Optimal reconfiguration of distribution networks according to the microgrid paradigm

In the last twenty years power systems observed important changes at the distribution level, due to the presence of distributed generation and the changing towards MV active networks, as well the institutional, regulatory and commercial reorganization. In this new scenario, among the various opportunities related to the use of DG, there is the opportunity of a partition of the distribution network in cells or microgrids. In order to find the optimal combination of microgrids, an algorithm able to deal with the reconfiguration of distribution systems is proposed. In the search of the best configuration among different combinations of microgrids, the algorithm uses a Sequential Monte Carlo simulation technique. The final structure found by the algorithm maximizes the sum of the savings in both the cost of energy purchasing and the cost of service interruptions