Multi-Objective Optimization of Electrical Distribution Network Operation Considering Reconfiguration and Soft Open Points☆

High penetration levels of Distributed Generations (DG) significantly affect the operations of electrical distribution networks. In this paper, Distribution Network Reconfiguration (DNR), and the implementation of Soft Open Point (SOP) – a distribution-level power electronic device are investigated as effective solutions to facilitate large DG penetrations while meeting network operational constraints. DNR is developed based on the ant colony optimization, and the optimal SOP outputs are determined using the Taxi-cab algorithm after determining the network configuration. Both optimization problems are formulated within a multi-objective framework using the Pareto optimality. The performances of DNR and SOP to improve network operations are demonstrated on a modified 33-bus distribution system with various DG penetrations.