Distribution planning using a knowledge-based expert system

An expert system is designed for determining substation locations and feeder configuration of a distribution system. By incorporating the heuristic rules currently followed by distribution engineers into the knowledge base, the expert system can benefit from system planners´ experience in its problem-solving process. To minimize the feeder losses of the distribution plan, the location-allocation method is proposed for determining substation locations. The expert system is implemented using the artificial language PROLOG and is designed to be used interactively. The expert system is applied to the planning of a distribution system in Taiwan. Test results indicate that it is efficient and user friendly