Enhancement of Iraqi power distribution systems performance using optimal system reconfiguration

Abstract EN

This paper presents a method to enhance the performance of Iraqi power distribution systems using an optimal system reconfiguration strategy.

The objective of the proposed method is to minimize the active power losses and then improve the voltage profile with considering the current-carrying capacity of the system branches.

In order to determine the optimal system configuration, a new optimization method, called selective water cycle optimization method, is also proposed in this paper.

The proposed method is based on the traditional water cycle optimization method, but it is modified to consider the selective search space required in the reconfiguration problem.

The proposed methods were evaluated and tested on an actual distribution system nominated by the Directorate of Electricity Distribution in Babylon/Iraq, based on repeated consumer complaints about the poor quality of the power supply.