Efficient Representations of Radiality Constraints in Optimization of Islanding and De-Energization in Distribution Grids

Abstract

Optimization of power distribution system topology is complicated by the requirement that the system be operated in a radial configuration. In this paper, we discuss existing methods for enforcing radiality constraints and introduce two new formulations that enable optimization over partially energized or islanded network topologies. The first builds on methods that use so-called parent-child constraints, but enforces those constraints on an abstracted network which enables an equivalent formulation with significantly less variables and constraints. The second formulation builds on existing approaches which directly generate constraints disallowing loops, and through an iterative approach seeks to limit the number of these constraints which must be enforced.