Time varying load analysis to reduce distribution losses through reconfiguration

Abstract

An electrical distribution system reconfiguration algorithm for reducing losses is presented. The algorithm calculates switching patterns as a function of time. Either seasonal or daily time studies may be performed. A load estimation algorithm, which provides load information for each time point to be analyzed, can incorporate any or all of the following: spot loads, circuit measurements, and customer time-varying diversified load characteristics. Voltage dependence of loads is considered at the circuit level. It is shown that switching at the system peak can reduce losses, but may cause a marginal increase in system peak. Data structures used to model loads and to store switch configurations as a function of time are described. Example problems are provided to illustrate results.