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Network Reconfiguration Using a Genetic Approach
for Loss and Reliability Optimization in Distribution Systems

Romeu M. V. Vitorino (1), Humberto M. M. Jorge (2) and Luís M. P. Neves (1)
(1) Polytechnic Institute of Leiria – School of Technology and Management, Portugal
Department of Electrical Engineering
(2) Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra, Portugal
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computers
(1), (2) Institute for Systems and Computers Engineering of Coimbra

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Abstract-This paper presents a new method to improve
reliability and also minimize losses in radial distribution systems
(RDS), trough a process of network reconfiguration, using a
genetic algorithm approach. The methodology adopted to enhance
reliability, uses the Monte Carlo simulation and an historical data
of the network such as the level of reliability and the severity of
potential contingencies in each branch. The method analyses the
RDS in two perspectives. A first perspective of optimization
considering no investment, therefore using only the switches
presented in the network, and a second perspective of
optimization where is given the possibility to place a limited
number of tie-switches and thus get better results. Here, the
number of tie-switches and the branches that can receive them are
defined by a decision agent. The effectiveness of the proposed
method is demonstrated through the analysis of a 69 bus RDS.
I. INTRODUCTION
The existing distribution networks are actually growing with
complexity more and more, due to the gradual increase of
power demand and the existence of customers with more
sensitive loads. An interruption has nowadays more severe
impact in load equipment than in loads existing a few years
ago. This fact combined with the analysis of customer failure
statistics, causing also financial loss for utility companies,
reinforces the need to be concerned with reliability evaluation
of distribution network.
An efficient operation of distribution networks can,
therefore, be achieved by using reconfiguration techniques.
Basically, the network reconfiguration is carried out by
changing the on/off status of the sectionalizing (normally
closed) and tie-switches (normally open). The switching must
be performed in such a way that the radiality of the network is
maintained and all the loads are energized. Obviously, the
greater the numbers of switches, the greater are the possibilities
for reconfiguration and better are the effects


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