A NEW ALGORITHM FOR THE RECONFIGURATION OF DISTRIBUTION FEEDERS FOR LOSS MINIMIZATION

This paper reports a power flow based heuristic algorithm for determining the minimum loss configuration of radial distribution networks. The algorithm is based on the concept of optimum flow pattern which is determined by solving the KVL and KCL (Kirchhoff's voltage and current laws) equations of the network. The optimum flow pattern of a single loop formed by closing a normally open switch is found out and the flow pattern is established in the radial network by opening a closed switch. This process is repeated till the minimum loss configuration is obtained. A simple, fast and approximate power flow method has also been developed to assist the reconfiguration algorithm. The proposed reconfiguration algorithm has been found to give better network configuration than those obtained by some other recent methods reported in literature.