Automatic control for loop distribution system reconfiguration: reliability and efficiency improvement

A novel reconfiguration scheme for loop distribution system reconfiguration has been developed and implemented, through an automated control system and solid state breakers. The employed strategy allows sectionalisation of the loop-feeder into several stretches increasing the efficiency of the system (compared to a radial system or to a loop system with just a mid-point control), reducing customer outage time, and increasing power supply reliability. This paper presents a prototype of the LV loop scheme, with five load points, that has been used to build and test two different types of control systems: centralised and semi-distributed.