Reduction of losses in electric power distribution system-dynamic reconfiguration case study

This paper deals with reduction of losses in electric power distribution system through a dynamic reconfiguration case study of a grid in the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The proposed solution is based on a nonlinear model predictive control algorithm which determines the optimal switching operations of the distribution system. The goal of the control algorithm is to find the optimal radial network topology which minimizes cumulative active power losses and maximizes voltages across the network while simultaneously satisfying all system constraints. The optimization results are validated through multiple simulations (using real power demand data collected for a few characteristic days during winter and summer) which demonstrate the efficiency and usefulness of the developed control algorithm in reducing the grid losses by up to 14%.