A fundamental study on the optimal/near-optimal shape of a network for energy distribution

► Optimal/near-optimal shape of energy distribution network for minimizing energy consumption is studied. ► A parameter γ is proposed to categorize all mediums into three types whose γ = 1, γ > 1 and γ < 1. ► The radial shape network is the optimum for type 1 and 2 medium. ► A Global search method is proposed for finding the near-optimal shape network for Type 3 medium.