Evolutionary algorithm for network reconfiguration in distribution systems considering thermal operational conditions

This article presents a methodology for the development of an evolutionary algorithm (EA) applied to the reconfiguration of radial distribution systems. The EA uses an integrated thermal and electric model (ITM) to evaluate the fitness function. Initially, the ITM calculates steady-state temperature of each conductor and, consequently, their electric impedance. ITM can be used to assess overhead and underground networks. This assessment is done efficiently to obtain the electric losses in each topology obtained by EA. On the one hand, the ITM is applied to two real distribution networks: an underground of 144 bars and another overhead of 1,311 bars. Results show that there is a divergence from 3 to 17% when the ITM is used during electric losses evaluation. On the other hand, EA is applied to two overhead distribution networks of 14 and 135 bars. The solutions obtained are feasible and with electric losses approx. 14 % lower than that of the initial topology. © Brazilian Society for Automatics-SBA 2013.