Use of Genetic Algorithms of Biased Random Keys for Problems in Electric Power Distribution Systems

This study investigates two significant issues in electrical power distribution systems. The first is termed the distribution network reconfiguration problem, which involves altering the states of switches, typically open (NO) and normally closed (NC), to identify the optimal configuration to minimize energy losses. The second issue, the network restoration problem, entails restoring the network after a blackout by isolating the problem and ensuring electricity supply to the maximum number of consumers possible. This research integrates these two problems and explores a solution strategy by combining mathematical programming with the biased random-key genetic algorithm (BRKGA). The method is evaluated on a well-known 33-bus network from the literature, and the results demonstrate that, in both cases, the proposed solution method successfully achieves lower energy losses and restores all network demands.