Application of Probabilistic and Optimization Methods for the Location of Protection Equipment in Medium Voltage Lines

Abstract

The design of protection systems and the location of their elements in electrical power distribution networks has historically been based on operational requirements, sometimes finding arbitrary solutions based mainly on the experience of those responsible for their planning. Considering the requirements of regulatory entities and the sensitivity to faults it is proposed to design a methodology that allows identifying the best location of a medium voltage line recloser and/or sectionalizer equipment, such that costs are minimized global operations and improve user reliability indexes. To do this, probabilistic methods such as Montecarlo simulation and evolutionary optimization methods are applied. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed techniques is evaluated from their application to a typical real distribution network, modeled and simulated using specific software for the representation of electrical power systems.