Batch-Constrained Reinforcement Learning for Dynamic Distribution Network Reconfiguration

Dynamic distribution network reconfiguration (DNR) algorithms perform hourly status changes of remotely controllable switches to improve distribution system performance. The problem is typically solved by physical model-based control algorithms, which not only rely on accurate network parameters but also lack scalability. To address these limitations, this paper develops a data-driven batch-constrained reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm for the dynamic DNR problem. The proposed RL algorithm learns the network reconfiguration control policy from a finite historical operational dataset without interacting with the distribution network. The numerical study results on three distribution networks show that the proposed algorithm not only outperforms state-of-the-art RL algorithms but also improves the behavior control policy, which generated the historical operational data. The proposed algorithm is also very scalable and can find a desirable network reconfiguration solution in real-time.