Resiliency in active distribution systems via network reconfiguration

Distribution systems have to withstand against natural calamities in such a way that self-healing (SH) persists even during blackout with multiple line faults in the system. Owing to limited power generation from distributed energy resources (DERs), the real challenge behind SH algorithm (SHA) is to restore maximum priority loads (PLs) while satisfying vital network operational constraints besides maintaining better efficiency and reliability of the system. This paper proposes a three-stage SHA to enhance resiliency of distribution systems. Proposed SHA can efficiently restore maximum PLs via network reconfiguration (NR) without intentional islanding during blackout with multiple line faults in the system. The algorithm first transform the faulty distribution network (FDN) into an augmented FDN (AFDN) just to facilitate load flow and tedious mesh checks and then maximizes PLs to be energized while maintaining power balance and other network operational constraints. Finally, AFDN is optimally reconfigured to enhance efficiency and node voltage profile of the system considering uncertain environment of load and generation. Proposed method is demonstrated on a standard test bench while duly addressing a variety of line faults and the results obtained are presented. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a three-stage Self-healing Algorithm (SHA) to enhance the resiliency of distribution systems, efficiently restoring maximum priority loads during blackout with multiple line faults while maintaining system efficiency and reliability. The algorithm transforms faulty distribution network into an augmented FDN (AFDN) for load flow and mesh checks, maximizing prioritized loads while considering power balance and operational constraints. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in handling various line faults.