Improved Pelican Optimization Algorithm for Energy Efficient Distribution Network Reconfiguration Considering Power Loss and Emissions Reduction

Higher losses in the distribution network have resulted in a decline in the voltage profile. Network reconfiguration (NR) is used to alleviate this problem by reconfiguring the network to lower power loss while improving the voltage profile and lowering emissions from the grid. The study employed an improved pelican optimization (IPOA) based energy factor to enhance the exploitation phase of POA, enabling it to adjust the search intensity of the pelicans. It regulates the energy level of each pelican, balancing exploration and exploitation, thereby enhancing optimal solutions and preventing premature convergence. The proposed method is used to reduce power loss, emissions, and improve the voltage profile. The forward–backward power flow method was employed for the load flow analysis. The standard IEEE 33 benchmark was used to test the robustness of the method. Three different load scenarios were considered for the objective function. At a light load, the real power loss of IPOA was 33.387 kW, compared to the baseline of 47.071 kW and POA, which was 34.091 kW. The smallest magnitude voltage has increased after reconfiguration with the proposed IPOA to 0.9714 p.u. from the baseline of 0.958 p.u. The normal load real power loss was 139.978 kW after reconfiguration, compared to the baseline and POA of 202.677 kW and 144.182 kW, respectively. The smallest magnitude voltage was improved to 0.9413 p.u., compared to 0.913 p.u. in the base case. At a heavy load, the real power loss was 380.39 kW, compared to 575.106 kW in the base case, with the smallest magnitude voltage increase, from 0.8528 p.u. in the base case to 0.90 p.u. after reconfiguration. The reduction of emission intensity was improved better than POA. The results of IPOA outperform those of POA. Demonstrating the feasibility of NR for utilities and policymakers reduces losses and gas emissions, increases voltage stability, and maintains service continuity.