GENETIC ALGORITHM FOR OPTIMAL SECTIONALIZING IN RADIAL-DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS WITH ALTERNATIVE SUPPLY

A procedure for optimal allocation of sectionalizing switches in radia l distribution systems is proposed. This procedure is aimed at minimiz ing unsupplied energy caused by network failures. Opportunities for al ternative source supply made possible by network reconfiguration are c onsidered. Two applications of this procedure are explored: when the a llocation of alternative supply tie-lines is given and when the optima l allocation of a specified number of tie-lines. as well as the alloca tion of sectionalizers, must be determined. The procedure is based upo n the genetic algorithm, a search technique motivated by natural evolu tion. The basic operators of the genetic algorithm are adapted to solv e the problems considered. Performance enhancing modifications of the algorithm are suggested when applicable. A medium-scale, practical exa mple is presented to illustrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method.