Optimal Network Reconfiguration in Active Distribution Networks with Soft Open Points and Distributed Generation

Ibrahim Diaaeldin, Shady Abdel Aleem, Ahmed El-Rafei, Almoataz Abdelaziz and Ahmed F. Zobaa
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Ibrahim Diaaeldin: Engineering Physics and Mathematics Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11517, Egypt
Shady Abdel Aleem: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences Department, 15th of May Higher Institute of Engineering, Cairo 11731, Egypt
Ahmed El-Rafei: Engineering Physics and Mathematics Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11517, Egypt
Almoataz Abdelaziz: Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Future University in Egypt, Cairo 11835, Egypt
Ahmed F. Zobaa: Electronic and Computer Engineering Department, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 21, 1-31

Abstract: In this study, we allocated soft open points (SOPs) and distributed generation (DG) units simultaneously with and without network reconfiguration (NR), and investigate the contribution of SOP losses to the total active losses, as well as the effect of increasing the number of SOPs connected to distribution systems under different loading conditions. A recent meta-heuristic optimization algorithm called the discrete-continuous hyper-spherical search algorithm is used to solve the mixed-integer nonlinear problem of SOPs and DGs allocation, along with new NR methodology to obtain radial configurations in an efficient manner without the possibility of getting trapped in local minima. Further, multi-scenario studies are conducted on an IEEE 33-node balanced benchmark distribution system and an 83-node balanced distribution system from a power company in Taiwan. The contributions of SOP losses to the total active losses, as well as the effect of increasing the number of SOPs connected to the system, are investigated to determine the real benefits gained from their allocation. It was clear from the results obtained that simultaneous NR, SOP, and DG allocation into a distribution system creates a hybrid configuration that merges the benefits offered by radial distribution systems and mitigates drawbacks related to losses, power quality, and voltage violations, while offering a far more efficient and optimal network operation. Also, it was found that the contribution of the internal loss of SOPs to the total loss for different numbers of installed SOPs is not dependent on the number of SOPs and that loss minimization is not always guaranteed by installing more SOPs or DGs along with NR. One of the findings of the paper demonstrates that NR with optimizing tie-lines could reduce active losses considerably. The results obtained also validate, with proper justifications, that SOPs installed for the management of constraints in LV feeders could further reduce losses and efficiently address issues related to voltage violations and network losses.

Keywords: distributed generation; load balancing; network reconfiguration; optimization; power loss minimization; soft open points (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (15)

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