A new distribution system reconfiguration approach using optimal power flow technique and sensitivity analysis for loss reduction

This panel presents a new approach for distribution system reconfiguration based on optimal power flow (OPF) in which the branch switches statuses (open/close) are represented by continuous functions. In the proposed approach, all switches are initially considered closed and from the OPF results a heuristic technique is used to determine the next loop to be broken by opening one branch. Then the list of branches which are candidates to be opened is updated and the above process is repeated until all loops are broken, making the distribution system radial. The preliminary results presented show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.