Initial layout of power distribution systems for rural electrification: A heuristic algorithm for multilevel network design

We describe the first heuristic algorithm that selects the locations and service areas of transformers without requiring candidate solutions and simultaneously builds two-level grid network in a green-field setting. The algorithm we propose minimizes overall cost of infrastructure costs; specifically the combined costs of transformers and the two-tiered network together by solving transformer location problem as well as network design problems in a single optimization framework. In addition, it allows one to specify different costs for the higher throughput lines upstream of the transformer as compared to downstream of the transformer. Simulations are carried out based on real-world spatial distributions of demand points from rural locations in Africa, specifically in places without any pre-existing infrastructure to test the algorithm and generalize the results.

► Algorithm simultaneously selects the locations and service areas of transformers. ► Algorithm builds two-level (MV, LV) grid network for green-field settings. ► Algorithm does not require candidate locations for where to place transformers. ► Simulations are carried out for real-world demand points from Africa. ► Algorithm can be used as a pre-feasibility design tool by utilities and planners.