A genetic algorithm multi-objective approach for efficient operational planning technique of distribution systems

This paper presents a genetic algorithm multi-objective approach for efficient operational planning technique for electrical power distribution systems (EPDS). Service restoration is a non-linear, combinatorial, non-differential and multi-objective optimization problem that often has a great number of candidate solutions to be evaluated by the operators. To tackle the problem of service restoration with multiple objectives, the weighted sum strategy is employed to convert these objectives into a single objective function by giving equal weighting values. The transformer/feeders capacity in the post-fault distribution network creates a major problem for the electrical power distribution engineers and distribution system substation operators to satisfy the operational constraints at the consumer localities while restoring power supply. The feasibility of the developed algorithm for service restoration demonstrated on several distribution networks with fast and effective convergence of the results of this technique helps to find the efficient operational planning of the EPDS. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.