Expansion planning and reliability evaluation of distribution networks by heuristic algorithms

Due to the gradual increase of power demand and variation of loads, the modern distribution networks are growing with complexity more and more. Configuration problems in distribution networks are basically large-scaled combinatorial optimization problems and their solution requires a considerable computing effort, because an urban distribution system usually contains numerous power line sections and sectionalizing switches to be operated. It is, therefore, difficult to rapidly obtain an exact optimal solution on real system. Moreover, reliability issues are becoming increasingly important in modern distribution networks because of both social as well as economic implications. This paper describes several heuristic algorithms applied to find the optimal configuration of meshed distribution network. Also, the most usual reliability indices for the analyzed networks are calculated.