Optimal Switching Operations of Soft Open Points in Active Distribution Network for Handling Variable Penetration of Photovoltaic and Electric Vehicles Using Artificial Rabbits Optimization

Global warming, rising fuel prices, and limited conventional fuel supplies are driving the use of renewable energy, battery energy storage, and electric vehicles, transforming traditional electrical distribution networks into active distribution networks. Stochastic technologies can present operational and control challenges, especially for radially configured active distribution networks. In this scenario, strengthening the existing active distribution networks is necessary. This study optimally integrates soft open points for dynamic network reconfiguration to handle uncertainty in active distribution networks. The location, size, and reconfiguration of the soft open points were obtained for the hourly load profile, which included electric vehicle fleet load penetration and PV distributed generation. The proposed multi-objective function uses active power loss, voltage profile, and reliability indices. The proposed multivariable optimization problem was solved using artificial rabbits optimization. The simulations were performed on a modified IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system. The computational efficiency of artificial rabbits optimization is competitive with other prominent algorithms. The proposed approach of optimal soft open points and dynamic network reconfiguration is utilized to cope with uncertainty and run the present active distribution networks with better technical and reliability characteristics.