Optimal placement of protective devices in distribution networks based on risk analysis

Traditional electric distribution systems are radial in nature. These networks are protected by very simple protection devices such as over-current relays, fuses, and re-closers. The presence of distributed power generation causes the researches in this area to be considered more daily. One of the most interesting topics is this area is the protection of distribution networks that are connected to distributed generators. Recent trends in distributed generation (DG) and its useful advantages perfectly can be achieved while the relevant concerns are deliberately taken into account. Up to now, many papers have been published in this area, and in each paper some conflicts that DGs may make in the operation of protection system in distribution networks have been investigated. Also, some solutions have been presented in some other works. In this paper, a new method for optimal placement of circuit breakers (CBs), which are one of the main protective devices in distribution networks including DG, has been presented. In the proposed method, risk analysis is used to optimize the location of circuit breakers on the distribution feeders.