Genetic algorithm approach to reconfiguration problems in radial energy distribution systems

ABSTRACT One of the primary studies on energy distribution system is to minimize the resistive line losses. The theory of loss minimization problem has been carried out from the very early years of electricity. Due to recent developments in electronic industry and telecommunication technologies, control and command of energy disribution systems have become powerfull. Accordingly, real time remote controlsystems have developed. Hence, these developments allow the engineers both to gain more knowladge about energy distribution command system and to interfere to the energy distribution system under any condition. In this respect, reconfiguration studies on energy distribution systems have been performed to provide loss minimization, load balancing and system restoration. In this thesis, a radial disribution system is taken into consideration for system reconfiguration to provide resistive line loss minimization. Ideally, the best or nearly best solution is generally desired. For this purpose, a C++ based genetic algorithm programme has been developed and used as a tool to search reconfiguration problem solution. Validity of genetic algorithm that minimizes the complex mathematical iterations and its merits compared to other methods are presented. In the application, presented genetic algorithm has converged to optimum solution for each trial. Hence, it is proved that genetic algorithms can be used in solving reconfiguration problem succesfully. Keywords: Energy Distribution Systems, Reconfiguration Problem, Resistive Line Looses, Genetic Algorithms.