OPTIMAL LOSS REDUCTION OF DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

A novel algorithm for the network reconfiguration of power distribution systems is presented. An optimal loss reduction is accomplished to maintain acceptable voltage at customer loads as well as to assure sufficient conductor and substation current capacity to handle load requirements. The success of the algorithm depends directly upon the straightforward and highly-efficient solution of the quadratic cost transshipment problem. The proposed algorithm completely eliminates the need for matrix operations and executes all operations directly on a graph of the distribution system.