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.
Highlights
To treat and reduce these impacts, a number of solutions can be applied, such as: changing the infrastructure of the network, which may be financially or physically infeasible, or modifying the topology of the system through the operation of disconnect switches [1]. This second option, namely, distribution network reconfiguration (DNR), ends up being the most favorable due to the low costs involved in its implementation and the effective results achieved, reducing losses through lines and improving the voltage limits
As the DNR problem is conventionally approached by single-phase balanced modeling with fixed power demand, the approach presented is closer to the real characteristics of distribution systems
The analysis of the influence of voltage unbalance index (VUI) and current unbalance index (CUI) in the results for all unbalanced systems represents the novel contribution of the proposed manuscript
Summary
Distribution systems are the final third of electric power systems’ traditional structure of generation, transmission and distribution, being responsible for delivering energy to consumers and needing reliable operation. To treat and reduce these impacts, a number of solutions can be applied, such as: changing the infrastructure of the network (e.g., installing distributed generation in specific points), which may be financially or physically infeasible, or modifying the topology of the system through the operation of disconnect switches [1] This second option, namely, distribution network reconfiguration (DNR), ends up being the most favorable due to the low costs involved in its implementation and the effective results achieved, reducing losses through lines and improving the voltage limits. To solve the problem, heuristics and metaheuristics are often used, as, not guaranteeing finding the global optimum, they present good solutions and are almost straightforward when applied to optimization problems, as opposed to numerical and mathematical methods that may increase the difficulty of modeling the studied problem [2] This tendency is seen in studies presented for the solution of the DNR problem in the last years [2].
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