Simultaneous Optimal Network Reconfiguration, DG and Fixed/Switched Capacitor Banks Placement in Distribution Systems using Dedicated Genetic Algorithm

The main objectives of distribution network reconfiguration are real power loss reduction and relieving the overload. As well, integration of distributed generation (DG) units and fixed/switched capacitor banks are effective options for operation cost reduction, reducing system losses, improving voltage profile and increasing voltage stability index in the distribution systems. Therefore, simultaneous network reconfiguration, optimal placement of DG units and fixed/switched capacitor banks are proposed in this paper. The dedicated genetic algorithm is proposed for simultaneous network reconfiguration and allocation of DG units and fixed/switched capacitor banks in distribution systems considering different load levels. The proposed approach is able to find good network configurations and determine the optimal site and size of DG units and fixed/switched capacitor banks in distribution systems, simultaneously. The considered objective function encompasses the total cost of power loss, the investment and operation costs of DG units, the installation cost of fixed/switched capacitor banks and cost of purchased active power demand from upstream network. The proposed method is applied to 69-bus distribution system. The simulation results and comparison of different scenarios reveals that the simultaneous network reconfiguration and allocation of DG units and fixed/switched capacitor banks, results in significant advantages in the total cost.