Network radiality in reconfiguration of a radial power distribution system using a matrix-structured knowledge-based system

The radial distribution system is the most commonly used power distribution system, but lacks reliability because there is only one power source for a group of customers. A knowledge-based system is defined that ensures network radiality during reconfiguration of a power distribution system. Network radiality heuristics identify a pair of switching operations that will preserve radiality. A line section table specifies the line section identifier, start bus, end bus, line section type, and switch existence for each line section in the network. A bus table identifies the line section that supplies the bus and those line sections that are fed by the bus for each bus in the network. A matrix-structured knowledge base with five distinct rule bases is used. Rule base A is used in determining which other rule bases to activate. Rule base B is used in considering whether to open a switch and rule base C is used during a breadth first search in finding a corresponding initially open switch to close to assume the load transfer that would be necessitated by the switch opening. Rule base D is used in considering whether to close a switch and rule base E is used during a breadth first search in finding a corresponding initially closed switch to open because of the load transfer that would be necessitated by the switch closing. The line section and bus tables must be updated after any switching operations are enacted. Extensive simulations of the knowledge-based system revealed that a solution was found in a time-efficient manner. This knowledge-based system enhances network reliability and hence prevents power outages. Also, the knowledge-based system can be used to preserve radiality during optimization of power distribution system operations for different objectives.