Efficient immune-GA method for DNOs in sizing and placement of distributed generation units

This paper proposes a hybrid heuristic optimization method based on genetic algorithm and immune systems to maximize the benefits of Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) accrued due to sizing and placement of Distributed Generation (DG) units in distribution networks. The effects of DG units in reducing the reinforcement costs and active power losses of distribution network have been investigated. In the presented method, the integration of DG units in distribution network is done considering both technical and economical aspects. The strength of the proposed method is evaluated by applying it on a small and a realistic large scale distribution network and the results are compared with analytical classic and other heuristic methods and discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.