Application of NSGA-II Algorithm to Multiobjective Optimization of Switching Devices Placement in Electric Power Distribution Systems

Abstract : The Electric Utility Industry all around the world is facing numerous challenges, which include amongst others, the optimal use of expensive assets and resources and the maintenance of electric grid and customer quality service levels. The optimal placement of switches in electrical distribution networks will allow the control over service quality levels and the maximization of investments in equipments. This work proposes a genetic evolutionary algorithm NSGA-II for the optimization between the maximal return of investments on existing assets, while maintaining the quality of service provided. The trade off between total cost of investments and service quality levels SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) and SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index) is analyzed, to choose the optimal placement of switches in the distribution electrical networks. The proposed method was tested with a Portuguese real distribution network. The obtained results allowed to verify the performance of the adopted approach.