Reconfiguration of Electric Power Distribution Networks: A Typical Application of Metaheuristics in Electrical Power Field

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter focuses on reconfiguration problem of electric power distribution networks as a typical application of optimization techniques. The distribution networks have been generally shaped in the loop structure and operated in the radial configuration depending on ON/OFF states of switches installed on distribution feeders. When situations such as load demands change, operators flip states of switches to reform the radial distribution network from its original configuration to another one, which is the distribution network reconfiguration. Finding appropriate switch states is traditionally formulated as a combinatorial optimization problem. Distribution loss minimization is one of the most famous reconfiguration problems, while minimization of total amount of outage loads is well known as the service restoration problem. Although various optimization algorithms have been applied to the formulated optimization problems, there is no established solution method. In addition, the recent growth in penetration of renewable energy sources brings new challenges in the distribution network reconfiguration. Under these circumstances, the authors introduce problem frameworks of the distribution network reconfiguration from traditional to current ones.KeywordDistribution networksDistribution network reconfigurationDistribution loss minimizationService restorationLoss minimum configurationRestoration configurationCombinatorial optimization problems