Vitorino, R.M.Jorge, H.M.Neves, L.P.2026-03-262026-03-262013-03R.M. Vitorino, H.M. Jorge, L.P. Neves, Loss and reliability optimization for power distribution system operation, Electric Power Systems Research, Volume 96, 2013, Pages 177-184, ISSN 0378-7796, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsr.2012.11.0020378-7796http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/16005This study presents an optimization method that combines simultaneously the reliability and the efficiency of radial power distribution systems (RDS), minimizing active energy losses, through a process of network reconfiguration. The study is based on the failure analysis on network branches, with a special concern regarding the protection system response to faults and the service restoration procedures, during the emergency state. A non-sequential Monte Carlo simulation based on the branch reliability was used to evaluate reliability of the network configurations. Due to a large number of possible configurations and the need of an efficient search, the optimization is made through an improved genetic algorithm (IGA). The method analyses the RDS considering in a first step, the absence of investment, and in a second step, the possibility of placing a limited number of new tie-switches in certain branches, according to the definitions made by a decision maker. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through the analysis of a 69 bus RDS and by comparison against other reported methodologies.engGenetic algorithmLoss minimizationNetwork reconfigurationReliabilityService restorationjournal article10.1016/j.epsr.2012.11.002