Optimal location and sizing of distributed generation for distribution systems: An improved analytical technique

Abstract

ABSTRACT Distributed generation (DG) significantly improves power system reliability and voltage profile, and reduces power losses. These benefits can be maximized by optimizing the DG utilization, which greatly depends on adequate number, size, and placement of DG. This study proposes a high-convergence optimization technique for optimal DG placement in distribution networks, aiming to reduce power losses and improve voltage profile and voltage stability index. The technique is tested on a 7-bus system before being verified on the IEEE 33-bus system. After validation, it is tested on a 71-bus distribution network (DN). The estimated ideal size for a single DG is used as a limit for determining the optimal placement and size of multiple DG units. The results show that there is a loss reduction of 70.09%, 61.43%, and 71.15% for the 7-bus, IEEE 33-bus, and 71-bus systems, respectively, from their base case loss. The average absolute error of voltage of the aforementioned buses also shows similar enhancement, decreasing from 0.0144, 0.0561, and 0.0527, to 0.0058, 0.0209, and 0.0184, respectively. The voltage stability index of each DN has increased significantly in comparison to the base case. The comparison demonstrates that the proposed technique can provide better results for any size of distribution network.