Optimal integration of distributed generation resources in active distribution networks for techno-economic benefits

Abstract

In recent years, modern electricity utilities face great challenges regarding the deregulated energy markets, transition toward sustainable smart grids and the increased load demand. These challenges are a part of the reasons that have paved the way toward the rapid progress of spreading the different Distributed Generation (DG) technologies into the modern Distribution Networks (DNs). DGs integration into DNs can be employed as a key solution for tackling the problems, facing the distribution systems, and verifying more technical and economic benefits while considering the systems’ uncertainties and the operational policies of the distribution utilities. This paper introduces the application of Modified Sine Cosine Algorithm (MSCA) for enhancing the DNs performance through the integration of multiple DG technologies in order to optimize the active power losses, the fast voltage stability index and the total costs, considering the DGs penetration level as well as the DG units’ operating power factor constraints. The proposed algorithm has been implemented using MATLAB software and applied on three-benchmark IEEE test systems (30-bus, 33-bus and 300-bus) as different models of electric power networks. The attained results show that the suggested optimization platform especially using MSCA, is more effective and successful in determining and finding better results than existing results.

Keywords

• Distributed generation
• Distribution networks
• Multi-objective
• Modified sine–cosine​ optimization technique
• Fast voltage stability index
• Power losses