Distribution Network Reconfiguration for power loss reduction using Harmony Search

A power distribution system includes sectionalizing switches and tie switches. Sectionalizing switches are normally closed switches while tie switches are normally open switches. By changing the status of the switches, an optimal configuration can be obtained such that the real power loss in the system is minimum. In this paper, a music based metaheuristic algorithm was applied to the Distribution Network Reconfiguration Problem to minimize real power losses. The Harmony Search Algorithm is presented in the paper and its application to the Distribution Network Reconfiguration problem is described. Simulation results are presented for 4 test systems: 16-bus, 33-bus, 70-bus system and a local Mauritian system. Optimal configurations were obtained in all cases.