On the mathematical modeling for optimal selecting of calibers of conductors in DC radial distribution networks: An MINLP approach

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of optimal conductor selection in direct current (DC) distribution networks with radial topology. A nonlinear mixed-integer programming model (MINLP) is developed through a branch-to-node incidence matrix. An important contribution is that the proposed MINLP model integrates a set of constraints related to the telescopic structure of the network, which allows reducing installation costs. The proposed model also includes a time-domain dependency that helps analyze the DC network under different load conditions, including renewable generation and battery energy storage systems, and different voltage regulation operative consigns. The objective function of the proposed model is made up of the total investment in conductors and the total cost of energy losses in one year of operation. These components of the objective function show multi-objective behavior. For this reason, different simulation scenarios are performed to identify their effects on the final grid configuration. An illustrative 10-nodes medium-voltage DC grid with 9 lines is used to carry out all the simulations through the General Algebraic Modeling System known as GAMS.