A Simulation-Based Approach for the Planning of Radial Distribution Networks to Improve the Overall Performance and Reliability

A methodology for the upgrade of active power distribution networks focused on reducing costs associated with customer interruptions and increasing the overall system reliability is presented. This problem has been addressed in the literature considering interventions on the system to improve performance in different aspects during the operation, such as reducing energy losses and operation costs. In general, optimization algorithms are employed to solve the problems of allocating sectionalizing devices and routing new distribution line segments. Thus, heuristic approaches - such as the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, can be implemented. The proposed method also considers the annualized costs of the planning interventions, considering the expected useful lifetime of the to-be installed distribution devices. Moreover, a Monte Carlo simulation-based approach is combined with a Binary PSO (BPSO) algorithm, so multiple planning problems with binary decision variables can be considered concurrently. During simulations, the robustness of the model outcomes is tested by varying the system operative conditions. Two factors are considered to generate different scenarios: the external weather conditions and the loading level of the system. The IEEE Comprehensive Test Feeder is used to run simulations, with some modifications to make it active.