A multistage MILP-based model for integration of remote control switch into distribution networks

In the past decades, remote control switches have been broadly integrated into distribution systems to achieve a certain level of service reliability. To take utmost benefits of them, a cost-benefit analysis should be conducted. In this regard, the budget restriction plays a crucial role in remote control switch placement. This paper is aimed at proposing a model to determine the optimal number and location of remote control switches in a distribution system. As the main contribution of the paper, the model is developed in multistage planning format to address the issue of budget limitation. To this end, the model is formulated in mixed integer linear programming format, which tries to minimize the total interruption costs in conjunction with capital investment, installation, and maintenance costs of remote control switches. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed model is thoroughly examined through a test system. Resultant findings show the importance of considering multistage-based switch placement problem to cast the budget limitation in hand in an efficient way.