Distribution system service restoration using a heuristic search approach

A heuristic search approach was developed for service restoration of a distribution system. The purpose was to devise a proper restoration plan after the location of a fault has been identified and the faulted zone has been isolated. To reach a restoration plan which satisfies all practical requirements, a set of heuristic rules was compiled through interviews with experienced operators at Taiwan Power Company. A heuristic search algorithm was developed for service restoration following a fault on distribution feeders. The effectiveness of the proposed heuristic service approach was demonstrated by the restoration of the electricity service following a fault in an underground distribution system within the service area of Taipei City District Office of Taiwan Power Company. It was found that the restoration plan can be reached very efficiently. Therefore, it can serve as a valuable tool to help distribution system dispatchers reach a proper restoration plan