Application of bird-mating optimization to phase adjustment of open-wye/open-delta transformers in a power grid

The open-wye/open-delta transformers are being adopted in Taiwan to supply either three-phase or single-phase loads, yet it has caused a phase unbalance problem. In this study, a bird-mating optimization (BMO) is hence motivated to assist in the coordinated switching of phase connection in open-wye/open-delta transformers such that the voltage unbalance and power loss can be better ameliorated. By mimicking the bird-mating behaviors, this algorithm excels at the optimal search with a reduced computation effort and a higher efficiency, hence suitable for a better arrangement of phase connection in open-wye/open-delta transformers. To confirm the effectiveness of such an intelligent method, two practical distribution systems of Taiwan Power Company were tested, by which the proposed one was further compared with other published techniques. From the test results, they have demonstrated the feasibility of the method as the decision support to enhance the coordination of phase connection of open-wye/open-delta transformers in a power grid.