Switch Allocation Problems in Power Distribution Systems

• Published in: IEEE transactions on power systems Vol. 30; no. 1; pp. 246 - 253
• Main Authors: Silva de Assis, Laura, Vizcaino Gonzalez, Jose Federico, Usberti, Fabio Luiz, Lyra, Christiano, Cavellucci, Celso, Von Zuben, Fernando J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01-01-2015; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Algorithms; Allocations; Distribution system reliability; Electric utilities; Failure; memetic algorithms; Memetics; Methodology; Networks; optimal switch allocation; Power system reliability; Reliability; reliability estimation; reliability management; Resource management; Sociology; Statistics; Switches; Switching theory
• ISSN: 0885-8950; 1558-0679
• DOI: 10.1109/TPWRS.2014.2322811

Reliability analysis of power systems has been attracting increasing attention. Regulatory agencies establish reliability standards that, if infringed, result in costly fines for the utility suppliers. A special concern pertains to the distribution networks on which most failures occur. The allocation of switches is a possible strategy to improve reliability, by allowing network reconfiguration to isolate contingencies and restore power to dark areas. This paper proposes an optimization methodology to allocate switches on radially operated distribution networks. The solution framework considers sectionalizing and tie switches of different capacities, with manual or automatic operation schemes. The approach minimizes the costs of allocation and energy not supplied, under reliability and flow capacity constraints. The solution framework is based on memetic algorithm concepts with a structured population. Case studies with a large network and real-world scenarios were used to evaluate the methodology. The results indicate that significant cost reductions can be achieved using the proposed solutions.