Approximate Power Loss Minimization in Radial Distribution Networks Using the Feeder Reconfiguration

A fast and simple approach for reducing the total power loss in radial distribution networks has been proposed in this paper. It uses a flexible framework that could accommodate one or more selection features in searching for candidate configurations. Four features, as an example, are suggested here based on the authors' knowledge and experience, implemented on the 70-bus test system, and evaluated against the configuration with lowest power loss. Simulation results reveal that further investigations might be capable of bridging the local minima into which most solutions were trapped.