Abstract:
With the growing utilization of Distributed Generation (DG) sources in distribution
systems, the planning, operation, and control of these systems have become
increasingly intricate and demanding. The successful integration of DG at the
distribution level necessitates careful examination of various factors, including DG
type, location, size, and the number of units, as these elements directly influence the
performance of the Distribution System (DS). This paper aims to identify the optimal
location, sizing, and number of DG units to minimize active power losses and improve
DS reliability, while considering operational constraints. To achieve this objective,
multiple tests are conducted, and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique is
implemented. A modified IEEE-13 bus unbalanced radial DS is chosen as the test
system, and the effects of Photovoltaic (PV) and wind DG units are evaluated under
different scenarios and increasing penetration levels. The simulation studies are
performed using the ETAP software, while the PSO algorithm is implemented in
MATLAB. By leveraging the capabilities of ETAP, the performance of the DG system
is thoroughly assessed, providing valuable insights into its effectiveness in reducing
power losses and enhancing system reliability. Additionally, the implementation of the
PSO algorithm in MATLAB ensures accurate optimization and enables the
identification of the optimal location and size of DG units. The study results
demonstrate that considering the optimal location and size of a single PV or wind DG
unit can significantly reduce power losses, enhance the reliability and operational
constraints of the DS system, and enable effective load sharing with the substation.
Furthermore, the impact of DG unit uncertainty on system performance is also
analyzed.
