Optimum Pareto Method for Simultaneous Placement of Manual and Remote Controlled Switch Based on MILP Model

Manual and remote controlled switches are commonly used in distribution networks to improve the reliability of electricity supply. This article aims to determine the number and placement of network switches in order to optimize both the investment costs and the reliability of distribution systems. Based on a mixed integer linear programming model, this paper proposes a methodology to obtain the cost/reliability Pareto front relative the simultaneous placement of manual and remote controlled switches, with the reliability measured by the expected energy not served index. The methodology is applied on a standard reliability test system (RBTS4) and a Pareto front is obtained as a result, which defines a set of non-dominated solutions. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the results obtained by changes in system parameters. The proposed method provides a tool for the planning of electrical distribution networks, that assists in the decision making between conflicting objectives such as cost and reliability.