Optimal Distribution Network Reconfiguration with Minimal Tie Switch Operation

Abstract

Electric distribution networks are the backbone of the energy system. They represent the link between the energy producer and end consumers. Significant energy losses occurred in the last decade due to the high demand, even though the networks infrastructure remains the same. Distribution Network Reconfiguration (c) is a key technique to improve the operational performance of electric distribution systems. It re-routes electric power into a new topology, allowing unloaded feeders to share some of the load with those heavily loaded. Reconfiguring the distribution system is a nonlinear and complex problem. Traditional approaches of DNR usually assume a fixed number of switching operations, which might not produce the most efficient or practical solution. This paper introduces a novel hierarchical optimization method that employs Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO) to identify the optimal number and position of tie switches to minimize total real power loss and voltage deviation. The proposed algorithm is validated using the IEEE 33bus benchmark system. Results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.