An optimal strategy for switching devices allocation in radial distribution network

Modern life strongly depends on the continuous supply of electrical energy, increasing interests on electrical operators and customers to power quality and service reliability issues. Emergency planning techniques need to be developed in order to satisfy European guidelines and standards on power quality levels. Restoring power supply is a complicated problem to solve especially when faults on radial distribution systems occur and, consequently, long interruptions take place. Automatic switching devices greatly improve service reliability in electrical systems where an optimal device placement problem has been solved. An optimal device allocation strategy has been implemented in order to obtain a trade-off solution between technical performances and economical investments. Test results are provided for an actual distribution system demonstrating the methodology effectiveness.