Flexible Improvement in Distribution Network Under Intelligent Automation System

Error management processes encompass the detection, localization, and isolation of faults to ensure the continuous service of the healthy sections of the network. Automating these processes significantly reduces downtime duration. Perhaps the most critical incentive for distribution companies to implement automation is its substantial impact on enhancing system resilience and reliability. Network resilience is one of the primary goals of smart grid implementation and distribution network automation. This paper investigates the effect of installing automatic switching devices (distribution feeder automation) on improving the resilience of distribution networks during fault and failure conditions. To this end, several indices and scenarios regarding the number, type, and location of automatic and non-automatic switches for implementing feeder automation are introduced to evaluate the resilience of the distribution system. Additionally, a modified version of the particle swarm optimization algorithm is presented to determine the optimal placement of switching devices in the presence of distributed generation sources at the distribution levels. As a result, the possibility of islanding predetermined sections during fault conditions is created, reducing customer outages and improving network resilience. It is noteworthy that loads are prioritized based on their importance, so in the event of a fault, maintaining the supply to critical loads is given greater emphasis. This means that the resilience assessment is conducted with a focus on essential loads.