This paper introduces a novel algorithm for radial distribution networks reconfiguration, called “Sifting algorithm.” It not only has a simple structure but also has high speed and accuracy. It works by eliminating infeasible states and reduces the search space and then it uses a simple method to find optimum answer in remaining space. To ensure the effectiveness of this algorithm, a 16-switch test network was tested and the results were compared with three other well-known algorithms. The results of simulations showed high speed and accuracy of this algorithm. 1. Introduction Due to daily growth of electrical energy consumers and available limitations of generation and transmission of energy, distribution systems are often operating under overload conditions. The statistical results showed that majority of interruptions of energy come from distribution systems. For this reason these systems are taken in consideration recently. Some of the most important objectives for optimization include reducing, total losses of system (due to economic attractiveness), improving reliability of system (due to reduce faults) and improving voltage profile (due to consumers satisfaction). Optimization of these systems is done by a usual method that is called “reconfiguration” or “restructuring.” Reconfiguration will change structure of the network by changing status of its switches. These switches can be divided into two categories including sectionalizing (normally close) switches and tie (normally open) switches [1]. In fact for changing structure of the network, the switches states should be changed. Since the most distribution networks all over the world are radial, there are some specific limitations for them. Some of these limitations include maintaining radial structure, establishing load balancing, not overloading equipment and, and so forth [2]. The other work of reconfiguration is introduction of switching scenarios of the network. It will help operators to take the best decision in a minimum time. It minimizes human faults and does not need to shut down the system too [3]. The most important data for reconfiguration include load consummation patterns and data of system. Usually, it is assumed that loads are constant, but sometimes they are taken into consideration as probabilistic. To obtain this information such systems like Customer Information Systems (CIS) and Outage Management Information System (OMIS) can be used [4]. Reconfiguration can be done automatically in the smart networks (3G). In these networks the status of system is observable online and
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