Distribution network reconfiguration for loss reduction using PSO method

In recent years, the reconfiguration of the distribution network has been proclaimed as a method for realizing power savings, with virtually zero cost. The current trend is to design distribution networks with a mesh network structure, but to operate them radially. This is achieved by the establishment of an appropriate number of switchable branches which allow the realization of a radial configuration capable of supplying all of the normal defects in the box of permanent defect. The purpose of this article is to find an optimal reconfiguration using a Meta heuristic method, namely the particle swarm optimization method (PSO), to reduce active losses and voltage deviations by taking into account certain technical constraints. The validity of this method is tested on a 33-IEEE test network and the results obtained are compared with the results of basic load flow

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization for Space Applications

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) has been increasingly studied in aerospace engineering with the main purpose of reducing monetary and schedule costs. The traditional design approach of optimizing each discipline separately and manually iterating to achieve good solutions is substituted by exploiting the interactions between the disciplines and concurrently optimizing every subsystem. The target of the research was the development of a flexible software suite capable of concurrently optimizing the design of a rocket propellant launch vehicle for multiple objectives. The possibility of combining the advantages of global and local searches have been exploited in both the MDO architecture and in the selected and self developed optimization methodologies. Those have been compared according to computational efficiency and performance criteria. Results have been critically analyzed to identify the most suitable optimization approach for the targeted MDO problem

A survey on low-thrust trajectory optimization approaches

In this paper, we provide a survey on available numerical approaches for solving low-thrust trajectory optimization problems. First, a general mathematical framework based on hybrid optimal control will be presented. This formulation and their elements, namely objective function, continuous and discrete state and controls, and discrete and continuous dynamics, will serve as a basis for discussion throughout the whole manuscript. Thereafter, solution approaches for classical continuous optimal control problems will be briefly introduced and their application to low-thrust trajectory optimization will be discussed. A special emphasis will be placed on the extension of the classical techniques to solve hybrid optimal control problems. Finally, an extensive review of traditional and state-of-the art methodologies and tools will be presented. They will be categorized regarding their solution approach, the objective function, the state variables, the dynamical model, and their application to planetocentric or interplanetary transfers

A comprehensive survey on cultural algorithms

Peer reviewedPostprin