Implementation of heuristic search strategies for distribution feeder reconfiguration

A method for feeder reconfiguration with the potential for handling realistic operating constraints is presented. The approach taken is to set up a decision tree to represent the various switching operations available. A best-first tree searching strategy, based on heuristics, is used to evaluate the various alternatives. Switching options which could result in overloads, voltage problems, or other operating constraints, such as those associated with system protection, are quickly eliminated as possibilities. The development of a rule-based system aimed at the reduction of the search space is presented as a means of implementing the above strategy. An example is used to illustrate the concepts described