Optimal network reconfiguration of electrical distribution systems

Distribution systems are critical links between the utility and customer, in which sectionalizing switches are utilized for both protection and configuration management. Usually, distribution systems are designed to be most efficient at peak load demand. Obviously, the network can be made more efficient by reconfiguring it according to the variation in load demand. This paper surveys the methods that have been proposed to solve the network reconfiguration problem and presents an integration of two algorithms: a network-topology-based three-phase distribution power flow algorithm and an algorithm for determining power loss of a radial configuration for a power distribution network. Simulation results of the proposed method on a 22 kV Bramsthan section of the CEB network of Mauritius are presented.