Configuring Electrical Distribution Networks in Real Time to Minimize Active Losses

Abstract

One of the benefits of smart grids is real-time reconfiguration of electrical distribution networks, enabling the reduction of active power losses and acceptable voltage profiles, especially in situations where photovoltaic generation is heavily penetrated. The variability and intermittency of PV output combined with varying load demand by time require rapid and reliable and scalable reconfiguration processes which can be carried out within realistic technical and topological constraints. The paper suggests a strong distribution network reconfiguration methodology that is founded on the Kruskal Minimum Spanning Tree algorithm which is implemented in real time to reconfigure the network topology, using the best switching behavior. The approach identifies, in every time step, a radial positioning that minimizes active losses of power, whereas meeting power flow equations, voltage constraint, thermal constraint, a limit of generation, and radiality requirements. The suggested approach that relies on MSTK provides low computational complexity and high scalability as compared to heuristic and metaheuristic methods, which makes it an appropriate addition to distribution management systems. The simulation findings indicate the drastic decrease of the active power losses and apparent gains in the voltage profiles across the daytime, which confirms that the MSTK algorithm is an effective and realistic tool to be used in reconfiguration of the contemporary distribution system that is primarily based on renewable power sources in real-time. The minimal time spent in computing also supports the suitability of the proposed solution in real time distribution management system.