Optimal placement of non-site specific DG for voltage profile improvement and energy savings in radial distribution networks

Abstract

This paper proposes a model based on Fuzzy Genetic Algorithm (FGA) to determine the optimal capacity and location of a DG unit in a radial distribution network. In the FGA, a fuzzy controller is integrated into GA to adjust the crossover and mutation rates dynamically to maintain the proper population diversity during GA’s operation. This effectively overcomes the premature convergence problem of the simple genetic algorithm (SGA). The main objective functions considered in this study are maximisation of cost savings arising from energy loss, minimisation of voltage drops across all lines, and maximisation of the transfer capability of the system. The model takes into account the peculiarities of radial distribution networks, such as high R/X ratio, voltage dependency and composite nature of loads. The proposed model is evaluated on three radial test distribution systems, and the results obtained are very impressive, with high computational efficiency, when compared with those of the existing approaches cited in the literature.