A reliability assessment based graph theoretical approach for feeder routing in power distribution networks including distributed generations

Feeder routing becomes more challenging as Distributed Generations (DGs) are increasingly embedded into the power distribution network. This paper presents a graph theoretic based feeder routing (a mixed non-linear integer optimization problem) in power distribution network including DGs. Graph theory is found to be much simpler and effective technique that significantly reduces the complexities of the search algorithms and provides the optimal radial path while minimizing the cost. The proposed technique has been extensively tested for different topologies of power distribution networks considering DGs and the results obtained for feeder routing is highly encouraging compared to the existing techniques. Also the reliability assessment is carried out to evaluate the reliability of the optimal radial networks including DGs. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.