On Loss-Minimal Radial Topologies in MV Systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates optimal radial topologies in medium-voltage distribution systems, proposing an AC distribution system reconfiguration formulation that enhances computational efficiency through acyclicity constraints.

Contribution

It introduces a novel AC DSR formulation with acyclicity constraints, improving solver performance over existing methods.

Findings

Acyclicity constraints significantly improve solver efficiency.

The proposed formulation outperforms common existing formulations.

Radial operation enhances system resilience and fault management.

Abstract

Distribution system reconfiguration (DSR) means optimizing the topology of a distribution grid using switching actions. Switching actions are a degrees of freedom available to distribution system operators, e.g. to manage planned and unplanned outages. DSR is a NP-hard combinatorial problem. Finding good or even optimal solutions is computationally expensive. While transmission and high-voltage grids are generally operated in a meshed state, MV distribution systems are commonly operated as radial networks even though meshed operation would be supported. This improves resilience because faults can be isolated more easily keeping the rest of the system operational and minimizing impact on customers. We propose an AC DSR formulation and benchmark it against a common formulation from the literature. Our results indicate that additional acyclicity constraints can significantly improve solver performance.