Efficient and Automatic Reconfiguration and Service Restoration in Radial Distribution System Using Differential Evolution

Abstract

This paper addresses two complex optimization problems in the form of radial distribution system reconfiguration and service restoration using a novel optimization technique called differential evolution. For distribution feeder reconfiguration (DFR) problem, the close and open statuses of sectionalizing and tie switches are changed to find minimum loss configuration. During any sudden outage of any section of the distribution system, the quickness of the restoration is checked with the help of basic optimization technique while feeding all the load points. A standard IEEE 3 feeder, 16 bus distribution system is chosen to simulate the dual problem of optimization. The feasibility and novelty of the optimization is also checked in a comparatively more complex IEEE 33 bus distribution system. Differential Evolution is chosen to find alternative topologies for feeder system and simplified forward Dist-Flow Equation is implemented to do power flow study and it is seen that differential evolution is quite capable of solving this type of complex, non-linear optimization problem with less time which is a basic requirement for the service restoration (SR) of the network system.