DEVELOPMENT OF AN OPTIMAL RECONFIGURATION ALGORITHM FOR RADIAL DISTRIBUTION ELECTRICAL POWER NETWORKS (A CASE STUDY OF ZARIA DISTRIBUTION NETWORK)

DEVELOPMENT OF AN OPTIMAL RECONFIGURATION ALGORITHM FOR RADIAL DISTRIBUTION ELECTRICAL POWER NETWORKS (A CASE STUDY OF ZARIA DISTRIBUTION NETWORK ( ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PROJECT TOPIC)

ABSTRACT

This worked aimed at developing an optimal reconfiguration algorithm for a radial distribution network using fast and elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA II), considering distributed generation. The work models the reconfiguration using a pragmatic multi-objective approach considering active power loss and total voltage deviation, so as to determine the optimum locations of the tie and sectionalizing switches within the distribution network. The model was validated using standard IEEE 33-Bus network and extended to a subsection of Zaria distribution network. The active power loss and total voltage deviation was estimated for Gaskiya, Railway, Sabo and Canteen distribution network as 55.32kW, 0.22V, 17.22kW, 0.2340V, 120.08kW, 0.9949V and 508.0kW, 4.7482V respectively, prior to reconfiguration. With distributed generation placed at different location based on the computed voltage stability index of the nodes. The active power loss for Gaskiya, Railway, Sabo and Canteen distribution network was recorded to be 26.19%, 19.22%, 10.23% and 8.01% reduction respectively as compared to the initial configuration with distributed generation placed at strategic locations. The optimal location of the tie and sectionalizing switches for Gaskiya, Railway, Sabo and Canteen distribution network was found to be 12 14, 14 16 18, 25 20 11 and 23 16 43, respectively after reconfiguration. A reduction in active power loss and reductions in total voltage deviation for Gaskiya, Railway, Sabo and Canteen distribution network was found to be 37.64%, 28.94%, 18.2%, 8.12%, 39.21%,37.8% and 23.42%, 10.72% respectively as compared to the active power loss and total voltage deviation of the initial configuration.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The concept of distribution system automation has capture the attention of researchers and utility companies over the last decade. Even though, a lot of research have been undertaken and many works are still ongoing at the moment on “distribution system automation”, due to technological innovations and increasing connection of distributed energy source in to existing distribution network. The research is aimed at developing an optimal reconfiguration model for a radial distribution network using Zaria distribution network as a case study.

The problem of minimizing distribution systems losses has received a global attention due to high cost of electrical energy, need for better quality of service, efficient utilization of available energy and high power loss in power networks (Charlangsut et al, 2012). Under normal operating conditions, any distribution network must supply electrical power to all its customer connected to it, while simultaneously avoiding overloading, feeder thermal overload and abnormal voltage across the line, as well as minimizing active power loss and maintaining radial topology (Carcamo-Gallardo et al, 2008) etc. There are different techniques for reducing losses within the distribution level which include reconfiguration, capacitor placement, load balancing, introduction of higher voltage level and reconductoring (Abdelaziz et al, 2010; Sarfi et al, 1994). These methods of reducing losses are quite numerous but the major concern is about their technical implications on the network. Introduction of new equipment at distribution level offers tremendous financial burden on the utilities that cannot be justified by the potential saving. The use of fixed…..

DEVELOPMENT OF AN OPTIMAL RECONFIGURATION ALGORITHM FOR RADIAL DISTRIBUTION ELECTRICAL POWER NETWORKS (A CASE STUDY OF ZARIA DISTRIBUTION NETWORK ( ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PROJECT TOPIC)