Radial Distribution Network Reconfiguration for Loss Reduction and Load Balancing using Plant Growth Simulation Algorithm

Network reconfiguration is a combinatorial optimization problem because it accounts various operational constraints in distribution systems. Plant Growth Simulation Algorithm has emerged as a useful optimization tool for handling nonlinear programming problems. In this paper, Plant Growth Simulation Algorithm has been proposed with a view to enhance speed and robustness. This method has been applied successfully on some benchmark mathematical problems. The solution for loss reduction through network reconfiguration involves a guiding search over the relevant configurations. The branch load balancing index and system load balancing index are defined for formulation of objective function of load balancing problem. Most of the methods published in the literature require external parameters such as barrier factors, crossover rate etc. The main advantage of the method presented here does not require external parameters. The proposed method is tested to reconfigure 69-node radial distribution system for loss minimization and load balancing.