A Steiner arborescence model for the feeder reconfiguration in electric distribution networks

In this paper we address the problem of finding the radial configuration of an electric distribution network that minimizes the total losses due to the Joule effect. We propose an interpretation of the feeder reconfiguration problem as a Steiner arborescence problem, formulated through a model with a separable quadratic objective function. The problem is then solved by a mixed-integer quadratic programming solver. Computational experience on test networks is reported, showing the effectiveness of the formulation.