A technique to boost Reliability and Efficiency of a Radial Distribution Network by considering the effect of Protective Devices and System Restructuring

•The technique of Distribution System Restructuring improves the system efficiency by reducing branch resistive losses•Distribution System Restructuring elevates the reliability of a distribution system by minimizing power outages•Protective devices such as Fuses improve system reliability further•The reliability evaluation technique covering all contingency scenarios is highly beneficial•The proposed optimization technique- Differential Evolution infused Krill Herd Sine Cosine algorithm, provides superior results The capability to supply reliable and efficient electric power is essential for any healthy power distribution network. Achieving these desirable network performance criteria has always been a concern for electric power utility firms. A solution to resolving this concern is demonstrated in this paper with the aid of an operational technique, known as Distribution System Restructuring. In this technique, the topological arrangement of the flow of branch currents is varied by operating the available network switches in such a way that the desired objective is fulfilled keeping all the nodes energized in a radial configuration. The method exhibits how without further infrastructural investments the reliability and efficiency of the system can be improved at various load levels. This paper also showcases the effect of protective devices on system reliability. A detailed analysis is provided to assess the possible interruption duration caused due to a fault. This assessment is pivotal for reliability evaluation. The proposed methodology benefits from a novel optimization technique named Differential Evolution infused Krill Herd Sine Cosine Algorithm. The methodology is applied to the IEEE 33-node and the IEEE 69-node distribution network. The numerical results so obtained prove its potency to solve the problem.