Online reconfiguration considering variability demand: applications to real networks

This paper presents how the application of the minimal loss reconfiguration in distribution networks can help to evaluate online reconfiguration benefits, considering the time varying nature of loads, using daily load profiles in each node of the system. The emphasis in this evaluation is hourly reconfiguration in distribution systems, compared to fixed topologies, considering maximum and average demand of the system. The results of applications to two real systems show unexpectedly that hourly reconfiguration is not so effective, if compared to a simple maximum or average demand reconfiguration. These conclusions are based on the decrease of obtained losses and on the amount of commutations involved in the hourly reconfiguration process.