Load restoration in electric distribution networks using a metaheuristic technique

In this paper a method for the optimization of the restoration tasks after a failure in an electric distribution network is developed. Fast restoration strategies are necessary to reduce the inconvenience to the user during supply interruptions. A tabu search based metaheuristic technique to compute the time needed for load restoration has been implemented. It considers multiple objectives, such as maximization of the transferred load, minimization of the required time and of the power losses of the new configuration. The method depends on the state of the network switches (opened or closed), the faulted component and the characteristics of the affected load points