Open Access

ARTICLE

Hybrid Optimal Load Transfer for New Distribution Networks Coordinating Island Operation and Network Reconfiguration

Zhan Lv^*, Lan Lan, Zijian Hu, Honghua Xu, Hong Zhu, Jiehua Hou
Nanjing Power Supply Company, State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
* Corresponding Author: Zhan Lv. Email:
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Digital and Intelligent Planning and Operation Technologies for Flexible Distribution Network)

Energy Engineering https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2026.075769

Received 07 November 2025; Accepted 13 January 2026; Published online 29 January 2026

Abstract

To fully utilize the diverse source-grid-load-storage flexible resources integrated in new distribution networks, this paper proposes an optimal load transfer strategy that coordinates distributed generator island operation with network reconfiguration. Following a fault event, the strategy prioritizes the black-start capability of distributed generators and establishes island operation model to maximize and locally restore critical loads while respecting island operational constraints. To solve this model, the actual topology of the new distribution network is abstracted as a tree structure, and an improved Kruskal algorithm is employed to derive the minimum spanning tree, achieving optimal island partition for black-start distributed generators. Subsequently, for the residual network not included in the islands, a network reconfiguration model is formulated by considering multiple objectives including load loss minimization, network loss reduction, and switching operation optimization. Notably, to address the common limitations of existing methods in solving such complex, large-scale, and nonlinear optimization problems, the caterpillar fungus optimizer algorithm is adopted to efficiently and rapidly solve the proposed model. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed load transfer strategy are validated using modified IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 123-bus test systems as representative new distribution networks. The comparative results demonstrate not only the performance advantages of the proposed strategy but also its practical applicability to distribution systems of different scales and complexities, offering a significant contribution to the field of reliability of power supply in the distribution network.

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Keywords

New distribution networks; load transfer strategy; island partition; network reconfiguration; caterpillar fungus optimizer

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