A Review on Methods for Optimal Placement of Distributed Generation in Distribution Network

Abstract

Centralized power plants like Coal-fired, nuclear, gas, and hydroelectric stations are traditionally used and they transmit electric power over long distances to substations. Distribution networks are normally radial type for simplicity of operation. Radial distribution systems (RDSs) are fed by only one substation i.e., no alternative for back up. The end users of electricity accept electric power from the substation via RDSs which are passive networks. Thus, in RDS, electric power flows unidirectionally and due to high R/X ratios, low voltage stability, large voltage drops and large power losses occur. Under severe loading conditions, issues like voltage collapse also appears. A good solution is to place DG in the distribution network, but DG requires proper installation to optimize the appropriate location and capacity of it. Numerous methods are used for DG allocation are classified into three groups, namely analytical, classical and heuristic approaches. The analytical approach has ease of implementation, but it provides near optimal solutions. The classical approach is adequate for small distribution networks but becomes complicated for bigger networks. Meta-heuristic techniques, like GA and other practical heuristic algorithms are rapid and alteration can be simply done. Only a single optimization technique cannot solve all type of optimization problems. Their performance varies from problem to problem. There is always a need to test different optimization techniques for various practical engineering problems. A review on optimal location and capacity of DG installation has been pursued in this article. The various solution techniques applicable for the solution of DG integration in distribution system are discussed and compared in this paper.