Abstract:
This paper presents a new methodology of codification to the conventional genetic algorithm (GA) used in network reconfiguration method, to minimize the real power loss and as well as to improve the bus voltage profile of the given distribution system configuration in the presence of distributed generation (DG). In network reconfiguration for loss reduction, the solution involves a search over relevant radial configuration. The optimization problem is subjected to system constraints consisting of load-point voltage limits, radial configuration format, no load-point interruption and feeder capability limits. In this paper, a method, based on genetic algorithm (GA) to determine the minimum configuration is presented. A genetic algorithm (GA) is a search or optimization algorithm based on the mechanics of natural selection and natural genetics. But some problems, specially related to a codification that is able to represent and work with a complex multi constraint and combinatorial problem such as this one have prevented the use of the full potential of these algorithms to find quality solutions for large systems with minor computational effort. Hence, the main innovation of this method is that new types of crossover and mutation operators are proposed to generate the initial population (descendent), such that the best possible results are obtained, with an acceptable computational effort. This paper proposes a solution to the problem, with a new codification and using an efficient way for implementing the operator of recombination to guaranty, at all times, the production of new radial topologies. The developed methodology is demonstrated by a 33-bus radial distribution network with distributed generation (DG).

Keywords: Loss reduction, distribution network reconfiguration, genetic algorithms, radial distribution, network representation, distributed generation