Reliability improvement of power distribution system through feeder reconfiguration

This paper describes a method for reliability improvement of power distribution system via feeder reconfiguration. The work presented here is developed based on a linearized network model in the form of DC power flow and linear programming model in which current carrying capacities of distribution feeders and real power constraints have been considered. The optimal open/close status of the sectionalizing and tie-switches are identified using an intelligent binary particle swarm optimization based search method. The probabilistic reliability assessment is conducted using a method based on higher probability order approximation. Several case studies are carried out on a small 33-bus radial distribution system, which is extensively used as an example in solving the distribution system reconfiguration problem. Further, the effect of embedded generation has been considered in one case scenario. The obtained results are reported, discussed, and thoroughly analyzed.