Optimal location of protection devices based on the importance of reliability in the distribution network with an improved genetic algorithm

The distribution network is always exposed to many blackouts due to its size. Reducing downtime, reducing undistributed energy, increasing reliability and thus customer satisfaction are important goals of a distribution company. The performance of power systems is affected by many factors such as various errors, network maneuvers and unwanted equipment out of service. Protective switches can reduce subscribers' downtime and redistributed energy and associated costs by isolating a faulty network point. On the other hand, due to the high costs of purchasing, installing, and maintaining protective equipment such as reclosers and sectionalizers, distribution companies seek to minimize these costs. Therefore, determining the minimum number of reclosers and sectionalising awitches necessary for reliable protection of the network and their optimal installation location is one of the basic needs of distribution network operators. The main purpose of this study is to determine the number and optimal location of recloser and sectionalising awitches protection equipment in the distribution network using an improved genetic algorithm. The proposed method is tested on one of the distribution feeders in Bojnourd city called Nader and its results are compared with other evolutionary methods such as genetics, frog mutation and particle swarm optimization.