Optimal reconfiguration of radial distribution networks using improved genetic algorithm

Reconfiguration of an electrical power radial distribution network is aimed at finding a radial operating structure that minimizes the system active power loss, enhancing the system voltage profile via reducing the active power losses whilst satisfying operating constraints is one of the most important measures of improving the operational performance of a distribution system. In this paper, an efficient approach to solving the problem of reconfiguration considering active power loss, total voltage deviation for a typical distribution network. The method developed is based on improved genetic algorithm to determine the optimal location of tie and sectionalizing switches, with a view to yield an optimal performance for the network. The reconfiguration model was implemented using MATLAB R2016a simulation environment. The effectiveness and validity of the proposed model was tested on a 16, 33 and 69 IEEE-Bus standard systems for distribution network. The results show that with a reduction of 8.86%, 31.15% and 53.53% in active power loss as compared to the initial configuration, whilst a total voltage deviation of 0.0284p.u., 0.0622p.u and 0.0517p.u for 16, 33 and 69 IEEE Bus respectively.Keywords: System reconfiguration, Switching state, Power loss, Genetic algorithm, Distribution syste