Optimal Distributed Generation Allocating Using Particle Swarm Optimization and Linearized AC Load Flow

Abstract

This paper presents a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) using a linearized load flow (LF) method called Linearized AC Load Flow (LACLF) applied to allocation of Distributed Generation (DG) aiming active loss reduction. The LACLF is based on the AC Load Flow (ACLF) with a specific linearization applied to the power balance equations. The introduction of this load flow method avoids an iterative process, thus resulting on a fast alternative in comparison with the traditional LF methods. The PSO was developed for determining the ideal buses for inserting the DG units, and thus minimizing power losses in the distribution network lines subject to the restrictions of the problem. To validate the methodology and the LACLF, a set of tests using exhaustive search and both, LACLF and traditional LF, were performed. The tests involved the distribution systems of 34, 70, 126 and 476 buses. The results clearly show a great gain in time of processing with the use of LACLF associated to the PSO algorithm for DG allocation, especially on the more complex networks (126 and 476 buses), favoring than, the usage of the methodology here presented on real systems.