Multi-objective unbalanced distribution network reconfiguration through hybrid heuristic algorithm

Abstract

Electrical power distribution systems are critical links between the utility and customer. In general, power distribution systems have unbalanced feeders due to the unbalanced loading. The devices that dependent on balanced three phase supply are affected by the unbalanced feeders. This necessitates the balancing of feeders. The main objective of reconfiguration is to balance the loads among the phases subject to constraints such as load flow equations, capacity and voltage constraints and to reduce the real power loss, while subject to a radial network structure in which all loads must be energized. Therefore, the distribution system reconfiguration problem has been viewed as multiobjective problem. In this paper, the hybrid heuristic algorithm has been used for reconfiguration, which is the combination of fuzzy and greedy algorithms. The purpose of the introduction of greedy is to refrain the searching for the period of phase balancing. The incorporation of fuzzy helps to take up more objectives amid phase balancing in the searching. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through modified IEEE 33 bus and modified IEEE 125 bus radial distribution system.