Network Expansion for Improved Reliability in Distribution Networks

This paper introduces a graph-based approach for enhancing the reliability of distribution systems by installing new tie-lines. The number and location of the new lines are obtained as the solution of an edge-connectivity augmentation problem. Practical considerations in network expansion are factored in while arriving at the optimal set of new lines. Reliability enhancement is measured by introducing metrics which are functions of the network topology. The numerical results obtained on test systems show that even partial augmentations using the lines identified by the proposed approach offer improved overall reliability.