Impact of DG placement on reliability and efficiency with time-varying loads

Distributed generators (DGs) sometimes provide the lowest cost solution to handling low-voltage or overload problems. In conjunction with handling such problems, a DG can be placed for optimum efficiency or optimum reliability. Such optimum placements of DGs are investigated. The concept of segments, which has been applied in previous reliability studies, is used in the DG placement. The optimum locations are sought for time-varying load patterns. It is shown that the circuit reliability is a function of the loading level. The difference of DG placement between optimum efficiency and optimum reliability varies under different load conditions. Observations and recommendations concerning DG placement for optimum reliability and efficiency are provided in this paper. Economic considerations are also addressed.