Ant Colony Optimization-Based Method for Placement of Sectionalizing Switches in Distribution Networks Using a Fuzzy Multiobjective Approach

This paper proposes a methodology for placement of sectionalizing switches in distribution networks in the presence of distributed generation sources. The multiobjective considerations are handled using a fuzzy approach. The primary objective is reliability improvement with consideration of economic aspects. Thus, the objectives are defined as reliability improvement and minimization of the cost of sectionalizing switches. A fuzzy membership function is defined for each term in the objective function according to relevant conditions. Some considerations incorporated in the proposed model are relocation of existing switches and operating constraints on distribution networks and distributed generation (DG) sources during post-fault service restoration. The ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is adopted to solve the fuzzy multiobjective problem efficiently. The performance of the proposed approach is assessed and illustrated by various case studies on a test distribution system and also a real distribution network.