Enhancing Electrical Distribution System Efficiency: A Software Tool Design for Conductor Cross-Section Optimization With TLBO Algorithm

Abstract

In radial distribution networks with many separate branches and sections, it is very difficult to calculate the optimum conductor cross-section. This work introduces a new tool for optimizing conductor cross-sectional area in electrical distribution systems by utilizing the Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm. The tool can optimize the conductor crossection of the multisection, branching distribution systems. The maximum current carrying capacity constraint is taken into consideration when formulating the objective function to choose the ideal conductor size for each network segment. The optimal conductor sizes are determined by both desired percent voltage drop and current carrying capacity of the conductor. By calculating the currents drawn from the line segments in advance, the search space of the optimization algorithm is narrowed. MATLAB and Excel were used to determine the ideal conductor size. The conductor, which is chosen using the suggested method, will preserve appropriate voltage levels in radial distribution systems while optimizing the overall savings in conducting material and energy loss costs. The outcomes show that the optimal selection of conductor problem can be solved by the TLBO algorithm in a practical and effective manner. Results of testing the suggested tool on a radial distribution system are noteworthy.