Network reconfiguration for enhancement of voltage stability in distribution networks

Network reconfiguration is performed by altering the topological structure of distribution feeders. By reconfiguring the network, voltage stability ca n be maximised for a particular set of loads in distribution systems. A new algorithm is formulated for enhancement of voltage stability by network re configuration. Initially, a certain number of switching combinations is gen erated using the combination of tie and its two neighbouring switches, and the best combination of switches for maximising the voltage stability in th e network among them is determined. Then the search is extended by consider ing the branches next to the open-branches of the best configuration one by one to check whether there is any other switching combination available wh ich gives further improvement in voltage stability. The enhancement of volt age stability can be achieved by the proposed method without any additional cost involved for installation of capacitors, tap-changing transformers an d the related switching equipment in the distribution systems. The method h as been tested on a 69-bus test system, and the results indicate that it is able to determine the appropriate switching options of the optimal (or nea r optimal) configuration for voltage stability enhancement with less comput ation. It has also been shown that power losses are reduced when voltage st ability is improved by network reconfiguration.