Optimal placement of distributed generation on distribution networks

Abstract

In this paper we propose and develop a heuristic methodology based in genetic algorithms to obtain the optimal placement and size of distributed generation in order to maximize the net benefit for the distribution utility's cost. Technical aspects like energy losses, voltage levels and reliability are considered, as well as economic aspects like price of energy, investment and operating cost of distributed generation, cost of losses and energy not supplied. We use the IEEE 13 nodes test feeder to validate the methodology. Analysis and simulations indicates that installation of DG results in positive net benefits for loss reduction and voltage improvement; reduction of the ENS index is reached when installing DG in highly loads nodes.