Optimal Energy-Efficient Integration of Photovoltaic DG in Radial Distribution Systems for Various Load Models

Abstract

The integration of renewable energy resources in distribution networks has become a necessity, due of the technical-economic and environmental advantages, as well as the ability to reduce the active power losses, improve the power quality and ensure the continuity of system. In this paper, optimal integration of Distributed Generation (DG) based on Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels in Radial Distribution System (RDS) is presented to maximize the technical, economic and environmental levels namely, the Active Power Loss Level (APLL), Net Saving Level (NSL), Short Circuit Level (SCL), Voltage Deviation Level (VDL) and Environmental Pollution Reduction Level (EPRL). This is achieved by using the Adaptive Inertia Weight Particle Swarm Optimization (AIW-PSO) algorithm to find the optimal size and location of DG. In this paper, a comparative study is conducted for various load models, where the importance of considering different load models is projected. Therefore, four types of loads are used, which are constant, commercial, residential, and industrial loads. The results obtained show that the optimal allocation of PV-DGs in the distribution system gives a positive impact in terms of achieving better loss reduction and voltage profile enhancement.