Optimal dynamic multi-microgrid structuring for improving distribution system resiliency considering time-varying voltage-dependent load models

This paper presents an innovative approach for enhancing distribution network resiliency against severe weather-related faults. Given the importance of loads in the resiliency concept, an exact and realistic load model is developed along with the consumption pattern and voltage-dependency of each load type. By defining two technical and economic objective functions, a unique method is used to combine and optimize the objective functions through Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA). Two main strategies, namely the dynamic arrangement of microgrid regions via hourly network reconfiguration as well as grid voltage control through Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) of distributed generation facilities, are utilized for increased load resto-ration. The effect of each of these strategies on grid resiliency is evaluated along with the overall approach ef-ficiency based on simulations on a sample 33-bus network comprising renewable and non-renewable resources and commercial, residential and industrial loads. Using this approach, the strategy to encounter each particular type of failure is obtained.