A New Distribution System Performance Approach to the Switch Allocation Problem Under Smart Grid Framework

¹ Distribution System Planning, BC Hydro, Vancouver BC, Canada
² Dept. of Electrical Power & Machines, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

This paper proposes a new vision of the Distribution System Switch Allocation problem considering new system performance measures. The mathematical model has been rebuilt with a new aggregated multi-objective formula, minimizing a newly developed performance index while achieving minimum annual energy lost. A new practical weighted combined system performance index, consisting of Reliability, Resiliency and Vulnerability, is applied and tested to be used by utilities replacing the common simple reliability index combination. The new model uses mixed integer design variables to determine the number, location and status of switches. A set of eight logical and technical constraints was applied to provide the best description of the real existing system constraints. A new algorithm of checking the system radial topology is also applied to the problem. The problem was solved using the Genetic Algorithm and was tested on a 54-bus real distribution test system, deemed more complicated than the test systems found in literature, to demonstrate its validity and effectiveness in real life systems.