Distribution grid reconfiguration sensitive to transmission cost allocation

The reconfiguration of electrical distribution systems has been addressed in numerous scientific studies. Thus, several techniques and models are considered, especially to reduce electrical losses and improve the voltage profile. However, it is clear that even with the increase in research, which has been accentuated since the last decade, the locational pricing and the transmission costs allocation is little explored. In this regard, the proposed method is a distribution system reconfiguration (DSR) optimization problem focused on minimizing the use of the transmission system. In order to validate the meta-heuristic employed for the DSR, the IEEE 33 and 69 node test systems are used as a proof of concept. In addition, case studies with four substations, three different transmission cost allocation techniques, and transmission system capacity scenarios are analyzed. Numerical results showed an important transmission expansion deferral with consequent decrease in overall costs compared to the classic DSR. The transmission network use of system (TNUoS) charges can play a crucial role in reducing the total cost of the electrical system, promoting distributors to change their feeder patterns so that a larger share of loads access substations with lower charges.