Fast multi-area approach for distribution system state estimation

This paper presents the application of a fast two-step multi-area approach for state estimation in wide-area distribution systems. The possibility to perform Distribution System State Estimation (DSSE) in a multi-area framework, designing the methodology according to the configuration of the measurement infrastructure is assessed. In particular, the proposed methodology of multi-area DSSE considers areas with overlapping nodes and is generalized, with respect to previous literature, to deal with every possible measurement system. A new second step procedure has been also designed to obtain a computationally efficient refinement of the voltage profile. The proposed multi-area method can be performed in a decentralized way and with parallel processing, relying on limited data communication. Test results, obtained on the 123-bus IEEE test network, are presented and discussed.