Distribution system service restoration using a heuristic search approach

A heuristic search approach for service restoration of a distribution system is presented. The purpose is to devise a proper restoration plan after the location of a fault has been identified and the faulted zone has been isolated. Since service restoration is an urgent matter in distribution system operation, the restoration plan must be reached in a very short time. In addition, the out-of-service area must be minimized to enhance system reliability. To reach a restoration plan which satisfies all practical requirements, a set of heuristic rules was compiled through interviews with experienced operators at Taiwan Power Company. A heuristic search algorithm was developed for service restoration following a fault on distribution feeders. The effectiveness of the proposed heuristic search approach is demonstrated by the restoration of the electricity service following a fault in an underground distribution system.<
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