Vulnerability assessment and reconfiguration of microgrid through search vector artificial physics optimization algorithm

•A power flow modeling under islanded mode in a microgrid is presented.•Several vulnerability assessment indices are presented based on the inherent characteristics of microgrids.•This new vulnerability assessment system is a valuable tool for vulnerability analysis.•A new reconfiguration model aiming at the total vulnerability is proposed.•The novel artificial physics optimization algorithm with a searching vector operates very well. Taking the mathematical model and reliability parameters of the microgrid into account, this paper has proposed two vulnerability assessment indices (VAI) – weighted complex network structure parameters and comprehensive operational sensitivity to set up a vulnerability assessment system. The microgrid reconfiguration (MR) model is built with consideration of the grid-connected/island mode and the VAI. A novel artificial physics optimization algorithm with a searching vector (SVAPO) is presented and applied to minimize the system vulnerability. The technique has been successfully implemented on CERTS and 38-bus microgrids to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed method. The results obtained are encouraging.