Service restoration of distribution systems based on NSGA-II

Distribution systems are becoming more flexible as a consequence of intelligent active network devices and smart metering. In addition load control is becoming an increasingly important tool for flexible distribution system operation and control. This paper presents a novel optimization approach to the service restoration problem that incorporates controllable load. Besides the traditional objectives, this paper adds a new objective - minimized reduction of controllable load, which may bring a new opportunity to make full use of load control. To solve the proposed optimization problem, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is applied. Compared with the conventional genetic algorithm (GA), this algorithm does not need to convert multi-objectives to a single objective by weighting factors, and therefore retains the independence of the multi-objective formulation and aids the operator in selecting the most appropriate plan to restore service in the distribution system. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate and verify the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed optimization problem formulation and solution method.