Boosting efficiency in state estimation of power systems by leveraging attention mechanism

Ensuring stability and reliability in power systems requires accurate state estimation, which is challenging due to the growing network size, noisy measurements, and nonlinear power-flow equations. In this paper, we introduce the Graph Attention Estimation Network (GAEN) model to tackle power system state estimation (PSSE) by capitalizing on the inherent graph structure of power grids. This approach facilitates efficient information exchange among interconnected buses, yielding a distributed, computationally efficient architecture that is also resilient to cyber-attacks. We develop a thorough approach by utilizing Graph Convolutional Neural Networks (GCNNs) and attention mechanism in PSSE based on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) measurements, addressing the limitations of previous learning architectures. In accordance with the empirical results obtained from the experiments, the proposed method demonstrates superior performance and scalability compared to existing techniques. Furthermore, the amalgamation of local topological configurations with nodal-level data yields a heightened efficacy in the domain of state estimation. This work marks a significant achievement in the design of advanced learning architectures in PSSE, contributing and fostering the development of more reliable and secure power system operations.