Value-based radial distribution system reliability optimization

The protective devices and switches play an important role in the reliability of electrical distribution systems by minimizing the impact of interruption. In this paper, a method for identifying the type and location for protection devices and switches on the prerouted distribution system using value-based optimization is proposed. The proposed method is based on the contingency analysis of various components, e.g., the faults of line sections, switches, protective devices, and the restoration through switching actions such as upstream restoration and downstream restoration. The formulation of the optimization problem in this paper is appropriate for linear integer programming, where each nonlinear term can be translated by only two additional linear constraints. The detailed design of the protection devices and the switches are determined by minimizing the total cost of reliability that comprises apparatus investment, maintenance, and interruption cost. The efficiency and validity of the proposed method are demonstrated in case studies.