Strategies for Reducing Search Space in Reconfiguration of Radial Electrical Energy Distribution Systems

Abstract

In electrical energy distribution systems (EEDS), finding the optimal radial topology to reduce energy losses and improve the voltage profile and power quality is essential. This article presents innovative strategies for reducing the search space in EEDS reconfiguration, including the identification of fundamental loops and connected sections that do not form loops. The strategy consists of generating restrictions and/or fixing the closed state of branches so that the solver used solves the mathematical model of the reconfiguration problem in a shorter computational time. The search space reduction strategy is incorporated into two mathematical models, i.e., a mixed-integer linear programming model and a mixed-integer second-order cone programming model, to evaluate the reduction of computational effort. The tests use data from three electrical systems widely used in specialized literature and represent systems of varying complexity. In this way, the proposal offers a valuable contribution to reconfiguring electrical distribution systems by addressing one of the challenges associated with the search space.