Impact of Distributed Generation on the Effectiveness of Electric Distribution System Reconfiguration

Abstract

Distribution system reconfiguration (DSR) is an essential activity in the operation of distribution utilities, usually carried out to lower active power losses and improve reliability metrics. The insertion of distributed generation (DG) units in electric power distribution systems (EPDS) causes the rearrangement of power flows through the conductors and changes the real power losses and voltage profile; therefore, up to a certain point, the insertion of certain quantities of DG may potentially delay or change the reconfiguration strategy of EPDS. This article presents an analysis of the impact of DG, for different locations of the units and different levels of active power supplied by them, on real power losses and on the effectiveness of DSR. The article presents tests with different distribution systems with varying sizes and topologies, showing that the allocation of DG units in buses far from the substation provided the best cost–benefit results. The DSR impact changes depending on the installment location and the generation level of the DG units, corroborating that DSR must be considered and performed using certain criteria, to maximize its efficiency.