A Multi-criteria Approach for Distribution Network Expansion Through Pooled MCDEA and Shannon Entropy

Power distribution network expansion planning (DNEP), based on innovative load flow analysis and optimization techniques, has drawn great attention of researchers around the world to cater for ever increasing demand of electrical power. In the present work, a new approach based on Multi-criteria Data Envelopment Analysis and Shannon Entropy analysis (MCDEA-SEA) is presented that strengthens the solution hunt process of DNEP problems. In the first stage of proposed methodology, various probable configurations are determined through load flow analysis considering different objective functions and constraints. In the next stage, large amount of complex data sets generated for various configurations from power flow perusal, then analyzed using pooled MCDEA-SEA. This multi-stage approach expedites search for best and impeccable solution, which leaves no space for sub-optimality. The efficacy of the proposed method has been verified by applying it on IEEE 33-bus test distribution system, considering impending load scenarios and the results show that the proposed methodology can effectively solve DNEP problem and provide optimal solution for DNEP problems, consuming lesser computation time compared to conventional approaches.