Optimal step-by-step restoration of distribution systems during excessive loads due to cold load pickup

Restoration of a distribution system following extended outages may cause problems if the substation transformer capacity cannot supply the initial load. Excessive initial load is a result of loss of diversity in the distribution system. Dividing the system into sections and restoring these sections step by step is one of the solutions to overcome excessive load due to cold load pickup. In step-by-step restoration, the order of restoration of sections becomes an important factor in increasing the reliability and decreasing the average customer interruption duration. In this paper, step-by-step restoration of a distribution system to utilize transformer capacity to the maximum extent and to minimize the customer interruption duration is studied.