A multi-objective hybrid GA and TOPSIS approach for sizing and siting of DG and RTU in smart distribution grids

Abstract

Installing remote terminal units (RTUs) in smart distribution grids enables the distribution system operator (DSO) and end-side customers to properly execute demand response programs (DRPs). Direct load control (DLC) refers to an incentive-based DRP, in which, DSO contracts with customers to control a specific percentage of their consumptions. In initial stages, the limited budget and technical hurdles avert the widespread deployment of RTUs in all buses. This issue instigates the need for an optimal placement of RTUs. Moreover, the existence of RTUs definitely affects the load shape of the network. Thus, the optimal placement strategy for distributed generations (DGs) should be revisited. To involve these issues together, an optimal two-stage multi-objective procedure is proposed which takes into account the simultaneous placement of DGs and RTUs. Different scenarios including variations in the number of DG units, DGs’ adaptive power factor (APF) for reactive power processes, and individual or simultaneous placement of DGs and RTUs are established and interrogated in depth. In numerical validations, both of the power losses minimization and voltage profile improvement are explored based on an AC power flow fashion optimized with genetic algorithm (GA). The extracted results are then transferred to the second stage which applies a multi-attribute decision making approach based on technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). This stage considers the importance degrees or so-called weights for both of the objectives. In this way, the worth of each objective is suitably determined and involved in decision making process. Thus, the optimal placement strategy for simultaneous allocation of DGs and RTUs is determined.