Demand-side optimal selection of switching devices in radial distribution system planning

Optimal selection of distribution system switching devices is an important consideration in power system planning and operation. The paper formulates the generalised optimisation problem of switching device selection incorporating customer demand-side considerations. This optimisation problem is nonlinear and nondifferentiable with a finite number of solutions. The paper presents a direct search technique and a bisection approach to solve this problem. The two techniques are illustrated and compared using practical distribution systems