A novel searching method for distribution network topology to maximize outputs of PV clusters

This paper proposes a novel searching method for radial distribution network to maximize outputs of PV generators. When a lot of PV generators are connected to distribution network, it is necessary to control PV outputs to keep the voltage within the regulated range of power quality. The aim of the paper is to find the optimal topology, that is the state of section switches so as to maximize the total PV outputs. This problem becomes a combinatorial optimization one and the exhaustive search results in enormous computation time. In this paper, a novel searching method is proposed which is based on the replacement of the complex combinatorial optimization problem with a minimization problem regarding with voltage profile of distribution network. The features of the proposed method are to utilize the relation between the total outputs of PV generators and the voltage profile, the superposition of radial electric circuit and a sequential algorithm for search in an optimal topology. In order to verify the proposed method, the comparison study has been done by using two distribution network models. As the result, there is possibility that the proposed method can find sub optimal topology in a short time compared with tabu search approach.