Genetic algorithm for supply restoration and optimal load shedding in power system distribution networks

A genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to search for the optimal supply restoration strategy in distribution networks. An 'integer permutation' encoding scheme is adopted in which each chromosome is a list of indices of switches. The status of each of these switches is decided according to graph theory subject to the radiality constraint of the distribution networks. Each chromosome then maps to a feasible network topology. A special gene V is also introduced into the chromosome. Instead of representing a switch, this is a flag that keeps some parts of the network disconnected enabling the GA to find the optimal load shedding strategy where necessary. The proposed algorithm has been tested on a practical system and shown to find an optimal postfault supply restoration strategy. and also the optimal load shedding point when total demand cannot be supplied.