This paper presents a methodology to evaluate the optimal configuration of radial electric power distribution systems. Network loss minimization is set as the main objective to demonstrate the potential in solving real problems. The proposed framework is based on genetic algorithms (GA), which makes possible the analysis of real sized networks. This allows for attaining optimized solutions in an affordable computation time, especially for expansion and operation planning applications. The method requires neither simplifications nor approximations to the original problem formulation, thus improving the quality of the obtained results. Basic (or canonical) GA and some variants are presented, highlighting main functional characteristics of each alternative and respective parameterization. The proposed methodology is first applied to a hypothetical network, in which the minimum losses configuration is known in advance. Several simulations make possible comparing the performance of each GA parameter. Finally, the best parameter settings are applied to a real sized network, illustrating the promising potential of this methodology.
Losses minimization; Distribution networks; Optimization; Genetic algorithms
