Optimal allocation and sizing of embedded generators

Abstract

Recent years, the number of embedded generators installed in distribution system has been increasing in many parts of the world. Depending on their operating characteristics and locations, embedded generators could significantly affect the voltage profile, network losses and fault level in a distribution system. This paper presents a new technique for determining optimal allocation and sizing of embedded generator in a distribution system. Sensitivity indices based on voltage stability improvement with respect to change in injected active and reactive power at a load bus were derived and used to identify the suitable location for the embedded generators. In order to determine the optimal output of the embedded generators, an evolutionary programming optimization technique was developed with an objective to minimize the distribution losses while satisfying the voltage constraint in the system. The proposed technique was tested on the 69 bus distribution system and the results shown a significant reduction in distribution losses and voltage profile improvement in the system with the implementation of the embedded generation at the suitable location and optimal sizing.