Optimal Strategy for Reliability Improvement in Distribution Networks

This paper presents the mixed integer linear programming based approach for determining the optimal reliability improvement strategy in distribution networks. The proposed approach defines the optimal number, type and location of remotely controlled and supervised automation devices to be installed in the network by considering the different types of devices simultaneously. Simultaneously, it defines the optimal relocation of the existing automation devices as well as the optimal number, type and location of the network elements to be replaced by the new elements with lower failure rates. The presented numerical results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and the importance of simultaneous consideration of individual strategies in determining the optimal reliability improvement strategy in distribution networks.