Optimal Allocation and Assessment of Distributed Generation Units with Multi-Objective Planning in Unbalanced Distribution Networks

Abstract

—Real-world distribution networks are generally unbalanced due to unbalanced loads and asymmetric line parameters. Proper allocation of distributed generation (DG) units in unbalanced radial distribution networks to extract their maximum potential benefits is still quite difficult. Converter-coupled DG units have individual phase real and reactive power regulating ability and provide voltage unbalance compensation. This article proposes a new technique for the suitable allocation and capacity of converter-based multiple DG units considering the unbalanced operation of distribution networks. The objective function contains power loss minimization, multiphase voltage stability augmentation, and reduction of voltage unbalances among different phases in the system. A complex multi-objective optimization problem has been synthesized with the help of a Fast and Flexible Radial Power Flow (FFRPF) and solved by employing a Weighted aggregation (WA) based particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach. The performance of the proposed technique is validated on 19-bus, 25-bus, and 34-bus unbalanced radial distribution networks that consider various power factor modes of the converter-coupled DG units. The analysis of the simulation results indicates a significant enhancement in the power delivery efficiency in all the unbalanced test systems