Design of an advanced electric power distribution systems using seeker optimization algorithm

The power distribution network design problem has a growing impact on secure and economical operation of distribution power system. This issue is well known as a non-linear, multi-modal and multi-objective optimization problem where global optimization techniques are required in order to avoid local minima. In this study, a new approach using seeker optimization algorithm (SOA) is proposed for distribution system planning problem with simultaneous placement of automatic reclosers (RAs), considering total system economic cost, overall system reliability, system power losses and voltage deviations as an objective functions. Normally, conventional power distribution systems (CPDS) are radial in nature and momentary fault in the system causes large area of the grid to be blacked out, which leads to huge load interruptions. Reliable distribution system minimize this effect by allowing faults to clear themselves by protection device operations such as automatic reclosers (RAs) and quickly restores the power through system reconfiguration by minimizing the loads affected. Thus, in order to prevent the system from momentary faults, simultaneous placement of RAs has been also done which leads to a design of an advanced power distribution system (APDS). Thus, the reliability issues are of major importance for effective planning of an APDS. For evaluation of reliability measure, the contingency-load-loss index (CLLI) is assessed in this paper, which is independent of the failure rate and fault repair duration of the feeder branches. The performance of the proposed algorithm is extensively assessed and comparisons are made with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSOs), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and graph theoretical approach (GTA) applied on the 54 and 100-bus primary power distribution systems. The simulation results show that the proposed approach performed better than the other listed algorithms and can be efficiently used for the optimal design of an advanced power distribution system.