Optimal island partitioning of smart distribution systems to improve system restoration under emergency conditions

Abstract In the case of emergency operation, intentional islanding of distributed generations is an interesting solution to maintain the reliable power supply in the smart distribution grid. This paper deals with an optimal systematic strategy to restore the post-contingency distribution grid after the occurrence of severe disturbances causing an outage. Hence, a two-stage solution procedure is developed in this paper. In the first step, the optimal partitioning scheme is addressed through a number of graph-theory related algorithms. By applying these algorithms, the loads are optimally assigned to the distributed generations and optimal load shedding programs are determined and performed if there is a shortage of generation. The second step deals with the adjustments issues. In fact, the preliminarily partitions achieved from the first stage should be checked for feasibility. Also, these partitions should be adjusted if it is necessary in order to satisfy the system related constraints. To this purpose OPF calculation is incorporated and optimal load management measures are taken to mitigate violations considering the voltage constraints, line capacities and controllable loads. Since the proposed method considers the key factors of load priorities, load controllability, power balance, voltage and line capacity constraints, it covers the requirements of practical applications. Numerical results from the PG&E-69 test system are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The comparison with previous methods demonstrates that the proposed method outperforms other techniques.