Fault Location of Distribution Network Base on Improved Cuckoo Search Algorithm

A new method for fault location of a power distribution network based on Improved Cuckoo Search Algorithm is proposed. Cuckoo Search Algorithm uses Lévy flight to simulate the global parasitic propagation mechanism of the cuckoo population. Therefore, the algorithm avoids falling into local optimum easily. According to the requirements of quickness and accuracy for fault location, the algorithm is improved by combining the search step size of the algorithm and the number of iterations. It improves the algorithm's early iteration speed and subsequent search accuracy. In this paper, the improved Cuckoo Search Algorithm is used to generate random status for all line segments. Then, convert it to the expected status for each switch. And next, update the line segment status by iteration of the algorithm, which makes the expected status of the switches approach to status uploaded by the FTU. Finally, the model outputs the fault location. In this way, a new generic switching function is proposed. It is suitable for single or multiple faults under single and multiple power conditions, which greatly extends the range of applications and versatility. In the evaluation function, the anti-false positive factor and the assumed fault number are introduced. Both of them improve effectiveness and adaptability. And, the validity of these ideas was proved by simulation. Compared with Cuckoo Search Algorithm, Binary Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Genetic Algorithm, Improved Cuckoo Search Algorithm turns out to be good at finding an optimal solution to multiple faults location problems with a faster convergence speed and higher accuracy.