Combined MDS-GTA and CPSO-based multi-stage planning of power distribution networks

Abstract

The paper presents multistage planning of an electrical distribution networks including distributed generation (DG). Two important issues of the planning problem have been addressed. First part of this paper is focused on a modified direct search–graph theoretical approach (MDS–GTA) for feeder routing of a meshed distribution system. The second part focuses on DG placement problem in the optimal radial distribution network obtained through MDS–GTA, using constricted particle swarm optimisation (CPSO) approach. A suitable combination of the objective function and constraints are included for obtaining the minimum cost network, through MDS–GTA of meshed distribution system and to select the most suitable bus for DG placement using CPSO approach, respectively. The combined technique is extensively validated on two test distribution systems and the results obtained are highly encouraging for feeder routing and DG placement in distribution networks.