Research on optimization of recloser placement of DG-enhanced distribution networks

An optimization method is proposed to identify the optimum recloser placement to improve system reliability for distribution networks with distributed generators (DG). DG may reduce the number of interruptions and/or durations for customers residing within their protection zones, thus increasing the reliability of service. A composite reliability index is defined as the objective function in the optimization procedure. Then, the zone-network method is introduced for reliability evaluation. An improved genetic algorithm that named multiple-population genetic algorithm (MPGA) is used to search for the optimum solutions. Using the MPGA, the optimization can be solved with mutli-population, and the influence of improper genetic parameters can be greatly decreased and premature convergence can be overcome effectively. Simulation work is carried out based on a 69-segment 8-lateral distribution feeder with distributed generation to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.