Novel methodology for optimal reconfiguration of distribution networks with distributed energy resources

• A novel application of receding horizon control and scenario analysis concepts to achieve robust optimal configuration under DER uncertainty.
• Development and comparison of three new methodologies to find the optimal configuration that simultaneously minimizes loss and switching.
• The developed methods enable the determination of the reconfiguration period inherently.
• The methods developed bring out the operational (optimal operation of switches) and the planning (preferred location of switches) aspects of grid reconfiguration.

This paper develops three novel methodologies for optimal reconfiguration of distribution networks in the presence of distributed energy resources (DERs). The novelty is in achieving a non-conservative and robust solution to grid reconfiguration. The optimal solution is the minimum-loss-configuration of the distribution network taking into account the cost of switching and the grid operational constraints. The methods are based on the concepts of receding horizon control (RHC) and scenario analysis (SA) which inherently optimize switching costs and losses. The salient feature of incorporating RHC and SA is that it avoids the need to pre-define the period of change of configuration. The methods vary in their degree of robustness and conservatism. A robust configuration will not violate the constraints under any of the predicted DER variations called scenarios. A non-conservative configuration exploits better benefits with respect to the objective of reconfiguration under all scenarios. Depending on the desired level of robustness and non-conservatism, one of the three methods developed in this paper can be used to find the optimal configuration. The methods can be used for planning as well as for operation of the distribution network since they indicate the most frequently open switches in the network and the time at which they are to be operated.