Abstract
Over time, distribution systems have progressed from small-scale systems to complex networks, requiring modernization to adapt to these increasing levels of active loads and devices. It is essential to manage the capacity of distribution networks to support all these new technologies. This work, therefore, presents a method for evaluating the impact of optimal allocation and sizing of DGs and load shedding for response demand programs on distribution networks to improve the reliability and financial performance of electric power systems. The proposed optimization tool uses the Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure and Tabu Search algorithms. The combined optimization of DG allocation simultaneously with load shedding, reliability indices, load transference, and the possibility of islanded operation significantly improves the quality of the planning proposals obtained by the developed method. The results demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed method, improving the voltage profile by up to 2.02%, relieving the network capacity, and increasing the load restoration capability and reliability. Statistical analysis is also carried out to highlight the performance of the proposed methodology.

Abstract
Electrical distribution companies have been investing in modernizing their structures, especially operation automation. The integration of information technologies and communications makes fast power restoration during fault events, providing better profit to companies and a more reliable and safe distribution network for customers. A self-healing strategy can be implemented for protection and control devices to work cooperatively, achieving the global purpose of automatic distribution system restoration. Thus, this work proposes a methodology for short-circuit fault detection, isolation of the faulted section, and restoration of downstream sections using neighbor feeders. The protection devices use standardized IEC and ANSI/IEEE functions to sensitize faults in the system and to promote adequate isolation, allowing the consequent restorative process. A genetic algorithm optimizes the devices’ parameters used in the protection scheme, making fastest the isolation process and ensuring the protection system coordination and selectivity. Results obtained using Simulink® allows for verifying the proposed methodology’s behavior and efficiency.

Abstract
Microgrids are able to improve several features of power systems, such as energy efficiencies, operating costs and environmental impacts. Nevertheless, microgrids' protection must work congruently with power distribution protection to safely take all advantages. This research contributes to enable their protection by proposing a bilevel method to simultaneously solve the allocation and coordination problems, where the proposed scheme also includes local protections of distributed energy resources. The uncertainties associated with generation and loads are categorized by the k-means method, as well. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II is employed in the upper-level task to solve the protection and control devices allocation problem with two opposing objectives. In the lower-level task, a genetic algorithm ensures their coordination. Protection devices include reclosers and fuses from the network, and directional relays for the point of common coupling of microgrids, while control devices consist of remote-controlled switches. In contrast to related works, local devices installed at the point of coupling of distributed generation units are considered as well, such as voltage-restrained overcurrent relays and frequency relays. The optimal solution for the decision-maker is achieved by utilizing the compromise programming technique. Results show the importance of solving the allocation and coordination problems simultaneously, achieving up to $25,000 cost savings compared to cases that solve these problems separately. The integrated strategy allows the network operator to select the optimum solution for the protective system and avoid corrective actions afterward. The results also show the viability of the islanding operation depending on the decision maker's criteria.