An improved reconfiguration method for maximum loss reduction using Discrete Genetic algorithm

This paper proposes an improved method for reconfiguration of distribution systems based on a simple branch exchange method of single loop. In some previous works for reconfiguration of distribution networks with several loops, loops are one by one selected and reconfiguration at each matched loop is performed according to the simple branch exchange method of the single loop. Although the loops selection sequence affects the optimal configuration and the power loss of the network, the loops selection sequence is not incorporated in the network reconfiguration problems up to now. In this paper, the sequence of the loops selection is optimized for the maximum loss reduction and a simple branch exchange method is employed for reconfiguration in each loop. Discrete Genetic algorithm is used to optimize the sequence of the loops selection. The proposed algorithm is effectively tested on two feeder of a real 77-bus distribution network of the city of Sirjan in Iran.