Simultaneous Placement of Fault Indicator and Sectionalizing Switch in Distribution Networks

Automation systems provide substantial improvement in service reliability through speeding up fault management procedure. However, this is at expense of high investments whose justification needs thorough cost/worth analyses. This paper introduces a mathematical model to optimally place automation system devices within distribution networks. The model establishes a trade-off between service reliability improvements and the relevant costs. Among different automation system devices, fault indicators and remote controlled switches are considered here. Also, the impact of manual switches is regarded since their number and location significantly affect the solution of the placement problem. The proposed model is developed in the mixed integer programming format which can be effectively solved via available solvers. The effectiveness of the proposed model is demonstrated through a test system and a real-life distribution network. The obtained results indicate the great performance of the model in enhancing service reliability as well as reducing system costs.