An improved initial network for distribution network planning algorithms

This paper proposes a pragmatic method for generating an initial electricity distribution network topology that minimizes the time-expensive optimization requirements to produce a close-to-optimum solution network. The argument is made that an algorithm that realistically considers the factors that influence the topology and specifications of a distribution network from the outset is as important as the optimization procedure, and given the myriad close-to-optimum solutions and the impossibility of reaching the theoretically optimum solution in real network plans, a good initial network is extremely valuable. Accordingly, a previously published method to produce initial networks, where the initial power flow assumed that loads and substations were homogeneous, is extended and refined to cope with the heterogeneous nature of real networks