Sequencing of Switching Operations for Restoration of Electrical Energy Distribution Systems Using a BVNS Algorithm

Abstract

The restoration of electrical energy distribution systems (REEDS) problem consists of recovering the network operation after an interruption in the energy supply, minimizing downtime, and maximizing the quality of the service provided. This work presents a specialized basic variable neighborhood search metaheuristic for determining the optimal sequence of switching operations in the REEDS problem, considering that the initial and final topologies of the network are known. The REEDS problem is then treated similarly to the optimal task sequencing problem, where the objective is to minimize the cost of the energy not supplied during the restorative state of the network. The strategy incorporates a proposal to reduce the search space of the problem. The results obtained with a 53-bus distribution system show that the proposed approach is highly effective in determining feasible restoration sequences, significantly reducing the cost of the energy not supplied.