Application of binary integer programming for load transfer of distribution systems

This paper investigates the load transfer function of the distribution automation project to be implemented in Taipower distribution system. During the summer peak season, the main transformers of distribution substations in Taipower become overloaded due to the usage of air conditioners in the commercial and residential sections. The noninterruptible load transfer among distribution main transformers has to be executed for power reallocation to solve the problem. In this paper, the hourly loading of each service zone in the distribution system is determined by the load composition of the customers served within the service zone. The hourly current flows of line switches are derived by simplified three-phase load flow analysis. Applying the binary integer programming (BIP) to solve the distribution system reconfiguration so that the load transfer among main transformers can be obtained derives the optimal switching operation. With the execution of the load transfer for Taipower distribution system by the proposed BIP method, the load balance among distribution main transformers during the summer peak hours is obtained. A Taipower distribution system with six feeders is selected for computer simulation to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.