Integrating genetic algorithm with expert system for service restoration in distribution system

A new method for service restoration in a distribution system is proposed, which combines the advantage of an expert system (ES) and that of a genetic algorithm (GA). The method makes full use of ES' reasoning ability to prepare data concerned with GA, and to determine switching operation planning. Furthermore, network reconfiguration is carried out with GA, which means that each blackout area is divided into several sub-areas providing electricity through different power sources. As a result, the restoration scheme is ultimately formed. Through tested with practical power network, not only can the system provide the optimum solution, but also several sub-optimum solutions. So that operators can get more reference information.