Heuristic optimal restoration based on constructive algorithms for future smart grids

Abstract

This paper proposes a heuristic optimization algorithm for online restoration for future smart grids based on constructive approaches to reinstate supply to the loads following a fault. The algorithm tries to minimize the total switching operations for the post-fault restoration strategy. This algorithm is also compared with the one in a previous work which tends to minimize the loading imbalance among all available substations. The proposed algorithm is based on the constructive network tracing approach that comes up with the final network restoration strategy. This is achieved by determining the switching sequences of switchable components such as circuit breakers, reclosers, sectionalizers, or intelligently controlled switches. Sample systems are studied to demonstrate the method. The results obtained from the constructive methods are compared with the ones from the enumeration method. The comparison verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.