SERVICE RESTORATION IN COMPENSATED DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS USING A HYBRID GENETIC ALGORITHM

In this paper a genetic algorithm (GA) based approach to the service r estoration (SR) problem in automated distribution networks is presente d. Normal operation within the network comprises both automatic reconf iguration and compensation so as to reduce power losses, allow load ba lancing and improve the voltage profile. In the restorative state, the reconfiguration is performed together with compensation, taking mainl y into account the load supply requirement and secondarily, the losses reduction requirement. After a general discussion on the restoration problem together with a short review of recent papers on the topic, a solution strategy is proposed. Then, a short account about classical G A searching mechanism is reported in order to emphasize the difficulti es arising from the application of a classical GA to the restoration p roblem. Therefore, the hybridization strategy of the GA is presented i n depth, with particular regard to the description of some new operato rs, of the objective function and of the constraints expression. Final ly, test results;Ind concluding remarks are reported. (C) 1998 Elsevie r Science S.A. All rights reserved.