Abstract—This paper presents a novel approach to optimizing
rural electrical power transmission network. The primary
objective of this project is to determine an optimal (more
economical) network configuration for a case study where large
portions of network assets are approaching the end of their life
cycle. Therefore, this is the most opportune time to redesign, and
implement economically beneficial distribution alternatives such
as microgrids and standalone power systems and, to evaluate the
economic benefits of a combination of distribution alternatives.
The latter alongside multiple microgrids have often been
overlooked by past studies. Using Minimum Spanning Trees
(MSTs) and clustering algorithms, the ideal location of
microgridsand combination of distribution alternatives can be
investigated. The results obtained from this study suggest that
implementing microgrids and standalone power systems,
drastically reduce the total cost of the network when compared
to anoverhead transmission MST network. Furthermore, a
combination of an overhead network with microgrids and
standalone power systems resulted in the most economical
network configurations.
Index Terms—Distribution network, K-means, microgrids,
standalone power systems.
D. M. Li Kwok Cheong, T. Fernando, H. Iu, J. Fletcher are with the
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, University of Western
Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia (e-mail:
derek.likwokcheong@gmail.com, tyrone.fernando@uwa.edu.au,
herbet.iu@uwa.edu.au, james.fletcher@research.uwa.edu.au).
M. Reynolds is with the Computer Science and Software Engineering
Department, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
(e-mail: mark.reynolds@uwa.edu.au).
[PDF]
Cite:D. M. Li Kwok Cheong, T. Fernando, H. Iu, M. Reynolds, and J. Fletcher, "Investigation of Alternative Power Distribution and Optimal Configuration through the Implementation of Clustering Algorithms-Based Microgrids for a Case Study," Journal of Clean Energy Technologies vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 258-262, 2018.
