Optimizing the number and location of switching and protective devices in power distribution networks

Resumen

For the power distribution systems planner it is essential to know the best number and in which power network sections, the control and protective devices must be placed. This paper presents a method for determining the optimal number and the optimal locations of sectionalizing switches and protective devices, in order to achieve a reliability improvement of the distribution network systems and to reduce the investment cost. Thus, a multi-objective nonlinear optimization model was used for determining all the non-dominated planning solutions (Pareto's solutions) obtained from the optimization of two objective functions: a) objective function of reliability represented by ASIDI, ASIFI and ENS indexes; and b) objective function of economic investment costs. The constraints are considered taking into account technical and economic limitations imposed by the electric company (i.e. coordination of protective devices and sections prohibited for some devices). © 2013 Springer-Verlag.