Effect of distributed generations on reconfiguration and voltage stability of distribution networks considering average hourly load data

Abstract

Distributed generation (DG) sources are becoming more popular nowadays and they are inevitable in modern large interconnected power systems to meet enormous demands of electrical energy. Such sources could be photovoltaic cells, wind generation, biomass, combined heat power, fuel cells etc. The location and size of distributed generations (DGs) have more impact on energy losses, voltage stability and other benefits also. A method has been proposed in this paper for the placement of DGs in a distribution network. The best nodes once identified, power injection by DGs is optimised using genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimisation methods to reduce power losses, maintain node voltages and branch currents within specified limits. The methods are also compared for getting the best penetration level of DGs at different load levels. It is observed that reconfiguration with DGs at their locations have great impact on power loss reduction and voltage stability improvement. The effect of power injection by DGs and reconfiguration with DGs to the voltage stability of distribution network is examined using a voltage stability index. The proposed technique is demonstrated through an example of 69 node distribution network.