Optimal MV/LV transformer allocation in distribution network for power losses reduction and cost minimization: A new multi-objective framework

Among distribution network planning (DNP) problems, medium voltage (MV) to low voltage (LV) transformer allocation is one of the most important and challenging ones. This article presents a multi-objective optimization framework for solving MV/LV transformer allocation problem considering two goals: power losses and investment cost. Transformer allocation problem has been solved in three scenarios: (1) base case, (2) mid-term planning, and (3) long-term planning. In order to effectively and efficiently solve this nonlinear problem, multi-objective crow search algorithm (MOCSA) and multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) have been applied and compared in terms of Pareto front. Simulation results show that solving transformer allocation problem in multi-objective framework results in a set non-dominated solutions which provide a trade-off between losses and cost. Moreover, MOCSA produces more promising results than MOPSO.