Optimal planning of RDGs in electrical distribution networks using hybrid SAPSO algorithm

The impact of the renewable distributed generations (RDGs), such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) systems can be positive or negative on the system, based on the location and size of the DG. So, the correct location and size of DG in the distribution network remain an obstacle to achieving their full possible benefits. Therefore, the future distribution networks with the high penetration of DG power must be planned and operated to improve their efficiency. Thus, this paper presents a new methodology for integrated of renewable energy-based DG units with electrical distribution network. Since the main objective of the proposed methodology is to reduce the power losses and improve the voltage profile of the radial distribution system (RDS). In this regard, the optimization problem was formulated using loss sensitivity factor (LSF), simulated annealing (SA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and a combination of loss sensitivity index (LSI) with SA and PSO (LSISA, LSIPSO) respectively. This paper contributes a new methodology SAPSO, which prevents the defects of SA and PSO. Optimal placement and sizing of renewable energy-based DG tested on 33-bus system. The results demonstrate the reliability and robustness of the proposed SAPSO algorithm to find the near-optimal position and size of the DG units to mitigate the power losses and improve the radial distribution system's voltage profile