Optimal allocation of photo-voltaic units in radial distribution networks using a new student psychology based optimization algorithm

Abstract

This paper presents the first ever engineering application of a recently proposed metaheuristic algorithm namely, Student Psychology-based Optimization (SPBO) algorithm, which emulates the psychology of students in a class to continuously improve their class performance for becoming the best student. This algorithm is implemented for determining the optimal locations and sizes of Photo Voltaic (PV) units to minimize the real power loss of the system effectively by exploiting the requirement of minimal tuning parameters. The detailed steps of implementation include the proposed student classification based on normally distributed class performance. To prove the efficacy of the proposed approach three standard radial distribution networks i.e., 33-node, 69-node and 84-node networks are considered. The results obtained not only validate the successful implementation of the SPBO algorithm to the DG allocation problem but also proves its superiority over other recently proposed metaheuristic approaches in solving optimal allocation of PV units.