Pages: 18-24

Abstract

Development of distribution systems result in higher system losses and poor voltage regulation. Consequently, an efficient and effective distribution system has become more urgent and important. Hence proper selection of conductors in the distribution system is important as it determines the current density and the resistance of the line. This paper examines the use of different evolutionary algorithms, imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA), to optimal branch conductor selection in planning radial distribution systems with the objective to minimize the overall cost of annual energy losses and depreciation on the cost of conductors and reliability in order to improve productivity. Furthermore, The Backward-Forward sweep iterative method was adopted to solve the radial load flow analysis. Simulations are carried out on 69-bus radial distribution network using ICA approach in order to show the accuracy as well as the efficiency of the proposed solution technique.