Reliability evaluation of radial distribution systems considering voltage drop constraints in the restoration process

Predictive reliability evaluation in distribution networks consists of the estimation of the system continuity indices based on the network topology and components´ fault data. Traditionally, the proposed models to estimate these indices consider only the feeder´s loading constraints along the restoration process. The system charge points may suffer voltage violations during the restoration process. Those violations can cause supply interruptions for consumers with sensitive loads. The main aim of this paper is to model voltage constraints in reliability evaluation of radial distribution systems during the restoration process. The proposed method to model voltage constraints in reliability evaluation has been tested in a pilot area of the electricity utility of Maranhao (CEMAR), Brazil. The results demonstrated that voltage constraints have a meaningful impact on the reliability indices of a distribution network