Optimal Reconfiguration of Radial Distribution Networks for an hourly variation in daily load consumption

As the load characteristic of the distribution system varies over time, the network topology also changes from one point of consumption to another. The methodology addressed in this study consists of alternating distribution network switches for different load points on the daily consumption curve, two scenarios are investigated, with a major goal of obtaining the most optimal configuration of the test network while reducing the total losses of active power and also improving the voltage profile. To deal with, an improved PSO methodology coupled with MATPOWER toolbox was applied on the IEEE 33-bus radial distribution network and the results found demonstrate the effectiveness of reconfiguration procedure for enhancing the test system performance.