Distribution network reconfiguration with reliability constraints

Electric distribution networks reconfiguration is carried out by the opening/closing of switching devices while keeping the feeder's radial topology. Traditionally, the reconfiguration of distribution networks has been implemented aiming to: minimize electric losses in the conductors, to enhance voltage profiles and balance the feeder's loads. However, the proposed methodologies for achieving these objectives do not include the reconfiguration impacts on the system reliability indices. The main aim of this paper is to present a methodology for reconfigurating a distribution network with the objective of minimizing the electric losses taking into account constraints associated with: overloads, voltage drops and violation of the targets for reliability indices. The proposed methodology for solving this problem is based on the parallel simulated annealing algorithm. This methodology allows the generation of candidate solutions without violating topological constraints. The proposed model has been validated and tested in standard distribution systems.