Improving Distribution System Performance using the Optimal Place-ment of Dgs and Reconfiguration for Different Load Models

Abstract

The distribution system often gets significant power losses due to voltage drops. To address this issue, various techniques have been proposed in the literature, predominantly focusing on single-load models. This study introduces a methodology aimed to minimizing system losses and enhancing voltage profiles by integrating distributed generation (DG) placement with network reconfiguration (NR) for different load models. The analysis considers constant power (CP), constant current (CI), constant impedance (CZ), and constant impedance, current and power (ZIP) load models under varying load conditions. The methodology employs the index vector approach and a modified whale optimization algorithm to identify the optimal placement of DGs.  A load escalation rate of 7% is factored in for planning the distribution system over a five-year. The approach is validated using modified 33-bus and 69-bus radial distribution systems (RDS), with performance compared against genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) techniques for the Constant power load model. The results indicate that combining system reconfiguration with DG placement effectively reduces system losses while enhancing voltage stability.