Optimal sectionalizing switches allocation in distribution networks

Automatic devices that locate and automatically sectionalize faulted branches in MV power distribution systems restrict drastically the extent of disruption caused by long power interruptions when properly positioned. Some algorithms and automatic calculation procedures are proposed for determining the optimum number and location of automatic sectionalizing switching devices. Using these algorithms, the optimal solution can be found for both radial and meshed systems. The procedure is based on Bellmann's optimality principle which, combined with thinning techniques, yields the optimal solution in a few ms for real size problems.