribution system. A multi-objective optimization framework is proposed considering the optimal placement of PMU, network reconfiguration, and topology expansion. A novel optimization tool, the sea lion optimizer has been chosen to address the developed optimization problem. The proposed operational model is employed in IEEE RBTS-2 bus system, IEEE 33 node system and 69 node radial distribution network. Numerical results provide new insights into PMUs role in enhancing distribution network operations. The statistical indices confirm that the intended optimizer performs well in the chosen highly constrained optimization environment.