Reconfiguration of distribution network for loss reduction and reliability improvement based on an enhanced genetic algorithm

Abstract

Electrical distribution network reconfiguration is a complex combinatorial optimization process aimed at finding a radial operating structure that minimizes the system power loss or/and maximizes the system reliability while satisfying operating constraints. In this paper, a distribution network reconfiguration method is presented for both the indices of power loss reduction and reliability improvement. The enhanced genetic optimization algorithm is used to handle the reconfiguration problem so as to determine the switch operation schemes. Based on the information of a single loop caused by closing a normally open switch, we improve the algorithm on crossover and mutation operations of original Genetic Algorithms. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on 33-bus, 69-bus, and 136-bus radial distribution systems.