11 kV Distribution Feeder Reconfiguration for Power Loss and Voltage Deviation Reduction Using Different Optimization Algorithms

This paper presents an optimal reconfiguration approach for radial distribution systems (RDS) to minimize power losses and improve voltage profiles using metaheuristic algorithms. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA), Harmony Search Algorithm (HSA), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) are applied to determine optimal switching configurations while maintaining bus voltages within permissible limits. The study is validated on the IEEE 33-bus system and the Airport feeder of Kudhar substation using real load and transformer data. A MATLAB-based platform integrated with the Backward–Forward Sweep load flow method is developed for performance evaluation. For the IEEE 33-bus system, active power loss is reduced from 202.6771 kW to 144.578 kW (28.67%), reactive power loss from 135.1409 kVAR to 100.5318 kVAR (25.61%), and average voltage deviation (AVD) from 0.051544 p.u. to 0.031871 p.u. (38.17%). For the Airport feeder, active power loss decreases from 226.3445 kW to 174.8185 kW (22.76%), reactive power loss from 260.5359 kVAR to 194.6124 kVAR (25.30%), and AVD from 0.055189 p.u. to 0.042897 p.u. (22.27%). Each case is executed 20 times to ensure robustness. Results confirm that metaheuristic-based feeder reconfiguration is an effective and economical solution for enhancing distribution system efficiency and voltage performance.