Optimal switch placement with revised genetic algorithm in distribution system

Controllable switches have an important role in the reliability of distribution. The costs associated with installation of the switches depend on number and location of them. Utilities almost select suitable location and number of switches based on past operation experience. The engineering selection of the number and location of the switches depends on many factors, such as frequency and duration of faults, type of the customers, load variations, investment, maintenance and installation costs of switches, and feeder arrangement. This paper presents a new method based on genetic algorithm for sectionalizing device placement in distribution system. In this paper, it is shown that local optimum of problems may be achieved by using genetic algorithm without revised consideration. Here, an easy and effective revising procedure is proposed and the proposed methodology is applied on RBTS test system.