Optimal reconfiguration, renewable DGs, and energy storage units’ integration in distribution systems considering power generation uncertainty using hybrid GWO-SCA algorithms

Abstract

ABSTRACT To optimize radial distribution systems, this study suggests the utilization of the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), a hybrid metaheuristic optimization method, combined with the Sine Cosine method (SCA). The primary objective of this work is to enhance the distribution system by determining the most efficient network reconfiguration, sizing, and placement of various distributed energy sources in distribution system. The energy sources considered include capacitors, solar cells, wind turbines, biomass-based distributed generation units, and battery storage units. To achieve this goal, the proposed strategy incorporates the power loss sensitivity technique, which assists in identifying suitable candidate buses and accelerates the resolution process. Moreover, the model considers fluctuations in solar irradiance and wind speed using Weibull and Beta probability distribution functions, compensating for the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources and the variability in demand. To address power fluctuations, voltage surges, significant losses, and inadequate voltage stability challenges, battery energy storage, diesel generators, and dispatchable biomass DGs are employed to mitigate variability and enhance supply continuity. The proposed approach is evaluated and validated by comparing it to existing optimization strategies using IEEE 69-bus and 84-bus RDSs. The results demonstrate that the suggested technique achieves faster convergence to near-optimal solutions. The proposed methodology yields a significant reduction of up to 80% in power losses in the 69-bus system and a 35% reduction in the 84-bus system, signifying higher performance than existing methods.