Multi-objective allocation of switching devices in distribution networks using the Modified Barnacles Mating Optimization algorithm

Abstract

The present study proposes a new optimization method for the placement of various switches and distributed generation (DG) in distribution networks to enhance network reliability and reduce costs. Since the application of the islanding process in distribution networks is prohibited in most countries, the main idea here is to provide a multi-objective optimization to maximize network reliability and minimize the cost of DG equipment unavailability by considering no islanding process. The study considers an optimal solution to determine the number, location, and type of switching devices by considering distributed generators unavailability index (DGUI), the cost of the equipment, and the reliability of the network (SAIDI and SAIFI). The optimization process of the problem is based on a modified version of the Barnacles Mating Optimization (MBMO) algorithm to improve system efficiency including accuracy and global results. The proposed algorithm is first validated to verify its efficiency and then analyzed for optimization by considering network reliability (including SAIDI and SAIFI), the cost of the equipment, and DGUI. The results are compared with two other methods, i.e., the NSGAII-based method and the SPEA2-based method, to show the effectiveness of the proposed system in different terms. Then, a method based on remote-controlled switches (RCSs) is presented to improve network reliability and expenses.

Keywords

• Modified Barnacles Mating Optimization algorithm (MBMO)
• Remote-controlled switches (RCSs)
• Reliability improvement