Optimized Design of Low-Voltage Distribution Networks a Comprehensive Algorithm

The optimized design of low-voltage distribution networks is formulated as a linear mixed-integer programming problem. The formulation, in contrast with earlier work, addresses the problem en bloc, catering both to the constraints representing the requirement that the current carried by a cable must be less than or equal to its current carrying capacity, that is, the thermal rating constraints, and the requirement that the voltage drop from a substation to a node connected to it must be less than or equal to a specified maximum, i. e., voltage regulation constraints. An efficient solution scheme is presented, and computational considerations are discussed. The mathematical model constitutes an indication of the power of mixed integer formulations for modeling many complex engineering problems, while the solution scheme and the computational results show that the branch and bound approach can be a powerful tool for combinatorial optimization.