Strategic distributed generator placements for service reliability improvements

Abstract

The values of distributed generators (DGs) are very dependent on their type, size and location as they are installed in distribution feeders. In order to enhance the reliability and obtain the benefits for DG placement, a strategic DG placement method is proposed in this paper. The proposed method tries to find the best balance between the costs and benefits of DG placement. The main aim is to find the optimal types of DG and their corresponding locations and sizes in distribution feeders. Test results have shown that with proper types, sizes and installation site selection, DG can be used to improve service reliability, reduce the customer interruption costs and save the power cost. The most important is that the electric utilities can often obtain the maximal economical benefits.