Reconfiguration of radial distribution system with static load models for loss minimization

Loads in distribution system changes with time and weather conditions. With the change in loading conditions power utilities usually reconfigured the network topology for optimal operation. In existing literature, network reconfiguration is performed with constant power load models. However, in real time operation, load characteristics changes with system voltage profile differently. In load modeling, the voltage dependent load has their different voltage exponents. The variation in voltage exponents with change in loading further depends upon the type of load. Therefore, the optimal configuration obtained for specific loading may not be optimum if implemented with change in loading conditions. In this paper, different load models are considered and in order to obtain the optimal configuration harmony search algorithm (HSA) is used. The results are demonstrated on an IEEE 33-node distribution system.