Distribution system planning using branch exchange technique

This paper reports the development of a new algorithm for the planning of radial distribution systems. The algorithm is based on branch exchange technique. Branch exchange has been applied in two stages - between the elements of the network under each substation, called intrazone branch exchange and between the elements of the networks under adjacent substations, called interzone branch exchange. Intrazone exchange determines the optimum network configuration of each substation and interzone exchange determines the optimum service area of each substation. A complete power flow is required after each successful branch exchange. A new algorithm has also been proposed for the load flow of radial distribution networks. The algorithm is not based on node and branch numbering schemes and can handle multiple number of zones and therefore is particularly suitable for planning environment.