Rule-based expert system for service restoration in distribution automation systems

A rule-based expert system is developed for service restoration of distribution systems. The inference engine for a four-way line switch and other distribution components are proposed to implement proper restoration plan after the faulted location has been identified and isolated. The unfaulted but out of service areas are restored efficiently for multiple contingencies simultaneously. To assure the restoration plan can comply with operation regulation, heuristic rules based on the standard operation procedures of Taipower distribution system are included in the best first search of the expert system. For the fault contingency during summer peak season, the load shedding is executed to restore service to as many key customers and load as possible. The priority indices of each feeder and service zone are defined by the key customers within the service territory. A Taipower distribution system with 18 feeders is selected for computer simulation to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. It is found that the service restoration of distribution system can be obtained very efficiently by applying the proposed expert system.