Optimal Placement of Reclosers in Radial Distribution Systems

Abstract

The distribution system operator’s (DSO) essential aim is to provide safe and affordable electricity to its customers. Nearly 80 percent of customer service disruptions are caused by power distribution system failures. The concept of smart distribution systems (SDS) with advanced distribution automation (DA) and communication infrastructure gives a significant potential to improve dependability by optimizing the fault identification, isolation, and service restoration process (FDISR). The use of automated safety equipment such as fault indicators, circuit breakers (CB), reclosers, remote control switches (RCS), etc. speeds up the FDISR process. A high level of reliability can be attained by using such safety devices although cost constraints limit this. The purpose of the model suggested in this paper is to site reclosers at optimal locations in a radial distribution system (RDS) for maximizing profit and creating a deregulated and competitive environment. The suggested model is validated using the mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) optimization technique for the RDS connected to bus 4 of the reliability bus bar test system (RBTS). The test results support the viability and applicability of the proposed paradigm.