Optimal allocation of multiple distributed generation units in power distribution networks for voltage profile improvement and power losses minimization

Distributed Generation (DG) integration into an existing electrical distribution system plays a great role in combating power system profile problems associated with load growth, overloading, lowquality of supply and non-reliability. Hence, there is a need to improve the technical benefits of DG integration by optimal sitting and sizing in a power system network. These benefits can potentially defer the investments to be made to upgrade the assets of the distribution system, extend equipment maintenance intervals, reduce electrical power losses, and improve the voltage profile and reliability of the distribution system. The aim of this research is therefore to minimize power losses and improve voltage profile of Bahir Dar distribution network using different types of DGs (type-1 DG, type-2 DG and type-3 DG). An improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO)-based methodology is applied to optimally allocate and size the required DG units. It is found that the proposed algorithm is more effective in enhancing the performance of distributions systems when compared with conventional optimization techniques. In particular, the percentage reduction in real power loss is 55.73%, 73.1% and 54.098% while the percentage reactive power loss reduction is 55.102%, 73.46% and 57.14% for type-1, type-2 and type-3 DGs, respectively. Moreover, the minimum voltage is significantly improved and all bus voltages are maintained above the permissible limit. Generally, the proposed optimization algorithm is found to be more efficient and robust for the performance enhancement of a radial distribution system using multiple DG integrations.