Determining optimum location and number of automatic switching devices in distribution systems

Automatic switching devices are important in automated distribution networks. This paper presents an approach for determining optimum allocation of automatic switching devices in distribution systems considering network and investment constraints by using an in-house developed computer program RADPOW. A series of application studies of the approach are performed to investigate the effect of network and investment constraints on the optimal allocation of such devices. The results of application studies are presented in the paper.