Multi‐objective approach to maximise loadability of distribution networks by simultaneous reconfiguration and allocation of distributed energy resources

Abstract

In recent years, continuously increasing load demand and deficiency of capital resources vis-a-vis a competitive electricity market have forced transmission and distribution utilities worldwide to maximise the efficiency and utilisation of their existing infrastructure. This study presents a multi-objective approach to maximise the loadability of distribution networks by simultaneous reconfiguration and optimal allocation of distributed energy resources using a comprehensive teaching-learning-based optimisation algorithm. The proposed technique is based on the e-constraints method and uses a graphical approach for network reconfiguration. Loadability enhancement is validated on the IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus radial distribution systems. Several case studies are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in reducing the network active power losses, improving the kVA loading margins and enhancing the voltage profiles while considering voltage and thermal limit constraints. Results show that maximum loadability is obtained with simultaneous network reconfiguration and multiple DER allocation with varying power factors.