FEEDER RECONFIGURATION FOR LOSS REDUCTION - AN APPLICATION OF DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION

One of the features provided by Distribution Automation, which can result in substantial savings for the utility, is feeder reconfiguration for loss reduction. This work provides a comparison of various methods applied to feeder reconfiguration for loss minimization. A new linear programming method using Transportation techniques and a new Heuristic Search method are proposed for comparison with a previously developed Heuristic technique which was based on an Optimal Load Flow analysis. The methods are compared on simulations of both a small feeder distribution system, and a larger system based on a model of the Kingston Public Utility Commission 44 kV distribution system. This study indicates that Linear Programming, in the form of transportation algorithms, is not suitable for real-time application to feeder reconfiguration whilst Heuristic approaches, although not optimal, can provide substantial savings if properly formulated and are suitable for real-time implementation.