Paper accepted for presentation at 2003 IEEE Bologna PowerTech Conference, June 23-26, Bologna, Italy
A Model for the Improvement of Load
Balancing in Secondary Networks
A. B. Knolseisen, J. Coelho, S. F. Mayerle, F. J. S. Pimentel and R. H. Guembarovski
Abstruct- The energy distribution systems are naturally
unbalanced, mainly due to unbalanced loads and different
number of phases per circuit. The reconfiguration of distribution
networks are usually done with a focus on reducing electrical
losses and balancing loads, relieving the systems of overload
conditions. The main of this work is to present a model that uses
Genetic Algorithm to achieve the balancing in three-phase
secondary distribution networks. The procedure used is based on
load transfer between electrical network phases, aiming at a
balance with a minimum set of actuation. Thus, the problem of
balance can be characterized through a mono-objective focus, and
its efficiency can be assessed through transformer balance and the
consequent improvement in voltage drop along the main feeder.
Index T e r m s e n e t i c Algorithms, Load Balancing, Power
Quality, Radial Distribution Systems, Unbalanced Distribution
Networks, Voltage Drop.
I. INTRODUCTION
HE changes through which the electrical systems in most
T countries are going, and as a consequence, the regulation
of this sector, demand investments for the improvement of
quality standards of the services they provide [ 13.
The assurance of power supply for the entire demand is the
main objective in the search for service quality, which can be
achieved by different configurations of the electrical system.
The decision in favor of the best configuration, which should
consider technical as well as economic factors, is usually a
process that demands computational techniques, which has
grown in the last few years [2,3]. The optimization methods
automate the process of evolution of different network
configurations, seeking cost minimization in order to achieve
previously set technical criterion.
A balanced operation of the distribution system reduces
probabilities of overload caused by, for instance, voltage
fluctuation in the electrical network. However, the unbalance
is an inherent characteristic of radial systems, caused mainly
by the presence of unbalanced load [4].
This work was supported in part by the Brazilian Research Council
(CNPq) and in part by the Santa Catarina Central Electric Company
(CELESC).
A. B. Knolseisen and J Coelho are with the Department of Electrical
Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil (e-mail:
abarbara@labplan.ufsc.br, coelho@labplan.ufsc.br).
S. F. Mayerle is with the Department of Production Engineering, Federal
University of Santa Catarina, Brazil (e-mail: mayerle@eps.ufsc.br).
F. J. S. Pimentel and R. H. Guembarovski are with CELESC, Brazil (e-
mail: franciscojsp@celesc.com.br,ricardohg@celesc.com.br).
0-7803-7967-5/03/$17.00 02003 IEEE
The reconfiguration of distribution systems seeking
balancing can be achieved by meims of sectioning switches or
of load redistribution among feeder phases. The redistribution
of load implies in transferring laads fiom one branch of the
system to another, achieving an improvement in the
operational condition of the system as a whole.
In 1989, in order to seek for the best configuration of load
balancing, two different methods were developed, through
load transfer between two substations or between feeders [5].
An algorithm for the calculation of multiphase power flow,
based on the Power Summation Method, was presented in
1996 [4]. In the same year [6] proposed an efficient algorithm
for the reconfiguration of highly unbalanced distribution
networks. An algorithm based 011 the reconfiguration of the
distribution network for an optimal load balance was presented
in [7]. In [8] was presented a method to optimize the phase
arrangement of the distribution transformers connected to a
primary feeder, improving system balance and minimizing
system power losses. A genetic algorithm-based approach was
proposed to sol the multi-objectivl: optimization problem. The
balance of total power is based 011 the power balance of each
transformer phase, and the result is the maximization of the
average voltage in the circuit. Ilowever, in [9], the main
objective is the improvement of the worst voltage in the path
analyzed.
This work presents a model for the load balancing of
secondary distribution networks based on load transfer
between networks phases, using a technical based in Genetic
Algorithm. Researches of balanced based in Merit Figures
proved mono-objective focus for achieving phase balance is
adequate and satisfactory [ 101. Thus, a merit function based on
transformer unbalance is used to assess the solutions.
The software developed achieves secondary distribution
networks phase balance (actions related to operation and
maintenance), with a previously (establishednumber of load
transfer between the phases of feeder, helping in the allocation
of new consumers (actions related to expansion planning) [ 113.
Afterwards, the mathematical model will be present, as well
as the merit functions that indicate the optimal solution and a
description of pertinence functions and genetic algorithm.
11. MODELFOR THE LOAD BAIANCING
IN SECONDARY
NETWORKS
The topology of low voltage networks (LV) may be defined
by a graph G = (N, A), where N is the set of nodes in the
network, and A is the set of arcs, which connect these nodes. respective consumer should be connected.
We say that (i, j ) E A is a path of the network if between pair Although the model is typically combinatory and non-
of nodes ( j , j ) there is a physical connection. ~na general linear, its resolution depends Uniquely on the determination of
way, these networks present themselves as branches rooted in the binary variable vector x = ki!i),
whose value allows us to
IJ

a node s, where the transformer is located. Given this

determine all other variables in the model and, as a
topology, the model of balancing may be described, in general,
consequence, the merit function used.
as follows:

Ma z = f(V,I,Pl) (1) 111. MERIT FUNCTION FOR SOLUTION ASSESSMENT

vk E K 9 ( 2 ) A. Solution adequate criterion
V(i, j ) E A Consider the set of viable solutions, defined by restrictions

VkE K
(4) In order to be considered adequate, a solution x E So should
V(i, j ) . A
satisfy some additional criterion, such as: reduced voltage
vsk = vtrafo 'dk E (5) drop, balanced load on the phases of the transformer allocated,
kl currents that are compatible with cables used, reduced
xxn,j =1 vn9 j,l ( 6 ) electrical loss through the cables, and a minimum number of
k
phase switch. Satisfaction as to these criterion is defined by
x k1 . E (0,l) Vn,j , I (7) means of the following sets:
4 J

) is the voltage vector whose element Vjk Relative Voltage Drop (less than q):
where: V = (VF

represents the voltage in the k phase oh the j E N node;

is the current vector whose element I k.. represents
9
phase k current in the path (i, j)E A ; PI =(PI;) is the
I
sl=X I vh'afo-'
'tray0
k
5 q, vk,iE N

Unbalance of Transformer (less than A):

(9)

losses vector whose element PI.. k represents loss and R..k

IJ 9
impedance in the k phase of the path (i, j)E A ; V is the
trafo
1
reference voltage applied on the transformer; Pn, the power
Relative Electrical Loss (less than y~):
demanded by the lth phase of the nth consumer connected to
the j E N node; x = ( ) the binary variable vector, where k (i, j ) E A

x ~ = 1. if the phase 1 actual load in the nth consume

n,l k n j
connected to the j e N node should be allocated in the k
Relative Number ofphase Transfer (less than E ) :
phase; xkl = 0 otherwise.
n,j
In this model, (1) defines the objective to be maximized.
f (V,I, P1) is a merit function (or objective function), which
will be discussed in the forthcoming section, and which
characterizes the degree of adequacy of the solution, according
to the designer's viewpoint. The restrictions (2), (3) and (4) B. Pertinence Function
define, respectively, voltage drop, current and electrical losses Although there may be norms that define acceptable limits
in each phase and path of the network, while (5) determines to other adequacy criterion, it is reasonable to consider that,
initial voltage condition applied on the transformer. the closer to the limits the function is, the less adequate it will
Finally, the restrictions (6) and (7) ensure that all loads be be. In this sense, the set of adequate solutions will be analyzed
allocated on one phase only, at the node in which the by fuzzy sets [ 111, which will not be detailed in this work, and
through the pertinence functions as bellow.
Among all sets presented, only So presents a precise
definition, which enables it to be represented by the following
pertinence function:
Considering the need to satisfy all criterion simultaneously,
the set of adequate solutions is defined as:
S=S n S n S nS3nS4
0 1 2 solutions, which are sought during the search.
and the pertinence function related to this intersection set as:
Carry out mutations in the descendants generated
Assess fitness of the descendants generated
Replace individuals in the population
Until a satisfactory solution is,found
Within this perspective, the relevant aspects to be discussed
are: structure of the chromosoime, fitness evaluation and
processes of natural selection, reproduction and mutation
A. Structure of the Chromosome
The structure of the chromosome is one of the fundamental
elements in the definition of the evolutionary process. In the
genetic algorithms, this structure houses characteristics of the
For the problem in question, the determining characteristic
of the solution is the indication ofthe phase switch scheme to
be adopted for each consumer, as i.t can be seen in Fig. 1.

consists in finding a vector x* =(.e),

Thus, the search for the best solution to the problem
so that:

Scheme 0 Scheme 1 Scheme 2

w. GENETICALGORITHM FOR THE SEARCHOF NA EFFICIENT

SOLUTION
The theoretical background of genetic algorithms were
developed by Holland, in the beginning of the 70s, with the
idea of imitating the evolutionary process which takes place Scheme 3 Scheme 4 Scheme 5
within biological organisms in nature [12]. It may be Fig. 1. Possible schemes of phase transfer to three-phaseconsumers.
understood as a process of “intelligent” probabilistic search,
which could be applied in a series of combinatory optimization From an algebraic standpoint, each scheme may be
problems. represented as a permutation matrix, which defines the values
Although the process of evolution is not fully understood by of the binary variables associated to each consumer, in
biologists, some of its aspects are accepted. In the first place, it
each node. In this matrix, the ‘columns ( 1 ) represent the
is known that evolution takes place by means of chromosomes,
which store the genetic code that defines individual present phases in the load scheme, while the lines ( k )indicate
characteristics. the new phases of these loads.
Through a process of natural selection, individuals that are Considering the schemes presented, the following matrixes
better fitted to the environment are able to reproduce with are produced (Fig. 2):
more fi-equency, transmitting their genetic traits to their
descendants. Reproduction is the key point, in which evolution
takes place. The recombination of the genetic code of the
Scheme O = k :]1 0 0
Scheme 1 -[:: :]
0 1 0

ancestors generates new chromosomes, which eventually

undergo a process called mutation. With this process,
descendants may present traits that are different from their
ancestors, and eventually these traits will allow the individual
to possess greater ability to adapt to the environment
Scheme .;[: :]0 0 1
Scheme 3 - E 8 i]
9 a]
The genetic algorithms present a structure that is similar to

: :]
those observed in nature, and its main steps are:
0 1 0
Generating an initial population Scheme 4 = k Scheme 5 - [ !
Assessing thefitness of the individuals in this population
Repeat
Select ancestors ofpopulation Fig. 2. Matrixes that represent all the pelmutation schemes for three-phase
consumers.
Cross-breed the ancestors
 All the permutation schemes, represented by the matrixes
above, ensure satisfaction of the restrictions (6) and (7), and, Ancestral 1
Ancestral 2
as a consequence, for solutions formed with these schemes, we
have pLs (x) = 1 . Descendant 1
0 Descendant 2
Therefore, a vector may identify a fully viable solution to
the balancing problem where each element represents the
scheme to be adopted for a given consumer. Fig. 3 shows an
example of representation of a chromosome, in which the first
consumer would have phases permuted according to the
scheme 1, the second according to the scheme 4, the third
according to scheme 3, and so forth.

Fig. 3. Representation of the chromosome for a problem with 13 consumers.

B, Fitness Evaluation
Thefitness of a given chromosome represents the ability of
the individual to adapt to its environment. In the case of
genetic algorithms, when applied on combinatory optimization
problems, the measure of fitness usually is related to the value Before 0 I , I 4 p:j
.: ...... * I 3 I 4 I 3 I I I5
.:.... 1 3 4

of the objective function. After 0 1 1 1 4 F...........

& i ] 2 1 3 1 4 1 3 ! ; ......
&]113]415
When all solution criterion are considered, the measure of
fitness adopted is the value of the pertinence function
presented in (17). Thus, for each solution x generated by the
algorithm, the greater the pertinence of the function, the Focus
V. MONO-OBJECTIVE
greater the level offitness: The merit function in the proposed model to achieve the
balancing in three-phase secondary distribution networks will
have a mono-objective focus
The choice of a mono-objective approach took place after
extensive research, where each criterion was applied in the
Considering that we wish to fiid a solution which balancing of a number of actual networks.
maximizes this function, the measure should be considered in Such analyses were conducted using Merit Figures, such as
such a way that, the greater its value, the greater the ability o f those presented in Fig. 6, which allowed the verification of the
the individuals to adapt to their environment, and vice-versa. adequacy of the mono-objective focus approach to achieve the
balance of secondary networks [lo].
C. Natural Selection Process
The measure o f fitness is used in the algorithm to order the
p individuals during the search process. The order is
established so that fl 2 f2 2...2fp . Thus, the first
individual of the population presents the best fitness, while the
last one presents the worst fitness of all the population, and
will be replaced if a descendant is found.
In the process o f selection of the proposed model, a
uniform probability distribution was considered.
D. Process of Reproduction
In this work the single point crossover is considered, since
it has presented excellent results, which consists in choosing a
random sectioning point in the structure of the ancestral
chromosomes, and combining the left section of an ancestor
with the right section of another ancestor. This operation
aIlows two new descendants to be generated for each pair of Fig. 6. Merit Figures: on the upper half of Merit Figure I - Where to Move?
ancestors selected. In Fig. 4 an example of application of this and .on the lower half the Merit Figure I1 -When to Stop?.
operator is presented.
 Thus, after assessing the results of the research, we opted
for a merit function, which considered the unbalance in the
transformer (less than A ) as a criterion for solution
assessment. Considering the need to satisfj this criterion
( A < 5% ,value that is usually established by the utility), the
following set of adequate solutions to the problem is defined:
So n S
2 CELESC, distribution utility in thle state. Such network will be
and the pertinence function:
VI. NUMERICAL
&SULTS
The balance model consists of' many interfaces to register,
edit, and visualize data and the sketch of the network, besides
achieving balance proper. The sketch generated by the model
allows one to visualize the topology of the network.
Fig. 8 shows the sketch of a secondary distribution network,
in the south of Santa Catarina, under the jurisdiction of
the object of study in this article.

The search for the best solution to the problem consists in

finding a vector x* = (x!$), so that:

7 5

Therefore, for the proposed model, the measure of fitness

adopted was the pertinence function value presented in (21):

hfa CL = m i n k s 2 (XI)

s.a. X Y ESo
(21)

The process of canying out the genetic search for balance

in the system analyzed may be observed in the window
presented in Fig. 7, which shows the evolution of the selection
for the best and the worst solution existing in the solution Fig. 8. Sketch of the distributionnetwork in study.
population. It also shows a panel containing: the parameters of The sketch represents the gao-referenced shape of the
genetic search (size of the population, rate of mutation and network. Each node (post) of the secondary network indicates
convergence precision), criterion selection (relative voltage where the consumer is located. The node where the blue
drop, total electrical losses and transformer unbalance). The triangle is located indicates the position of the transformer.
determination of the number of switches, as it can be observed, The load in each node of the network is shown in Table I,
will be determined according to the convenience (operational in kVA, being zero the load in the phases where there is no
policy) of each distributionutility. load connection. Nominal voltage is 220V.

Fig. 7. Application window with the process of genetic search.

 TABLE I
MTIAL LOADINGOF SECONDARYNETWORK
IN STUDY
Table I1 presents the voltage in the critical point in each
phase, before and after balancing, as well --as transformer
unbalance and the biggest drop between critical points. It
should be observed that the voltage of 202.85V is quite close
to the Brazilian legal limit, which is 200.2V [ll]. This table
allows us to compare with the results after balancing, using the
mono-objective merit function, previously shown.
TABLE 11
UNBALANCE OF TRANSFORMER
AND VOLTAGE DROPBEFORE
BALANCING
Before Balancing
Original
Voltage on critical point (V)
202.85 206.71 208.58
Transformer unbalance %
Volta e dro on critical oint YO 12.2
Volta e dro on critical oint V
The genetic parameters used in the process of network
balancing are the same presented in Fig. 7, size of the
population = 1000, mutation rate = 0.01 e convergence
precision = 0.1.
The criterion used for the search, characteristic of the
mono-objective approach, is the unbalance in the transformer,
although another balance was achieved by means of all the
criterion, in order to confirm mono-objective approach
feasibility. The number of switches was set based on
distribution utility experience, which usually applies a number
of switches that is 10% of the number of network consumers.
TABLE I11
AND VOLTAGE DROP
UNBALANCE OF TRANSFORMER AFTER BALANCING
~
After Balancing
8 transfers and all criterion
Voltage on critical point (V)
11.4
26.4
8 transfer and unbalance of transformer
Voltage on critical point (V) VA I vB I VC
205.11 I 205.59 I 205.16
Transformer unbalance ("3) 0.3
Voltage drop on critical point (YO) I 11.2
Voltage drop on critical point (V) I 25.8
The analysis of the data presented for the system after
balancing shows a significant balance among voltage values in
each phase. In relation to the voltage drop at the critical point
(the point with the greatest voltage drop), there was an
improvement, with a greater distance fiom the minimum legal
limit. It was noticed also a significant improvement in
transformer unbalance (from 11.7% to 0.3%), important for
the balance of the system as a whole, and which also helps in
the allocation of new consumers.
It should be observed that unbalance, when using the
transformer unbalance criterion, is better than the situation in
which all criterion are used, fiom 0.3% to 1.1%, respectively.
Nevertheless, the mono-objective approach ensured better
balance among phases in the network, which testifies that the
improvement in one criterion leads to worsening others, and
using all of them may not lead to the best solution. Other
systems (networks) studied present similar results [l 17.
VII. CONCLUSION
The model proposed for improving load balance in
secondary networks, which seeks balance through
reconfiguration of load connections, ensures improvement of
distribution utility service quality due to the minimization of
voltage drops along the main feeder. The ease in establishing
the number of switches may allow the distribution utility to
achieve better control over the continuity of service.
It was shown, by means of the results presented, that the
mono-objective approach might be perfectly applied in the
search for balance in distribution networks, when compared to
a multi-objective approach.
Thus, the mono-objective approach will by researched
further, once it simplifies modeling, as well as the transfer of
technology, for decision-makers in the electrical sector.
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IX. BIOGRAPHIES
Ana Barbara Knolseisen was born in Luzerna, Brazil, on April 4, 1976. She
graduated and received M.Eng. degree in electrical engineering from Federal
University of Santa Catarina, Brazil, in 1999 and 2001, respectively. Since
2001, she has been a student in a doctoral program at Federal University of
Santa Catarina. Her research interests incllude power quality, load balancing
and planning of distribution systems.
Jorge Coelho was born in Tubark, Brazil, on February 7, 1955. He received
the BSc. and M.Sc. degrees from the Fedcral University of Santa Catarina in
1977 and 1980, respectively, and the D.Sc. degree from the Catholic
University of Rio de Janeiro. He is Professor of the Electrical Engineering
Department of Federal University of Sanla Catarina. He was coordinator of
the Research Group on Planning of Eleciric Energy Systems from 1993 to
1996. His areas of interest are probabi1isi:ic methods applied to distribution
system and to power system.
Skrgio Fernado Mayerle was born in Joirwille, Brazil, on April 13, 1957. He
graduated in civil engineering fiom Fedixal University of Santa Catarina,
Brazil, in 1979. He received his M.Eng. and D.Eng. degree in production
engineering from Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil, in 1984 and
1996, respectively. His research interests include combinatorial optimization
and mathematical programming.
Francisco Jost Seleiro Pimentel was born in Vieiras, Brazil, in 1955. He
graduated in electrical engineer in the Fcderal University of Juiz de Fora,
Brazil, in 1979. Since 1980, he has wlxked for Santa Catarina Central
Electric Company, more specifically in the areas of construction, projects,
planning and protection of distribution neisvorks. Actually he has worked as
Assistant of the Technical Management and Coordinating of the Technical
Group of Geo-processing. His research interests include planning, operation
and maintenance of distribution systems.
Ricardo Haus Guembarovski was born in Londrina, Brazil, on June 16,
1965. He graduated in electrical engineering from the Santa Catarina State
University and received M.Eng. degrees film the Federal University of Santa
Catarina, Brazil, in 1999. Since 1989, he has worked for Santa Catarina
Central Electric Company, more specifically at planning and optimization of
electrical systems department. He also works in research in the area of
information systems applied to power distribution. His research interests
include power quality, load balancing, information systems and planning of
distribution systems.