Fast Optimal Network Reconfiguration With Guided Initialization Based on a Simplified Network Approach

Abstract

Optimal Network Reconfiguration (NR) is a well-accepted approach to minimize power loss and enhance voltage profile in the Electrical Distribution Networks (EDN). Since the NR problem contains huge combinational search space, most researchers consider the meta-heuristic techniques to attain NR solution. However, these meta-heuristic techniques do not guarantee to obtain the optimal solution besides they require large processing time to converge. This is mainly due to (1) random initialization and updating of population and (2) the continuous verification of population during the search process. With the aim of reducing the computational time and improving the consistency in obtaining the optimal solution as well as minimizing power loss and enhancing the voltage profile of the EDN, this work proposes a new method based on two-stage optimizations. The proposed method introduces an approach to simplify the network into simplified network graph. Then, this approach is utilized for guided initializations and generations of the population and for the proper population's codification. The proposed method is implemented using the firefly algorithm and verified on 33-bus and 118-bus test systems. The results show the ability of the proposed method to obtain the optimal solution within fast computational time and with superior consistency compared to the conventional methods.

Distribution network reconfiguration based on artificial network reconfiguration for variable load profile

“…In order to verify the proposed ANN technique, a comparison with other published works from the literature is conducted. Three references are considered; fireworks algorithm (FWA) [35], improved tabu search (ITS) [36], and two-stage firefly algorithm [37]. Similar to what is done in test of 33-bus system, the optimal configurations obtained from the referred references are reevaluated at 100% loading to determine the power loss using the same load flow program as in this work.…”

Optimal Control and Operation of Fully Automated Distribution Networks Using Improved Tunicate Swarm Intelligent Algorithm

“…As shown, the proposed ITSA generates the control variables which can be divided into two parts. The first part represents the open tie branches while the second part gives the outputs of DGs and CBs as in (2). After that, the first part of the open tie branches is educed and the matrix of branch-bus incidence is composed to evaluate the determinant of A as given in (14).…”

“…This continuous increase of electric power demand over the rates of the generation and transmission systems expansion may cause an obstacle for many electrical networks due to the restrictions imposed on the prices of electricity production. As well, various reasons have been attributed to the inability to extend electric service of the conventional distribution systems such as the aging of existing distribution networks and the dependence on single feeding source and single path of loads feeding [2], [3]. These may result in significant power losses in distribution systems, which may cost electric utilities millions of dollars per day.…”

“…While the analytical techniques are simple and fast but they suffer from a lack of accuracy due to the usage of relaxation to find the optimal solution and can't be applied for multi-objectives. Meta-heuristic techniques can overcome the shortcomings of conventional analytical or heuristic methods, which guarantees that a globally optimal solution can be found [2]. Analytical techniques of DNR are usually based on distinct switching approaches such as interchange switch strategy [11]; close-all switch strategy [12]; sensitivities computation method [13]; derivative a set of linear current flows [14].…”

A Chaos Disturbed Beetle Antennae Search Algorithm for a Multiobjective Distribution Network Reconfiguration Considering the Variation of Load and DG

“…The IEEE 118-bus system consists of 118 buses, 11 kV, and radial distribution system [36]. In 118 bus standard system there are fifteen loops so it should have 117 sectional switches and 15 tie switches to remain network radial.…”