Comprehensive Cost Minimization in Distribution Networks Using Segmented-Time Feeder Reconfiguration and Reactive Power Control of Distributed Generators

In this paper, an efficient methodology is proposed to deal with segmented-time reconfiguration problem of distribution networks coupled with segmented-time reactive power control of distributed generators. The target is to find the optimal dispatching schedule of all controllable switches and distributed generators' reactive powers in order to minimize comprehensive cost. Corresponding constraints, including voltage profile, maximum allowable daily switching operation numbers (MADSON), reactive power limits, and so on, are considered. The strategy of grouping branches is used to simplify the formulated mathematical problem and a hybrid particle swarm optimization (HPSO) method is presented to search the optimal solution. Fuzzy adaptive inference is integrated into basic HPSO method in order to avoid being trapped in local optima. The proposed fuzzy adaptive inference-based hybrid PSO algorithm (FAHPSO) is implemented in VC++ 6.0 program language. A modified version of the typical 70-node distribution network and several real distribution networks are used to test the performance of the proposed method. Numerical results show that the proposed methodology is an efficient method for comprehensive cost minimization in distribution systems with distributed generators.