Optimal Feeder Reconfiguration and Placement of Voltage Regulators in Electrical Distribution Networks Using a Linear Mathematical Model

Luis A. Gallego Pareja, Jesús M. López-Lezama () and Oscar Gómez Carmona
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Luis A. Gallego Pareja: Department of Electrical Engineering, State University of Londrina (UEL), Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil
Jesús M. López-Lezama: Research Group in Efficient Energy Management (GIMEL), Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 67 No. 53-108, Medellín 050010, Colombia
Oscar Gómez Carmona: Facultad de Tecnología, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Cr 27 No 10-02, Pereira 660003, Colombia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: Power distribution systems face continuous challenges from increased demand and lengthening of feeders, resulting in power loss augmentation and unacceptable voltage drops. Thus, to reduce technical losses and improve the voltage profile, common techniques such as reactive compensation, network reconfiguration, and placing of voltage regulators are employed. Distribution network reconfiguration (DNR) consists of modifying the system topology with the aim of minimizing power losses, enhancing voltage profile, and improving network reliability. Optimal placement of voltage regulators (OPVRs) improves the voltage profile and helps to reduce power losses. DNR and OPVRs are challenging optimization problems involving both integer and continuous decision variables. In this paper, a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is presented to simultaneously solve the problems of DNR and OPVRs in radial distribution networks. The combined optimal DNR and OPVRs aim at both the minimization of power losses and the improvement of the voltage profile. This approach has not been reported in the specialized literature. The proposed MILP model may be solved through commercially available software, obtaining global optimal solutions with lower computational effort than metaheuristic techniques applied for the same purpose. Several tests were conducted on three benchmark distribution test systems to demonstrate the efficacy and applicability of the proposed approach.

Keywords: distribution network; mixed-integer linear programming; reconfiguration; voltage regulators (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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