Radial Distribution System Reconfiguration for Loss Minimization using Exhaustive Search Techniques

Abstract

Reconfiguration is an indispensable method for loss reduction in power distribution systems and is also used to restore loads in out-of-service areas in case of a fault. This thesis focuses on reconfiguration of a radial distribution networks to optimize the power distribution process in the feeders and for voltage profile improvement. Feeder reconfiguration is done to minimize losses for the existing and new topology of the feeder system and for the purpose of maintenance in the distribution system.

In this thesis work, an IEEE 33 bus radial distribution system has been chosen as the test system. Reconfiguration of this system is done by changing the status of normally closed sectionalizing switches and normally open tie-switches. In general, the aim is to feed power in all nodes connected to the feeder while maintaining voltages within nominal range at all customer load points with minimum loss. None of the buses should be isolated during the process of reconfiguration. Initially, power loss for original configuration is obtained and same is checked for the reconfigured network and a comparative study has been done of the feeder system on the basis of power loss and other constraints including voltage deviation, capacity limit and power balance. The topological complexity of real distribution networks requires searching through many possible configurations.

This thesis presents three different methods for reconfiguration. A comparison has been done for power loss reduction and voltage profile improvement in these three cases. Also, the applicability of BIBC has been discussed for weakly meshed radial distribution networks.