Review of Developments in Methods of Reconfiguration of Distribution Networks

Distribution networks are configured radially. Their configurations may be varied with manual or automatic switching operations so that all of the loads are supplied and reduce power loss, increase system security, and enhance power quality. Reconfiguration also relieves the overloading of the network components. The change in network configuration is performed by opening sectionalizing (normally closed) and closing tie (normally open) switches of the network. These switchings are performed in such a way that the radiality of the network is maintained and all of the loads are energized. Obviously, the greater the number of switches is, the greater the possibilities are for reconfiguration and the better the effects are. This paper presents a review of developments and improvements in distribution network reconfiguration methods which includes multi-agent and genetic algorithm approach