Integrated AC/DC network planning

Proliferation of DC output type Distributed Energy Resource (DER) units in the utility power systems, mostly at the distribution voltage levels, and also recent advancement in the power electronics devices have motivated the integration of DC microgrids as an integral part of AC grids. LVDC system is one of the newest technologies in the field of distribution networks. In this paper, economic design of hybrid AC/DC distribution networks are studied for bipolar LVDC system configurations, area with different load densities and different penetrations of distributed generation sources, considering various kinds of loads. Optimal connection configuration of load points and Distributed Generations to the AC and DC substations candidate points is determined by genetic algorithm considering investment, loss and also customer interruption costs. Afterward, final structure of network is designed by branch exchange method.