A fast approach for evaluating reliability indices of radial distribution systems

This paper presents a fast approach for the reliability assessment of complex radial distribution systems. In this technique, using the shortest path from any node to the system energy source, the type and location of protection/isolating device of each load point and each component are identified. Then, based on the type and respective location of the devices to each other, reliability evaluation is performed. Following a fault on the system the affected loads are restored by identifying a loop created by closing a normally open tie switch (NOTS) and the nearest disconnecting/sectionalising switch to the opened protection/isolating device. The proposed algorithm has been tested on a number of the reliability test systems and the results presented show the effectiveness and applicability, as well as reduced running-time of the new approach.