Reconfiguration of distribution system through two minimum-current neighbour-chain updating methods

This study presents a new two-stage heuristic algorithm for loss-reduction reconfiguration of radial electrical distribution system. In the first stage, which is a close-all-switch technique and based on successively opening the minimum-current branches, the algorithm determines a feasible solution for the switch configuration. The second stage uses a neighbour-chain updating process (NCUP), which periodically updates each open switch of the configuration with its best neighbourhood switches. Depending on applicability of the circular mechanism on NCUP, two methods are utilised. The results of applying the proposed methods on five standard hypothetical or practical test networks demonstrate their excellent performance in obtaining best-known solutions in a systematic manner.