Optimal Configuration of Power Distribution Networks with Small Intermittent Energy Sources

The problem of reconfiguration of electric power distribution networks searches a topology for the network that minimizes technical losses (resistive losses). Finding the optimal configurations is a difficult combinatorial optimization problem that has been gaining a new form over the last decade, arising from the introduction of distributed generation along the networks, and of complementary innovations associated to the concept Smart Grids. A previous paper discussed the characteristics and solution alternatives for the problem in scenarios where there is a small set of random sources with significant energy generation compared to the total energy handled by the distribution network. This paper discusses the problem of unveiling the best network configuration for the operation of a radial distribution network when a large number of small intermittent sources inject energy in the network.