Development of a Decision-Making Algorithm for the Optimum Size and Placement of Distributed Generation Units in Distribution Networks

Vasiliki Vita

doi:10.3390/en10091433

Abstract

The paper presents a decision-making algorithm that has been developed for the optimum size and placement of distributed generation (DG) units in distribution networks. The algorithm that is very flexible to changes and modifications can define the optimal location for a DG unit (of any type) and can estimate the optimum DG size to be installed, based on the improvement of voltage profiles and the reduction of the network’s total real and reactive power losses. The proposed algorithm has been tested on the IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system. The obtained results are compared with those of earlier studies, proving that the decision-making algorithm is working well with an acceptable accuracy. The algorithm can assist engineers, electric utilities, and distribution network operators with more efficient integration of new DG units in the current distribution networks.

Highlights

The worldwide continuous integration of distributed generation (DG) units in the electric power systems is a result of electricity markets’ privatization, of environment protection from emissions and of technological progression
The IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system was modelled with the help of NEPLAN 360 software
As far, concerning the total network power losses, the results have shown that the size of the connected DG, independently independently from the DG type, plays an important role since it has been observed that the the bigger biggerthe thesize sizeofof bigger the impact ontotal the network total network losses of the thethe thethe bigger the impact on the powerpower losses of the system

Summary

Introduction

The worldwide continuous integration of distributed generation (DG) units in the electric power systems is a result of electricity markets’ privatization, of environment protection from emissions and of technological progression. The unadvised and uncontrolled installation of DGs in the distribution network during the past two decades brought in serious problems and challenges to the distribution networks. Such problems are the inevitable bidirectional power flow in the modern distribution networks, in contrast to unidirectional power flow from higher to lower voltages, and the very important problems of voltage drop and power losses [1,2]. The proposed method was tested on the IEEE 30-bus system, producing results that have shown considerable reduction in the total system’s power losses, improvement in the buses voltage profiles and reliability. Jamian et al [3]

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion