This paper introduces an innovative strategy to improve the resilience of Distribution Networks (DN) following natural disasters. The approach involves a multi-stage model for the strategic placement of Remote-Controlled Switches (RCS) to expedite fault isolation and service restoration. The model integrates various resilience enhancement techniques, such as network reconfiguration and microgrid formation, throughout the pre-disaster, disaster progression, and post-disaster phases. To mitigate uncertainties related to line failures and ensure planning robustness, a novel three-level Robust Scenario-based Model (RSM) is introduced. The RSM optimizes the strategic RCS placement to enhance System Performance Criteria (SPC) in response to anticipated line failure scenarios, considering individual line vulnerabilities and disaster severity. Subsequently, the model identifies the most critical failures from each predicted scenario based on RCS placements and then recalibrates the placements to enhance DN resilience against both anticipated and critical failures. The RSM is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming problem to maximize SPC by allocating resources optimally to serve maximum weighted loads while adhering to structural and operational constraints. The effectiveness and validity of the proposed model are demonstrated through case studies conducted on a modified IEEE 33-bus test system and a modified real DN.
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