Simultaneous optimization of phase balancing and reconfiguration in distribution networks using BF–NM algorithm

Rephasing strategy is one of the main methods used for phase balancing and neutral current reduction in electrical distribution networks and the reconfiguration technique is an effective method for network loss reduction. In this paper, a new method for the simultaneous implementation of reconfiguration and phase balancing strategies is presented as a combinational strategy. In order to solve the proposed optimization problem, Nelder Mead algorithm combined with a bacterial foraging algorithm (BF–NM) is used based on a fuzzy multi-objective function. The proposed method allows for the simultaneous execution of reconfiguration and phase balancing while minimizing the interruption cost of rephasing in addition to eliminating network unbalancing and reducing neutral current and network losses. To demonstrate the efficiency of the BF–NM algorithm, its performance is compared with bacterial foraging (BF), particle swarm optimization (PSO), genetic and immune algorithms (GA and IA). The proposed method is applied to the IEEE 123-bus test network for evaluation. The simulation results confirm the efficiency of the method in reducing the system costs and network phase balancing.

► A new phase balancing and reconfiguration problem is solved by BF–NM method. ► In the proposed method, simultaneous implementation of two algorithms is considered. ► The proposed method is applied to the IEEE 123-bus test network for evaluation. ► The BF–NM has better performance in comparison BF, GA and IA methods.