Optimization framework for topology design challenges in tactical smart microgrid planning

Abstract

This paper proposes a new optimization framework that generates the optimal cable layout design of a tactical smart microgrid. The minimization function includes power loss and fuel consumption, reliability and graph aesthetic issues are considered as maximization functions. By leveraging multiple technologies and strategies, a design-phase heuristic tool is proposed on the following contributions; (i) apply graph-theoretic approaches to minimize the spanning tree of a network and (ii) employ clustering methods to split the network into electro-mechanically stable islands. This paper also proposes an algorithm that takes into accounts for physical restrictions due to geographical land area. To ensure reconfiguration resiliency with respect to the number of terminals, communication reliability throughout the sectionalized network, operation sustainability from the perspective of network protection, the ability of the proposed heuristic tool is demonstrated on one line (full three phase) diagrams by utilizing the alternating Steiner point introduction method to attain the global optimal solution.