Performance Evaluation of Optimal DG Placement Using MCDA in Smart Distribution Networks

Abstract

Increasing load demands, aging infrastructure and unidirectional power flows have turned Radial Distribution Networks (RDNs) feeble, when one talks about robustness, efficiency or reliability. To overcome these issues conventional power systems needs to be transformed into Smart Distribution Networks (SDNs), including two main components; Reconfiguration and Distributed Generation along with FACTS devices. Modern power systems are bidirectional in nature and are becoming more complex because of their meshed topology. Random looping and placement of DGs can cause more problems than resolving the existing ones. Intermittent nature of renewable DGs introduces voltage discrepancies while inappropriate DG sizing often results in reverse power flows to the grid. So, for better results optimal reconfiguration and DG placement is required for which Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is used. Various scenarios are considered for DG siting and their performance is evaluated based on conflicting objectives using three MCDA techniques, WSM, WPM and TOPSIS. These techniques are not only implemented under normal load conditions but considering load growth as well. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to visualize effect of each scenario for better analysis and comprehension of results. Reliability can be increased through looping existing radial systems and distributed generation minimizes line losses due to extensive power travelling while FACTS devices helps to govern shunt impedance, series impedance and phase imbalance. In this research significance of these components is validated through two major indices; (1) Voltage profile, (2) Power loss. Simulations are performed on IEEE 69 Bus standard test system in MATLAB Simulink.