Meshed distribution network vs reinforcement to increase the distributed generation connection

The expected increase of distributed generation connected to the distribution network will bring many technical constraints. Meshing the network can be a cost effective solution but requires changing the protection scheme that does not suit to a meshed operation. The normally open switches of the network could be replaced by "quick deloopers'' based on a fault current limiter device. This system would enable to mesh the network in normal condition and to bring it radial in case of fault so that the standard protection scheme could locate and isolate it. If loops are well selected, the more the network is meshed, the higher the amount of connectable distributed generation without violating technical constraints will be. This paper investigates on the best location to loop the network considering a given target of distributed generation penetration. Several algorithms are proposed to get closer to the optimal solution and tested on a real French network. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.