Distribution system design optimization for cold load pickup

This paper presents a study on the optimal design of power distribution systems. Distribution substation transformer size and feeder sectionalizing switches are selected such that a cold load pickup situation can be handled while minimizing an annual cost function. The cases of a distribution substation with one or more transformer(s) are considered. In the latter case, the optimisation problem is formulated based on the worst-case scenario of having one of the transformers out of service.