Distribution Network Reconfiguration Considering Voltage and Current Unbalance Indexes and Variable Demand Solved through a Selective Bio-Inspired Metaheuristic

Abstract

Operation of distribution networks involves a series of criteria that should be met, aiming for the correct and optimal behavior of such systems. Some of the major drawbacks found when studying these networks is the real losses related to them. To overcome this problem, distribution network reconfiguration (DNR) is an efficient tool due to the low costs involved in its implementation. The majority of studies regarding this subject treat the problem by considering networks only as three-phase balanced, modeled as single-phase grids with fixed power demand, which is far from representing the characteristics of real networks (e.g., unbalanced loads, variable power and unbalance indexes). Due to the combinatorial nature of the problem, metaheuristic techniques are powerful tools for the inclusion of such characteristics. In this sense, this paper proposes a study of DNR considering balanced and unbalanced systems with variable power demand. An analysis of the direct influence of voltage unbalance index (VUI) and current unbalance index (CUI) is carried out for unbalanced cases. To solve the DNR problem, a selective bio-inspired metaheuristic based on micro bats’ behavior named the selective bat algorithm (SBAT) is used together with the EPRI-OpenDSS software (California, US, EPRI). Tests are initially conducted on balanced systems, aiming to validate the technique proposed for both demands and state their differences, and then they are conducted on unbalanced systems to study the influence of VUI and CUI in the DNR solution.

Comprehensive Review on Static and Dynamic Distribution Network Reconfiguration Methodologies

“…Furthermore, reconfiguration can decrease the voltage flicker [18] and the voltage sag [19] by changing the fault current path. Also, reconfiguration in a three-phase DN can improve voltage unbalance and related power losses by changing the phase loads [20,21]. There are also studies on decreasing the operational costs such as the cost of demand response participation [22], operational cost of microgrids [23,24], cost of power losses [25], and switching cost [26] by reconfiguration.…”

Power Converter Resonant Control for an Unbalanced and Non-Constant Frequency Supply

“…The unbalance can be related to the current, when the load drains an unbalanced power from the grid, or in the grid supply, when the voltage supply voltage is unbalanced, mainly faulting in the line. Researchers [ 25 ] proposed a network reconfiguration to avoid the problems associated with current and voltage imbalances, which is very important in distribution lines because most of the house loads are single phase; therefore, to be realistic, we considered unbalanced behavior; thus, this paper proposes a selective bio-inspired metaheuristic selective bat algorithm together with EPRI-OpenDSS software to manage the grid.…”

A Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Model for the Simultaneous Optimal Distribution Network Reconfiguration and Optimal Placement of Distributed Generation

“…Metaheuristic techniques are search strategies usually inspired by physical and biological processes that have proven to be well suited to tackle nonlinear and nonconvex optimization problems [9][10][11]. A heuristic technique combined with optimal power flow (OPF) and sensitivity analysis is developed in [12] with the aim of minimizing active power losses in EDNs.…”