Distribution systems reliability improvement using optimal phase balancing and economic analysis

Abstract

Abstract Distribution systems are the most unbalanced part of the power network. This voltage unbalances can cause some major problems such as the abnormal performance of induction motors associated with their load increment, the network reliability decrease, increase in power losses, etc. So, phase balancing should be considered in distribution networks through the most effective rephasing strategy. In this paper, the optimal automatic rephasing strategy in order to improvement of distribution system reliability is investigated. On the other hand, the impacts of voltage unbalances on induction motors and their costs are optimized. Generally, this paper focuses on the system costs reduction through optimal automatic phase balancing especially in a smart environment. The proposed optimization model is solved by self-adaptive modified firefly algorithm (SAMFA). The performance of the SAMFA is compared with the ordinary firefly algorithm (FA), particle swarm algorithm (PSO) as well as genetic algorithm (GA). The proposed method is applied to the Kheibar feeder in Behbahan, Iran. Simulation studies and results analysis greatly demonstrate the significant economic benefits achieved from this research.