Computer simulation findings on optimization of distribution system reconfiguration and restoration employing pollination based techniques

Abstract

An electrical power grid is constructed as an interconnected networks for delivering power from the utilities to the consumers. The system is constructed by one of the accompanying ways, such as, radial, open- loop and network. Typically, many of the distribution system are radial owing to its unwavering reliability and robustness. Generally, power distribution systems are constructed to be operated effectively at peak load demand. The power system utilities are continuously noticing for the development in technologies that improve the performance of power delivery. The increase in power loss and unbalanced loadings at the feeder results in energy loss, risk of exceeding their branch currents and bus voltages capacity, deteriorates power quality and also augments electricity cost. Several strategies are employed to minimize power loss and restore the service at the feeder such as the inclusion of capacitor banks, phase swapping and system level reconfiguration. Amongst all, network reconfiguration and service restoration are the two most important issues that decide the power delivery performance of the distribution system. Feeder reconfiguration and service restoration are the two popular methods in vogue to reduce the power losses and restore the supply at the feeder. The process of altering or changing the network topological structure either by opening or closing the status of the switches in the radial distribution system is termed as network restructuring or reconfiguration and service restoration is to rebuild the system operation whenever there is a fault in the system. Mostly, reconfiguration guarantees the loss reduction regardless of the characteristics of the power distribution network. Nowadays, in network reconfiguration and service restora newline