Optimal DG allocation in LV distribution networks considering repairing fault periods

Abstract

Many researchers investigated the optimum capacity and location of Distributed Generation (DG) considering either normal operation or faulty situations. In this paper, the effect of repairing fault periods (RFP) on the DG optimization process is investigated. Comparisons between optimal DG allocations on low voltage (LV) distribution network based on normal operation period (NOP) only and considering both NOP and RFP are comprehensively introduced. Also, the paper presents a choice preference between inserting DG units near the distribution transformers or at the consumer locations regarding RFPs during the optimization process. A two-part objective function is developed based on energy losses reduction and voltage improvement. The voltage level, total DG capacity, transformer ratings and power flow limits are considered as constraints in the problem formulation. The suggested framework is applied on an actual 76-bus (15 MV buses and 61 LV buses) ring distribution network in EGYPT. Genetic Algorithm (GA) technique is utilized to get the optimal solutions.