Application of the Vortex Search Algorithm to the Phase-Balancing Problem in Distribution Systems

This article discusses the problem of minimizing power loss in unbalanced distribution systems through phase-balancing. This problem is represented by a mixed-integer nonlinear-programming mathematical model, which is solved by applying a discretely encoded Vortex Search Algorithm (DVSA). The numerical results of simulations performed in IEEE 8-, 25-, and 37-node test systems demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology when compared with the classical Cuh & Beasley genetic algorithm. In addition, the computation times required by the algorithm to find the optimal solution are in the order of seconds, which makes the proposed DVSA a robust, reliable, and efficient tool. All computational implementations have been developed in the MATLAB(R) programming environment, and all the results have been evaluated in DigSILENT (c) software to verify the effectiveness and the proposed three-phase unbalanced power-flow method.

Automated summary

This article presents a method for minimizing power loss in unbalanced distribution systems through phase balancing, using a Vortex Search Algorithm (DVSA) for solving the problem. Numerical simulations in various test systems show that the proposed methodology is effective and efficient compared to the classical genetic algorithm. The computational implementations in MATLAB(R) environment have been evaluated using DigSILENT (c) software to verify the proposed three-phase unbalanced power-flow method's effectiveness.