Power loss minimization in radial distribution networks using reconfiguration and DGs

Abstract

A novel approach is proposed in this paper to achieve the objective of real power loss minimization and voltage profile enhancement. Network reconfiguration and allocation of various DG units are used to meet the objective. Selective particle swarm Optimization (SPSO) and novel analytical techniques are used to solve the problem of network reconfiguration and allocation of DG units simultaneously. A new constant, Power Voltage Sensitivity Constant (PVSC), has been proposed to solve the allocation problem. The formulated mathematical expression (PVSC) determines site and size of DG units. The level of DG penetration is considered in a range of 0–50% of total system load. A novel index is also proposed which incorporates level of DG penetration and % reduction in real power losses. Standard 69 bus system is used to validate the results obtained by proposed hybrid approaches. To show the efficacy and strength of the proposed hybrid approach, it has been compared with various techniques.