Simultaneous Placement of Distributed Generation and Reconfiguration in Distribution Networks Using Unified Particle Swarm Optimization

Abstract

The power distribution feeder reconfiguration and optimum placement of distributed generation are two main methods to minimize the active power loss in radial distribution systems. The robustness of the radial distribution system can be improved by simultaneous manipulation of both optimal DG placement and feeder reconfiguration. In this paper, a novel technique is proposed to minimize the power loss with the simultaneous use of feeder reconfiguration and placement of distributed generation. In general, an electrical power network economics primarily relies on the conductor line losses. Hence in this proposed study, the feeder reconfiguration and finding of desirable bus location and operating power of distributed generation is concurrently modeled as an optimization problem for minimizing the real power loss with subject to all operating equality and inequality constraints. This optimization problem is solved with the guide of unified particle swarm optimization algorithm. The system power loss is handled as the cost function for each particle in a swarm. The proposed method is applied to both IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus radial distribution systems. The prosperous solutions achieved from the simulation studies manifest that the high level of system loss reduction and desirable bus voltage profile, when analyzed against the system with reconfiguration, and the system with DG.