Heuristic Methodology for Planning AC Rural Medium-Voltage Distribution Grids

The optimal expansion of AC medium-voltage distribution grids for rural applications is addressed in this study from a heuristic perspective. routes feeder are selected by applying the concept minimum spanning tree limiting number branches that connected to substation (mixed-integer linear programming formulation). In order choose caliber conductors routes, maximum expected current absorbed loads calculated, thereby defining thermal bound conductor caliber. With topology and initial selection conductors, tabu search algorithm (TSA) implemented refine solution with help three-phase power flow simulation MATLAB three different load conditions, i.e., maximum, medium, consumption values 100%, 60%, 30%, respectively. This helps calculating annual costs energy losses will be summed investment cost determining final planning project. Numerical simulations two test feeders comprising 9 25 nodes one show effectiveness proposed methodology regarding grid cost; addition, calibers using provides at least 70% contained problem. demonstrates importance adequate starting points potentiate metaheuristic optimizers such as TSA.