Optimal network configuration of FRIENDS taking power supply reliability into account

Abstract

SUMMARY FRIENDS (Flexible, Reliable and Intelligent ENergyDelivery System) is a new concept for a future power delivery system in which so-called QCC (Quality Control Center) plays an important role to realize the customized power quality services and to connect a large number of distributed generators to distribution systems. In FRIENDS, QCCs are connected as a network through distribution cables to realize a reliable power supply. In this paper, a method to find the optimal network configuration of FRIENDS is proposed. The method can minimize the sum of facility installation cost and operational cost (distribution loss) under the constraint that the expected power interruption cost is less than a predetermined endurable value. The solution algorithm is based on tabu search, and employs a sensitivity analysis to select efficient facilities to be installed or to eliminate constraint violations. In the algorithm, single and double faults of power distribution system are taken into account to calculate the power supply reliability or expected power interruption cost. Several numerical real-world examples are shown to demonstrate the validity of the algorithm.