Optimal Integration of Renewable Distributed Generation Using the Whale Optimization Algorithm for Techno-Economic Analysis

Abstract

A new method for optimal integration of renewable energy sources based on photovoltaic solar panels and wind turbines in the distribution network is presented with the objective of reducing the Active Power Loss (APL) index, to improve the Total Voltage Variation (TVV) index and the Total Operating Cost (TOC) index. The objectives are achieved by optimal integration of Distributed Generation (DG) based solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) renewable sources using a novel optimization algorithm, namely the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) for determining the optimal DG location and sizing subject to the constraints such as power conservation, distribution line constraints, DG capacity limits, and DG penetration limit. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on standard IEEE 12, 33, and 69 bus distribution networks. A numerical simulation including comparative studies is presented to demonstrate the performance and applicability of the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). The validity of the proposed WOA technique is demonstrated by comparing the obtained results with those reported in literature using other optimization algorithms.