Review of Non-Traditional Optimization Methods for Allocation of Distributed Generation and Energy Storage in Distribution System

The integration of distributed energy sources transforms passive distributed grid, in which the energy flows only in one direction (from the source to the consumer), in an active one, in which energy flows in both directions. To maximize positive impacts, which distributed generation (DG) can provide to the distribution network, it is necessary to determine the optimal allocation of distributed generation. The optimal allocation can be determined by using the optimization method. There are two main categories: exact methods (traditional) and heuristic (non-traditional) methods. Exact methods search for global optimum while heuristic methods achieve satisfactory solutions with greater computation speed. This paper gives a brief review of non-traditional methods used for determining optimal location and optimal power of DG with the aim to reduce real power losses and to improve voltage characteristics. Also, there is a review of the application of those methods in determining the optimal power, optimal location and optimal cycle of charging/discharging of electrical energy storage systems