Discrete firefly algorithm based distribution networks reconfiguration

With the development of smart grid, distribution networks reconfiguration becomes more and more important in distribution automation. Combining with distribution networks configuration, this paper proposes a Discrete Firefly Algorithm and a new update operation strategy that suits the algorithm. Firstly, the algorithm uses decimal encoding strategy to shorten the code length and avoid producing unavailable results. Then, new distance formula and encoding update formula for the Discrete Firefly Algorithm are defined, respectively. Secondly, considering traditional Firefly Algorithm's drawback of slow convergence and low computational accuracy, the Discrete Firefly Algorithm introduces independent random search mechanism to enhance the searching ability of fireflies individual. Finally, a typical example of 69 nodes is simulated through the proposed algorithm. The results of 69 nodes system reconfiguration shows that the improved Discrete Firefly Algorithm has better convergence, stability and search ability.