Techniques for Optimal Placement and Sizing of Distributed Energy Resources: a Review

Distributed energy resources (DER) are much smaller electricity generation units compared to conventional generating plants. DERs offer the benefits like voltage control, network loss minimization and reliability. Studies conducted have indicated that placement and sizing of DER have critical influence over distribution network operation. Optimal placement and sizing of distributed energy resources (OPSDER) is essential to ensure stable as well as reliable operation of the power system. Many techniques have been applied for this purpose. OPSDER problem has been solved keeping single as well as multiple objectives in the view and taking into account the constraints imposed. This paper reviews the various optimization techniques employed for OPSDER.