A variable neighborhood search simheuristic algorithm for reliability optimization of smart grids under uncertainty

A fundamental part of the self-healing grid is reducing disturbances and automatically responding to problems. Toward this goal, smart grid operators would be of great use to ensure stability after a potential overload for a planning horizon, as the electrical values are unknown. To evaluate the robustness of the topology reconfiguration after a disturbance, like an overload, reliability analysis through simulation can be employed. However, the simulation approach we propose in this paper, except for the excessive time it consumes, cannot assure the quality of its solutions. To achieve a more robust configuration, we, additionally, propose a single-stage stochastic program to optimize the grid topology configuration after a potential overload to ensure stability for the next day. We suggest a simheuristic approach based on a Variable Neighborhood Search metaheuristic to solve the above stochastic optimization problem. We evaluate the two approaches for this real-world problem, together with Creos Luxembourg S.A., the leading grid operator in Luxembourg. We show that our method can quickly suggest countermeasures to operators facing potential overloading incidents, ensuring the smart grid's stability for the next day.