Optimal Network Reconfiguration and Distributed Generation Allocation using Harris Hawks Optimization

Abstract

Distribution Network Reconfiguration (DNR) is the optimized change in the tie-lines connecting distribution system feeders without altering its radial structure. In this work, a recent DNR mathematical algorithm based on the graphical representation of the distribution system connections is employed to optimally allocate distributed generations (DGs) along with DNR, simultaneously. In this context, DGs based smart inverters are the used DG types. Case studies are conducted on the 83-node practical distribution system. The merits of this work are to improve loss minimization and enhance its voltage stability. A recent metaheuristic optimization algorithm is employed to solve the proposed mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem (MINLP) called Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) algorithm. The proposed optimization approach succeeded in minimizing the total active losses by 21.428%.