A novel optimization strategy for line loss reduction in distribution networks with large penetration of distributed generation

Abstract

With the large penetration of power electronic devices in distribution networks, power quality problems such as line loss and harmonics have become the main factors affecting the access of distributed generation (DG). At present, the research on DG integration, such as the optimization of the DG capacity using particle swarm optimization algorithm and ant colony algorithm, is mainly focused on the traditional distribution network. In contrast, the research on the power electronic distribution networks, which include a large number of harmonic sources, is not sufficient. This paper presents a novel optimization method for connecting DG to power electronic distribution network to reduce line loss. Firstly, based on the frequency domain model of the distribution network, this paper establishes the harmonic model of distribution network components, including generators, transformers, lines, harmonic sources and non-harmonic sources. Then the location and capacity of DG are optimized using genetic algorithm with network loss reduction as a target and voltage and harmonic as constraints. Finally, the power electronic distribution network is modelled based on the IEEE 34 - node standard model. The obtained results confirmed that the optimization model with harmonic constraints can effectively reduce the line loss by 108.26 kW and the line loss rate by 4.67 % using single DG. Also, when using the double DG, the line loss and the line loss rate are decreased by 118.53 kW and 5.14 %, respectively. In addition, the optimization effect of dual DG is better than that of single DG without considering the cost.