Automatic circuit recloser allocation in medium voltage power distribution networks using Pareto optimization

The occurrence of faults can cause irreversible damage to electrical power distribution systems, and can start fires on any surface in contact with the conductors, resulting in long periods of interruption of the electrical power supply. Faults can be transient or permanent in nature. Transient faults can be eliminated by the direct action of automatic reclosers, which disconnect and reconnect the power grid without the need for operator intervention. On the other hand, permanent faults significantly impact consumers, who must wait for the distributor's maintenance team to act. In these cases, the location of the automatic circuit reclosers defines the limits of the affected area. Therefore, the optimal allocation of automatic circuit reclosers in electrical power distribution networks can minimize the areas subject to permanent outages. The objective of this paper is to propose a methodology for the optimal allocation of automatic circuit reclosers in medium voltage distribution networks using exhaustive search and solution pre-filtering. The proposed methodology allows the electric power distribution company to determine the best positions for installing automatic reclosers in the network, comparing costs and benefits for each non-dominated solution, using Pareto optimum. The proposed methodology was applied to a real power distribution network of the local electric power distribution company, and satisfactory results were verified, with execution times in the order of 10 (1)-10 (2) seconds.