Topological structure reengineering regional electric power systems

This paper analyses the topology of a regional power system distribution grid. This research improves the efficiency of the electric power system's operation by using upgrading the redesign (reengineering) methods of topological structures within distribution grids. The research object is an electric power system that consists of generation, transmission and distribution parts and requires reengineering. The subject of research is the re-engineering of the topology of the power system distribution grid. To achieve the research purpose, modifications of k-means algorithm as well as the small step algorithm based on the statistical analysis, clustering and minimum spanning tree development methods of Prim and Kraskal are used. The modifications described in this paper allow for optimization of the network based on user needs, properties of the operating grid elements, and other additional constraints for flexibility and generality. Given the varying parameters, this method provides the means to redesign parts of the distribution grid, keeping its certain elements safe from displacement, but also the means to redesign the whole distribution grid, including changes to the number and location of transformer substations and transmission lines. Conclusions. To solve the problem of determining the territorially close groups of consumers in the paper, it was proposed to use the k-means clustering algorithm. This algorithm allows us to divide consumer sets into clusters, so that coordinates of their centres will be recommended as locations of transformer substations. The modernization of the k-means algorithm was proposed by developing procedures for adding and combining clusters using different strategies for determining starting centroids. Based on this, a method for reengineering the topological structures of regional electric power systems in terms of the possibility of their fundamental restructuring was developed. The results of this research may be useful to various enterprises, organizations or institutes dealing with the elaboration or design of electric power system development on the corporate, regional or local level.