Determination of network configuration considering multiobjective in distribution systems using genetic algorithms

Determination of feeder configuration involving the switch statuses is important for the operation in the distribution system. Minimization of the megawatt loss is crucial if the system is in a normal condition; the voltage drop is expected to be as low as possible while a fault occurs in the system. This paper presents a method based on genetic algorithms (GAs) to determine the network configuration. The proposed method, formulated as a fuzzy multiobjective problem, takes both the normal condition and the contingencies (faults) into account. The switch statuses are considered as preventive controls for multiple individual balanced faults. A vertex encoding based on the Prufer number is used in GA for encoding the chromosomes (strings). The Prufer number ensures that the system structure will be radial for the distribution system. The simulation results from two distribution systems are used to show the applicability of the proposed method.