Optimal planning of rural medium voltage distribution networks

A model is suggested for selection of main initial parameters and timing of the reconstructions of rural distribution networks in long-term planning To meet the increasing load demands with minimum total present worth cost. The model incorporates capital and exploitation costs as well as the costs due to undelivered energy and load curtailments. The optimal investment policy is determined using a constrained dynamic programming technique which indicates the best choice among possible options while caking into account all relevant technical criteria and common-sense rules. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.