Optimal distributed generation allocation for reactive power control

Abstract

One of the main concerns of utilities is to minimise voltage variations along their feeders when they enhance their networks by various distributed generation (DG) systems that have uncertainty in their output. Furthermore, such DG systems can provide reactive power to the grid. Thus, the objective of this study is to optimally allocate locations and capacities of DG systems, particularly photovoltaic systems in this study, on distribution networks that host DG inverters with the capability of reactive power control, in other words, Volt/Var management and control. For this purpose, this study proposes a hybrid method based on optimal reactive power control and genetic algorithms. The proposed method is verified in well-known test feeders.