Abstract:A distribution network reconfiguration algorithm based on heuristic rules and harmony search algorithm (HSA) was proposed. At first, the codification strategy based on the reconstruction loops was adopted according to the characteristics of distribution network reconfiguration and HSA. Then, several special branch groups were constructed and several disconnecting rules were set to avoid the infeasible solutions. Furthermore, the initial network was analyzed with the objective function for the minimization of power loss, and the effective search space of each loop was shrunk by using heuristic rules. Finally, the harmony search algorithm was used to search the global optimal solution. Using the proposed method, the number of candidate solutions can be reduced greatly, the optimal solution can be achieved rapidly, and the search performance will not be worse with the expansion of the network. The simulation results of IEEE typical examples have verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.