Multi-agent-based reconfiguration for restoration of distribution systems with distributed generators

Restoration involves supplying the loads that lose power in the process of fault isolation. This process entails the development of a plan consisting of opening or closing of switches, the process called reconfiguration. Existing methods, based on centralized restoration schemes, which require a powerful central computer, may lead to a single point of failure. This paper proposes a decentralized scheme based on agents. The large-scale introduction of Distributed Generation (DG) in distribution systems has made it increasingly necessary to develop restoration schemes that consider DG. When a portion of the system isolated from the utility is fed by DGs, an island occurs. Load shedding may be the only option to maintain the island when conditions are so severe they require correction by restoration schemes. In this paper, a fast and efficient service restoration with load shedding method has been designed for land-based and ship systems, considering priority of customers. The load-shedding algorithm with the service restoration algorithm performs load shedding and restores the loads for systems with and without DG.