Optimal planning of dispatchable and non-dispatchable distributed generation units for minimizing distribution system's energy loss using particle swarm optimization

Abstract

Distribution Companies (DisCos) play a pivotal role in developing new planning strategies for maintaining the proper operation and efficiency of distribution networks. Moreover, power system deregulation, demand increasing, shortage of transmission capacities and interests in renewable sources have led to the increased studies on integration of distributed generation (DG) into the distribution systems. Hence, proper planning of DG units is important for obtaining their maximum potential benefits from the perspective of DisCos. This paper aims to present a new DG planning model. This new model would help planners to find optimal planning of different types of DG units, dispatchable or non-dispatchable, in distribution systems for minimizing system's annual energy loss. The planning problem is formulated to determine the optimal hourly production profile, power factor and penetration of DG units. A particle swarm optimization algorithm, implemented in MATLAB software, is used for finding the optimal solution of planning problem. The proposed approach has been evaluated on 69-Bus Test System in matpower 4.0, with different scenarios in view of DG units' combination. The results show that a significant reduction in energy loss is achieved and the constraints including voltage limits and the feeders' capacity are satisfied. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.