A pareto-optimal approach to design of distribution system protection

This paper presents a multi-objective optimization model for planning optimum number and location of disconnects, in the electric distribution system. One objective is to minimize the total cost of the protective device investment, another is to maximize the reliability of the distribution system after installing protective devices. This multi-objective problem is solved by Non-Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) method. This paper presents an approach using binary-coded NGSA-II and a formulation of the distribution reliability metrics that renders their computation amenable to the optimization algorithm. The method is demonstrated on a synthetic distribution system derived from the Roy Billinton Test System.