Voltage Regulation and Power Losses Minimization in Automated Distribution Networks by an Evolutionary Multiobjective Approach

In this paper, the problem of voltage regulation andpower losses minimization for automated distribution systems isdealt with. The classical formulation of the problem of optimalcontrol of shunt capacitor banks and Under Load Tap Changerslocated at HV/MV substations has been coupled with the optimalcontrol of tie-switches and capacitor banks on the feeders of a largeradially operated meshed distribution system with the aim of attainingminimum power losses and the flattening of the voltage profile.The considered formulation requires the optimization of twodifferent objectives; therefore the use of adequate multiobjectiveheuristic optimization methods is needed. The heuristic strategyused for the optimization is based on fuzzy sets theory.After a brief description of the general problem of optimalcontrol of voltage and power losses in automated distributionnetworks, the most recent papers on the topic are reported andcommented. Then the problem formulation and the solution algorithmare described in detail. Finally, numerical results on a largedistribution system demonstrate that the proposed formulationand approach are effective and feasible for finding an optimalgeneralized dispatching schedule.