Optimal placement and sizing of distributed generators in Bechar’s electric distribution network

Abstract

Optimal allocation of distributed generators (DG) in the distribution system have a significant influence on the network performance. An optimization based on DG allocation an dsizingfor minimizing active power loss and annual operation cost is applied to Bechar’s distribution network. Meta-heuristic techniques are proposed to solve the optimization problem with the aim of improving the technical and economical benefits .The distribution system power flow is solved usingt he Open DSS software, and the optimization method is created in Matlab. Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) shows a better and faster convergence compared to Genetic Algorithm (GA). The optimization aims to place and size distributed energy resources (DERs)(i.e., gas turbines, Photovoltaic systems ) over the nine (9) electric substations of Bechar’s electric network to minimize active power loss and reduce annual energy cost along with saving fuel resources. In order to investigate the impact of integrating DGs, a simulation of the optimization results is performed. Active power loss is reduced along with reducing dependency on the grid where the annual saving in fossil fuel is increased.