Application to an italian distribution system of a multiobjective optimal Volt/VAR control strategy: improvements and management problems

In this paper, the experiences and results deriving from the application of a multiobjective optimal management strategy to a distribution network supplying an area in province of Palermo, Italy, are presented. The adopted strategy allows, through the interventions on the Under Load Tap Changers (ULTC) of the primary substations and on tie-switches, to reduce power losses and improve the voltage profiles. To solve the optimization problem, an evolutionary approach has been adopted; it employs fuzzy logic for an adequate and simultaneous fulfilment of the different objectives. The application section presents a deep technical and economical analysis of the results attained, applying the optimization algorithm, together with other interesting operational solutions.