Reduction of electrical energy technical losses in the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga (AMB) using network reconfiguration based on exhaustive search

Electric power losses have been a problem due to the high cost that they represent to utility companies. An alternative to reduce electrical energy technical losses is network reconfiguration in order to modify the network topology by opening or closing power switches. In this study, the period of electricity largest demand in an ordinary day of the power distribution system operated by the utility Electrificadora de Santander (ESSA) is considered for the analysis. This document presents the results of reconfiguring the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga distribution system at 34.5 kV voltage level, which exhibits lower losses. The proposed configuration achieves a reduction of electrical energy technical losses larger than 20%, with respect to the current configuration. The simulations are performed on PowerFactory DIgSILENT software, by using the exhaustive search method; which consists of considering every possible combination for the state (open/closed) of the switches in the electrical system.