Operational Strategy for Loss Reduction Through Integrated Battery Storage and Network Reconfiguration in Radial Distribution Networks

The continuous growth in electricity demand is placing significant stress on distribution networks, leading to increased power losses, equipment overload, and deteriorating voltage profiles. These challenges drive up operational costs for distribution system operators (DSOs). Although battery energy storage systems (BESS) have been widely investigated to mitigate these issues, deploying batteries alone often lacks sufficient financial justification. This study proposes an integrated approach that combines DSO investment in BESS with network reconfiguration to improve both technical performance and economic viability. The methodology is applied to the IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system, with a focus on operational enhancements. Key performance indicators include the payback period of BESS, active power loss reduction, and optimal switching configuration. Simulation results demonstrate that coordinated battery integration and network reconfiguration can significantly reduce system losses in different BESS scheduling scenarios, improve peak demand management, and provide DSOs with a practical, cost-effective operational strategy.