Investigating the optimal separation point approach for optimization of distribution power system

The distribution networks are actually growing with complexity, due to the gradual increase of power demand and the existence of customers with more sensitive loads. An interruption has nowadays more severe impact in load equipment than in loads existing a few years ago. This fact combined with the analysis of customer failure statistics, causing also financial loss for utility companies, reinforces the need to be concerned with reliability evaluation of distribution network. An efficient operation of distribution networks can, therefore, be achieved by using reconfiguration techniques. The network reconfiguration is carried out by changing the on/off status of the switches. Obviously, the greater the numbers of remote control switches, the greater are the possibilities for reconfiguration and better are the effects. The automation implementation will be technically advantageous as well as economical for the utilities and the customers, in terms of the variable costs reduction and better service quality. This paper discusses some important aspects related to Optimal Separation Point in distribution network. Some techniques previously studied in the literature are analyzed and a critical evaluation of Optimal Separation Point Approach is presented. The effectiveness of the analyzed methods is demonstrated through numerical studies in test systems.