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Optimal Reconfiguration of Radial Distribution Network for Loss Minimization Using Whale Optimization Algorithm: A Case Study
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Power system Optimization (Distribution Network)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716154
Abstract
Most radial distribution networks are plagued with overloaded feeders, poor voltage profiles and high technical losses which usually lead to poor power quality and serious operational inefficiencies. While comprehensive network upgrades-such as conductor replacement and transformer reinforcement-provide long-term structural reinforcement, they require significant capital expenditure that is often unavailable. Consequently, this study proposes network reconfiguration as a cost-effective operational strategy that complements long-term upgrade planning by maximizing the efficiency of existing assets. This work applied Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) to the 33 kV radial distribution network, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria for loss reduction using Network Reconfiguration technique. A backward/forward sweep power flow algorithm integrated with WOA was applied on the bus systems in a MATLAB environment. The. Performance was assessed using active/reactive losses, bus voltages, voltage deviation index, and line loading. All simulations were carried out in MATLAB using custom scripts integrated with the MATPOWER toolbox. Following baseline analysis of the original Ado-Ekiti 33 kV radial distribution network, the WOA-based reconfiguration framework was applied. The methodology was also validated on the IEEE 33-bus radial distribution test systems, which are commonly used benchmarks in the literature. The results showed that the active power loss was reduced by 38%, reactive power losses by 33%, and the weakest bus voltage increased from 0.876 to 0.949 p.u. Each of the feeders showed comparable gains, within 3-5 practical switching operations. Reliability was enhanced with a 20%, line overloading reduction. The results confirmed WOA’s robustness, with 31% loss reductions when tested on the IEEE 33--bus systems. This work demonstrates WOA’s potential as a robust and effective optimization tool for loss reduction and voltage improvement for reconfiguration of radial distribution systems.
Keywords
Distribution network, Loss Minimization, Optimization, Radial, Reconfiguration.
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1716154,
author = {Taiwo Adewale Ojo, Bankole Adebanji, Emmanuel Taiwo Fasina},
title = {Optimal Reconfiguration of Radial Distribution Network for Loss Minimization Using Whale Optimization Algorithm: A Case Study},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {10},
pages = {3291-3296},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1716154.pdf},
abstract = {Most radial distribution networks are plagued with overloaded feeders, poor voltage profiles and high technical losses which usually lead to poor power quality and serious operational inefficiencies. While comprehensive network upgrades-such as conductor replacement and transformer reinforcement-provide long-term structural reinforcement, they require significant capital expenditure that is often unavailable. Consequently, this study proposes network reconfiguration as a cost-effective operational strategy that complements long-term upgrade planning by maximizing the efficiency of existing assets. This work applied Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) to the 33 kV radial distribution network, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria for loss reduction using Network Reconfiguration technique. A backward/forward sweep power flow algorithm integrated with WOA was applied on the bus systems in a MATLAB environment. The. Performance was assessed using active/reactive losses, bus voltages, voltage deviation index, and line loading. All simulations were carried out in MATLAB using custom scripts integrated with the MATPOWER toolbox. Following baseline analysis of the original Ado-Ekiti 33 kV radial distribution network, the WOA-based reconfiguration framework was applied. The methodology was also validated on the IEEE 33-bus radial distribution test systems, which are commonly used benchmarks in the literature. The results showed that the active power loss was reduced by 38%, reactive power losses by 33%, and the weakest bus voltage increased from 0.876 to 0.949 p.u. Each of the feeders showed comparable gains, within 3-5 practical switching operations. Reliability was enhanced with a 20%, line overloading reduction. The results confirmed WOA’s robustness, with 31% loss reductions when tested on the IEEE 33--bus systems. This work demonstrates WOA’s potential as a robust and effective optimization tool for loss reduction and voltage improvement for reconfiguration of radial distribution systems.},
keywords = {Distribution network, Loss Minimization, Optimization, Radial, Reconfiguration.},
month = {April},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716154}
}