Recent trends of the most used metaheuristic techniques for distribution network reconfiguration

Distribution network reconfiguration (DNR) continues to be a good option to reduce technical losses in a distribution power grid. However, this non-linear combinatorial problem is not easy to assess by exact methods when solving for large distribution networks, which requires large computational times. For solving this type of problem, some researchers prefer to use metaheuristic techniques due to convergence speed, near-optimal solutions, and simple programming. Some literature reviews specialize in topics concerning the optimization of power network reconfiguration and try to cover most techniques. Nevertheless, this does not allow detailing properly the use of each technique, which is important to identify the trend. The contributions of this paper are three-fold. First, it presents the objective functions and constraints used in DNR with the most used metaheuristics. Second, it reviews the most important techniques such as particle swarm optimization (PSO), genetic algorithm (GA), simulated annealing (SA), ant colony optimization (ACO), immune algorithms (IA), and tabu search (TS). Finally, this paper presents the trend of each technique from 2011 to 2016. This paper will be useful for researchers interested in knowing the advances of recent approaches in these metaheuristics applied to DNR in order to continue developing new best algorithms and improving solutions for the topi

Distribution systems optimization with computational intelligence algorithms

A dual particle swarm optimization - immune algorithm solution is presented in this paper to deal with the problem of optimum radial reconfiguration and reactive power compensation in distribution systems. The optimization problem uses as minimization function power losses in the distribution system – lines and transformers – and addresses constraints referring lower and upper voltage limits, nodal reactive power limits, topology supply constraints and the maximum number of capacitor banks. The analysis conducted for a pilot and a complex test system has proven the feasibility of the proposed method

Operation and planning of distribution networks with integration of renewable distributed generators considering uncertainties: a review

YesDistributed generators (DGs) are a reliable solution to supply economic and reliable electricity to customers. It is the last stage in delivery of electric power which can be defined as an electric power source connected directly to the distribution network or on the customer site. It is necessary to allocate DGs optimally (size, placement and the type) to obtain commercial, technical, environmental and regulatory advantages of power systems. In this context, a comprehensive literature review of uncertainty modeling methods used for modeling uncertain parameters related to renewable DGs as well as methodologies used for the planning and operation of DGs integration into distribution network.This work was supported in part by the SITARA project funded by the British Council and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, UK and in part by the University of Bradford, UK under the CCIP grant 66052/000000

Optimum Network Reconfiguration and DGs Sizing With Allocation Simultaneously by Using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)

This paper presents three stages of methodology. The first stage is to identify the switching operation for radial network configuration while observe the power losses and the voltage profile without Distributed Generation (DG). The second stage is based on previous paper which is feeder reconfiguration for loss reduction with DGs. The last stage is sizing and allocation DGs at buses with low voltage profile resulted from the first stage to improve the power losses and voltage profile also comparing the result with the second stage. The objective of this method proposed is to show that allocation of DGs simultaneously based on low voltage profile can improve network power losses and improvement of voltage profile. The result shows that improvement on network power losses is 54.92% from Distribution Network Reconfiguration (DNR) method. All three stages were tested on standards IEEE 33 bus system by using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique in MATLAB software. This method proved that improvement of power losses and voltage profile by switching and DGs allocation method

Simultaneous Distribution Network Reconfiguration and Optimal Placement of Distributed Generation

A reliable, eco- and nature-friendly operation has been the major concern of modern power system (PS). To improve the PS reliability and reduce the adverse environmental effect of conventional thermal generation facilities, renewable energy based distributed generation (RDG) are being enormously integrated to low and medium voltage distribution networks (DN). However, if these systems are not properly deployed, the reliability and stability of the PS will be endangered and its quality can be dreadfully jeopardized. Among the measures taken to avoid such is optimizing the location and size of each RDG unit in the DNs. These networks are generally operated in a radial configuration, though they can be reconfigured to other topologies to achieve certain objectives. Both RDG placement/sizing and DN reconfiguration are highly non-linear, multi-objective, constrained and combinatorial optimization problems. In this study, a hybrid of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and real-coded Genetic Algorithm (GA) techniques is employed for DN reconfiguration and optimal allocation (size and location) of multiple RDG units in primary DNs simultaneously. The objectives of the proposed technique are active power loss reduction, voltage profile (VP) and feeder load balancing (LB) improvement. It is carried out subject to some technical constraints, with the search space being the set of DN branches, DG sizes and potential locations.  To ascertain the effectiveness of the technique, it is implemented on standard IEEE 16-bus, 33-bus and 69-bus test DNs. The proposed algorithm is implemented in MATLAB and MATPOWER environments. It is observed the power loss, voltage deviation and LB are found to be reduced by 32.84%, 12.33% and 24.03% of their respective inherent values in the biggest system when the system is reconfigured only. With the optimized RDGs placed in the reconfigured systems, a further reductions of 46.27%, 25.92% and 36.65% are observed respectively. &nbsp

"Going back to our roots": second generation biocomputing

Researchers in the field of biocomputing have, for many years, successfully "harvested and exploited" the natural world for inspiration in developing systems that are robust, adaptable and capable of generating novel and even "creative" solutions to human-defined problems. However, in this position paper we argue that the time has now come for a reassessment of how we exploit biology to generate new computational systems. Previous solutions (the "first generation" of biocomputing techniques), whilst reasonably effective, are crude analogues of actual biological systems. We believe that a new, inherently inter-disciplinary approach is needed for the development of the emerging "second generation" of bio-inspired methods. This new modus operandi will require much closer interaction between the engineering and life sciences communities, as well as a bidirectional flow of concepts, applications and expertise. We support our argument by examining, in this new light, three existing areas of biocomputing (genetic programming, artificial immune systems and evolvable hardware), as well as an emerging area (natural genetic engineering) which may provide useful pointers as to the way forward.Comment: Submitted to the International Journal of Unconventional Computin

Distribution System Reconfiguration with Variable Demands Using the Opt-aiNet Algorithm

This paper describes the application of the Opt-aiNet algorithm to the reconfiguration problem of distribution systems considering variable demand levels. The Opt-aiNet algorithm is an optimization technique inspired in the immunologic bio system and it aims at reproducing the main properties and functions of this system. The reconfiguration problem of distribution networks with variable demands is a complex problem that aims at identifying the most adequate radial topology of the network that complies with all technical constraints in every demand level while minimizing the cost of power losses along an extended operation period. This work includes results of the application of the Opt-aiNet algorithm to distribution systems with 33, 84, 136 and 417 buses. These results demonstrate the robustness and efficiency of the proposed approach