Determining the Optimal Location of Substations for Electric Distribution: A Real Application on a Regional Basis

Abstract

Substation optimization involves positioning a substation(s) at the most suitable point with minimum cost. In this study, multiple data were collected from the Turkish Electric Distribution Incorporated Company (TEİAŞ) for the substation in the Eryaman region. The substations will be placed at straight points. Using the capacity of the substations, power, voltage drops, and service interruptions were calculated for a 10-year planning period. Each criterion represents one constraint. The established model serves the following objectives: determining the optimal point and size of the substations in the given planning period by minimizing costs and satisfying the demand of the sectors without service interruption. The model is solved in GAMS and optimal results are obtained. Our results demonstrate that by installing the two substations at the given locations the energy demand of the Eryaman region will be satisfied. To test the model’s applicability for larger systems, the number and the capacity of the substations and the transformers are increased. The results show that optimality has been maintained and that the model remains valid.