The article considers the issues of increasing the effectiveness of solving the most widespread and relevant for electric power distribution systems problem of determining the optimal locations of normally open points in the circuits of distribution networks, aimed at complex increasing the efficiency of their operation and, first of all, minimizing electric energy losses. The future restoration and development of the energy sector of Ukraine is associated with the wide involvement of local energy resources in the power supply processes, primarily renewable ones. At the same time, it is demonstrated that under the conditions of active use of distributed renewable energy sources, the traditional formulation of the problem of determining the optimal places of normally open points loses its meaning. This is due to the fact that the unstable generation from the side of the mentioned energy sources does not allow us to consider daily modes over longer time intervals (for example, during a season of or half the year) as the relatively homogeneous. However, this was this basis condition for the traditional formulations of the problem of determining the optimal place of open points, which are unchangeable over the long-time intervals. In this regard, the paper proposes sequential steps for adapting approaches to solving the mentioned above problem to the new conditions of distribution network operation. The specified proposals are synchronized with the capabilities of both hardware and information support of distribution systems, justify and contain the following stages.
First, a change in the content of the objective function is considered. In this case, the decision is made not on the basis of an analysis of the modes of a characteristic day of a certain integral period of time, but the entire period of time is analyzed, based on the approach proposed in the article. In this case, various network operation scenarios are analyzed and the duration of each of them is taken into account. It is clear that the implementation of such a solution does not require additional investment. At the next stage, the feasibility of partially replacing existing switching devices with similar devices with remote control and simultaneous streamlining of the use of the existing information is analyzed. Such a solution makes it possible to dynamically change the topology of the distribution line in according with a corresponding change of parameters of modes of operation, which take place even during each separate day. Such a solution requires limited additional investments for its implementation. The most effective result is achieved through the implementation of modern technologies based on the use of power electronics, which allows for real-time mode control. But this requires significant investments not only for the technical arrangement of networks, but in required a radical change in the information support. At the same time, this option for controlling the modes of distribution networks can be considered as the basis for the future implementation of the Smart Grid concept in the electrical networks of Ukraine.
This work is openly licensed — share and adapt freely with attribution to the authors and the journal. View license terms ↗
Copyright (c) 2026 Володимир Попов, Олена Ярмолюк, Вадим Ткаченко
The aim of the study is to substantiate the structure of a resilience index for the regional electricity supply system and to develop a calculation method for its…
The severe generation deficit within the Integrated Power System of Ukraine, which forces distribution system operators to widely implement rolling power outages and…
The paper considers the impact of uncoordinated charging of electric vehicles in residential microgrids with solar generation. It is shown that such charging causes…
