Optimal Switch Insertion for Power Loss Reduction and Reliability Enhancement in the Nigeria Conventional Distribution Networks: A Case Study

This paper seeks to analyze the potentials of optimal switch insertion and relocation of the existing ones in the Nigeria conventional distribution network for reliability enhancement and power loss minimization. Maximizing customers’ satisfaction and enhancement of service reliability of the distribution network isa critical thing to utility and how to achieve it is also a major concern? Optimal switch insertion can enhance the network operation, minimize power losses in the lines, increase service restoration to blackout areas and improve the electric power supply to customers in the distribution network and increase the system reliability. The impact of optimal insertion of sectionalizing switches and optimal relocation of the existing ones for reliability enhancement and power loss reduction in real-time distribution network has been investigated. Additionally, the research examined the history of frequent power interruptions in the network and their cost implication on the system and customers alike, and as well as the benefits of eliminating frequent outages in the Nigeria distribution networks as a case study. Also, feeder ranking based on reliability indices, customer damage function (CDF), capital investment and their correlations were analyzed and established. Conclusively, the results depicted that the reliability of the network can be affected by the number of sectionalizing switches introduced by an optimal relocation of the existing ones and their locations as well as its capacity of power loss reduction in the network.