Distribution System Performance Enhancement using Optimal Network Reconfiguration with Modified Particle Swarm Optimization

Abstract

In this research work, a radial distribution network structure reconfiguration using modified particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to reduce the active and reactive losses and enhance the node voltage profiles. In most cases, the radial distribution system is commonly used due to its simplicity in structure and low-cost of installation. However, it has numerous drawbacks such as poor voltage profile and significant power losses especially during heavy load conditions. As a result, downstream costumers connected to the far end buses frequently suffer from undervoltage problems whereas the utility companies also loss substantial amount of power. In this research, minimizing power losses and improving the voltage profile of distribution systems is done using a modified particle swarm optimization algorithm to optimally identify the tie-switches and sectionalize switches to be closed and opened, respectively to select the optimal the structure of the network. Modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) method is used for network reconfiguration of the existing network by considering different loading condition scenarios such as light, normal and heavy load. The simulation results reveal that the total apparent power loss is reduced by 53.467%, 56.7001% and 60.673% whereas the minimum voltage is enhanced from 0.9286pu, 0.9510pu and 0.8915pu to 0.9713pu, 0.9629pu and 0.9554pu during light, normal and heavy load condition scenarios, respectively. Furthermore, comparative analysis of MPSO with the evolutional PSO technique is presented and it has been found that this method is more effective for performance enhancement of distribution systems particularly for power line resistive loss and voltage profile improvement.