Deployment of Fault Indicator in Distribution Networks: A MIP-Based Approach

Fault indicator (FI) plays a crucial rule in enhancing service reliability in distribution systems. This device brings substantial benefits for fault management procedure by speeding up fault location procedure. This paper intends to develop a new optimization model to optimally deploy FI in distribution systems. The proposed model aims to consider a tradeoff between the total customer interruption cost and FI relevant costs, including capital investment, installation, and maintenance costs. As the main contribution of this paper, the problem is formulated in mixed integer programming, which guarantees global optimum solution achieved in an effective runtime. Moreover, the model takes advantages of taking pragmatic fault location procedure into account, which results in more reliable solutions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is scrutinized through various case studies and sensitivity analyses of a test system. In addition, the applicability of the model in practice is appraised by applying it on a real-life distribution network. The resultant outcomes demonstrate the integrity of the proposed model.