A Novel Solution Method for the Distribution Network Reconfiguration Problem Based on a Search Mechanism Enhancement of the Improved Harmony Search Algorithm
Josephy Dias Santos, Frederico Marques, Lina Paola Garcés Negrete, Gelson A. A. Brigatto, Jesús M. López‐Lezama, Nicolás Muñóz-Galeano
Abstract
This paper addresses the problem of Distribution Systems Reconfiguration (DSR), which consists of finding the state of switching devices (open or closed) in a given distribution network, aiming to minimize active power loses. DSR is modeled as a mixed-integer non-linear optimization problem, in which the integer variables represent the state of the switches, and the continuous variables represent the power flowing through the branches. Given the multi-modal and non-convex nature of the problem, an improved harmony search (IHS) algorithm is proposed to solve the DSR problem. The main novelty of this approach is the inclusion of a Path Relinking phase which accelerates convergence of the DSR problem. Several tests were carried out in four benchmark distribution systems, evidencing the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach.