Optimal Power Restoration in Power Distribution Network considering Optimal Number and Alloca- tion of Remote-Controlled Switches

Abstract

The distribution system reliability evaluation considers the ability of the distribution system to transfer energy from bulk supply points such as typical transmission system end-stations, and from local generation points, to customer loads. The reliability is evaluated by the customer-oriented reliability indices, such as system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI), system average interruption duration index (SAIDI), and energy not supplied (ENS). Different parameters are used in the distribution system to measure the sys- tem reliability. The objective of the study is to evaluate the reliability of the distribution system and to inves- tigate more reliable and cost-effective ways of improving the reliability performance of distribution net- works. Power system reliability is an essential factor in the quality of supply and is directly related to the num- ber and duration of outages. The dissertation focuses on improving the network reliability indices utilizing proper strategy plan to restore service to interrupted customers as quickly as possible after an outage. This study proposes a methodology to determine optimal areas that have similar energizing times in order to speed up the restoration process. The method is based on the combination of heuristic and discrete optimiza- tion techniques. The heuristic technique is applied to find initial solution that is close to the optimal solution. The methodology defines the optimal backbone using shortest path method subject to technical and topolog- ical constraints. Upgrading manual switches to remote-controlled switches (RCSs) enhances restoration ca- pability and therefore system reliability. The optimal selection of upgraded switches consider both functional and economic requirements. The main contribution of this dissertation is the proposal of a new simplified recursive equivalent reliabi