Network reconfiguration for improving reliability in distribution systems

Feeder reconfiguration is widely used to balance feeder loading, improve voltage regulation and reduce system losses. Reconfiguration is accomplished by closing normally-open switches and opening normally-closed switches. This paper extends the use of feeder reconfiguration to improve reliability. A predictive reliability model is used to compute reliability indices for the distribution system and a novel algorithm, an annealed local search, is used to adjust switch positions until an optimal solution is identified. Properties of the annealed local search are explored on a hypothetical test system and seven actual distribution systems with different reliability characteristics.