Parallel genetic algorithm for service restoration in electric power distribution systems

This paper develops a coarse-grain parallel genetic algorithm for solving a service restoration problem in electric power distribution systems. Service restoration is performed to restore electricity for out-of-service areas. Developing effective service restoration procedures is a cost-effective approach to improving service reliability and enhancing customer satisfaction. The main objective in service restoration procedures is to restore as much load as possible by transferring de-energized loads via network reconfigurations to other supporting distribution feeders without violating operating and engineering constraints. Details of the parallel genetic algorithm developed in this paper are described The proposed method is implemented on transputers for parallel computations. The feasibility of the developed algorithm for service restoration is demonstrated on several distribution networks with promising results.