Characterization of Distribution Systems Topological Flexibility using Bipartite Multigraphs

Over recent decades, power distribution systems have been required to handle extreme events that are increasing in both frequency and intensity. In addition, there are novel technologies, planning strategies, and operational approaches. In this context, topological flexibility is a key aspect to allow distribution systems to accommodate all the simultaneous emerging changes and requirements. Topological flexibility is the capability of a system to rearrange its structure and is directly related to sectionalizing and tie switches operation. In this paper, metrics calculated from a bipartite multigraph representation aiming to describe the topological flexibility of distribution systems are presented. Different distribution systems are used to illustrate the bipartite graph representation and the derived metrics. Our approach is directly applicable to distribution systems characterization and enables future development of metrics to fully describe the topological flexibility of such systems.