Optimal Placement and Sizing of Distributed Generation Using Metaheuristic Algorithm

Power loss and voltage uncertainty are the major issues prevalently faced in the design of distribution systems. But such issues can be resolved through effective usage of networking reconfiguration that has a combination of Distributed Generation (DG) units from distribution networks. In this point of view, optimal placement and sizing of DGs are effective ways to boost the performance of power systems. The optimum allocation of DGs resolves various problems namely, power loss, voltage profile improvement, enhanced reliability, system stability, and performance. Several research works have been conducted to address the distribution system problems in terms of power loss, energy loss, voltage profile, and voltage stability depending upon optimal DG distribution. With this motivation, the current study designs a Chaotic Artificial Flora Optimization based on Optimal Placement and Sizing of DGs (CAFO-OPSDG) to enhance the voltage profiles and mitigate the power loss. Besides, the CAFO algorithm is derived from the incorporation of chaos theory concept into conventional artificial flora optimization AFO algorithm with an aim to enhance the global optimization abilities. The fitness function of CAFO-OPSDG algorithm involves voltage regulation, power loss minimization, and penalty cost. To consider the actual power system scenario, the penalty factor acts as an important element not only to minimize the total power loss but to increase the voltage profiles as well. The experimental validation of the CAFO-OPSDG algorithm was conducted against IEEE 33 Bus system and IEEE 69 Bus system. The outcomes were examined under various test scenarios. The results of the experiment established that the presented CAFO-OPSDG model is effective in terms of reducing the power loss and voltage deviation and boost-up the voltage profile for the specified system.     

Distributed generation system control strategies with PV and fuel cell in microgrid operation

Control strategies of distributed generation (DG) are investigated for different combination of DG and storage units in a microgrid. In this paper the authors proposed a microgrid structure which consists of a detailed photovoltaic (PV) array model, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and various loads. Real and reactive power (PQ) control and droop control are developed for microgrid operation. In grid-connected mode, PQ control is developed by controlling the active and reactive power output of DGs in accordance with assigned references. Two PI controllers were used in the PQ controller, and a novel heuristic method, artificial bee colony (ABC), was adopted to tune the PI parameters. DGs can be controlled by droop control both under grid-connected and islanded modes. Droop control implements power reallocation between DGs based on predefined droop characteristics whenever load changes or the microgrid is connected/disconnected to the grid, while the microgrid voltage and frequency is maintained at appropriate levels. Through voltage, frequency, and power characteristics in the simulation under different scenarios, the proposed control strategies have demonstrated to work properly and effectively. The simulation results also show the effectiveness of tuning PI parameters by the ABC.     

U-shaped energy loss curves utilization for distributed generation optimization in distribution networks

We propose novel techniques to find the optimal achieve the maximum loss reduction for distribution networks location, size, and power factor of distributed generation （DG） to Determining the optimal DG location and size is achieved simultaneously using the energy loss curves technique for a pre-selected power factor that gives the best DG operation. Based on the network＇s total load demand, four DG sizes are selected. They are used to form energy loss curves for each bus and then for determining the optimal DG options. The study shows that by defining the energy loss minimization as the objective function, the time-varying load demand significantly affects the sizing of DG resources in distribution networks, whereas consideration of power loss as the objective function leads to inconsistent interpretation of loss reduction and other calculations. The devised technique was tested on two test distribution systems of varying size and complexity and validated by comparison with the exhaustive iterative method （EIM） and recently published results. Results showed that the proposed technique can provide an optimal solution with less computation.     

Krill herd algorithm for optimal location of distributed generator in radial distribution system

Distributed generator (DG) is recognized as a viable solution for controlling line losses, bus voltage, voltage stability, etc. and represents a new era for distribution systems. This paper focuses on developing an approach for placement of DG in order to minimize the active power loss and energy loss of distribution lines while maintaining bus voltage and voltage stability index within specified limits of a given power system. The optimization is carried out on the basis of optimal location and optimal size of DG. This paper developed a new, efficient and novel krill herd algorithm (KHA) method for solving the optimal DG allocation problem of distribution networks. To test the feasibility and effectiveness, the proposed KH algorithm is tested on standard 33-bus, 69-bus and 118-bus radial distribution networks. The simulation results indicate that installing DG in the optimal location can significantly reduce the power loss of distributed power system. Moreover, the numerical results, compared with other stochastic search algorithms like genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), combined GA and PSO (GA/PSO) and loss sensitivity factor simulated annealing (LSFSA), show that KHA could find better quality solutions.     

Selective compensation of voltage harmonics in grid-connected microgrids

In this paper, a novel approach is proposed for selective compensation of main voltage harmonics in a grid-connected microgrid. The aim of compensation is to provide a high voltage quality at the point of common coupling (PCC). PCC voltage quality is of great importance due to sensitive loads that may be connected. It is assumed that the voltage harmonics are originated from distortion in grid voltage as well as the harmonic current of the nonlinear loads. Harmonic compensation is achieved through proper control of distributed generators (DGs) interface converters. The compensation effort of each harmonic is shared considering the respective current harmonic supplied by the DGs. The control system of each DG comprises harmonic compensator, fundamental power controllers, voltage and current proportional-resonant controller and virtual impedance loop. Virtual impedance is considered at fundamental frequency to enhance power control and also at harmonic frequencies to improve the nonlinear load sharing among DGs. The control system design is discussed in detail. The presented simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in compensation of the voltage harmonics to an acceptable level.     

Efficient optimization technique for multiple DG allocation in distribution networks

In the last few decades, interest in the integration of Distributed Generators (DGs) into distribution networks has been increased due to their benefits such as enhance power system reliability, reduce the power losses and improve the voltage profile. These benefits can be increased by determining the optimal DGs allocation (location and size) into distribution networks. This paper proposes an efficient optimization technique to optimally allocate the multiple DG units in distribution networks. This technique is based on Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA) and chaos map theory. As any random search-based optimization algorithm, SCA faces some issues such as low convergence rate and trapping in local solutions during the exploration and exploitation phases. This issue can be addressed by developing Chaotic SCA (CSCA). CSCA is mainly based on the iterative chaotic map which used to update the random parameters of SCA instead of using the random probability distribution. The iterative chaotic map is applied for single and multi-objective SCA. The proposed technique is validated using two stranded IEEE radial distribution feeders; 33 and 69-nodes. Comprehensive comparison among the proposed technique, the original SCA, and other competitive optimization techniques are carried out to prove the effectiveness of CSCA. Finally, a complete study is performed to address the impact of the intermittent nature of renewable energy resource on the distribution system. Hence, typical loads and generation (represented in PV power) profiles are applied. The result proves that the CSCA is more efficient to solve the optimal multiple DGs allocation with minimum power loss and high convergence rate.     

Group search optimizer based optimal location and capacity of distributed generations

This paper presents a novel efficient population-based heuristic approach for optimal location and capacity of distributed generations (DGs) in distribution networks, with the objectives of minimization of fuel cost, power loss reduction, and voltage profile improvement. The approach employs an improved group search optimizer (iGSO) proposed in this paper by incorporating particle swarm optimization (PSO) into group search optimizer (GSO) for optimal setting of DGs. The proposed approach is executed on a networked distribution system—the IEEE 14-bus test system for different objectives. The results are also compared to those that executed by basic GSO algorithm and PSO algorithm on the same test system. The results show the effectiveness and promising applications of the proposed approach in optimal location and capacity of DGs.     

基于改进多目标粒子群算法的DG选址定容优化研究

为研究分布式电源接入位置和容量对配电网安全稳定运行的影响,文中构建了静态电压稳定指标,设置了不同的方案进行仿真,仿真结果证明了DG容量和接入位置对配网有重要影响,同时有效验证了模型的有效性。然后,为减少DG的容量和位置不合理规划造成不利影响,文中建立了以综合成本、网损和电压稳定裕度为目标函数的模型,采用基于小生境的改进多目标粒子群优化算法对模型进行求解。通过算例仿真,求解多目标Pareto解。在实际决策过程中,规划人员可根据不同偏好或实际需求从Pareto最优解集中选择合适的最优解,实现DG的多目标最优选址定容,为分布式电源的经济可靠接入配电网提供重要的指导意义。     

DG placement in radial distribution network by symbiotic organisms search algorithm for real power loss minimization

Incorporation of distributed generation (DG) in distribution network may reduce the network loss if DG of appropriate size is placed at proper strategic location. The current article presents determination of optimal size and location of DG in radial distribution network (RDN) for the reduction of network loss considering deterministic load demand and DG generation using symbiotic organisms search (SOS) algorithm. SOS algorithm is a meta-heuristic technique, inspired by the symbiotic relationship between different biological species. In this paper, optimal size and location of DG are obtained for two different RDNs (such as, 33-bus and 69-bus distribution networks). The obtained results, using the proposed SOS, are compared to the results offered by some other optimization algorithms like particle swarm optimization, teaching-learning based optimization, cuckoo search, artificial bee colony, gravitational search algorithm and stochastic fractal search. The comparison is done based on minimum loss of the distribution network as well as based on the convergence mobility of the fitness function offered by each of the comparative algorithms for both the networks under consideration. It is established that the proposed SOS algorithm offers better result as compared to other optimization algorithms under consideration. The results are also compared to the existing solution available in the literature.     

Distributed Control of Multiple-Bus Microgrid With Paralleled Distributed Generators

A microgrid is hard to control due to its reduced inertia and increased uncertainties. To overcome the challenges of microgrid control, advanced controllers need to be developed. In this paper, a distributed, two-level, communication-economic control scheme is presented for multiple-bus microgrids with each bus having multiple distributed generators (DGs) connected in parallel. The control objective of the upper level is to calculate the voltage references for one-bus subsystems. The objectives of the lower control level are to make the subsystems' bus voltages track the voltage references and to enhance load current sharing accuracy among the local DGs. Firstly, a distributed consensus-based power sharing algorithm is introduced to determine the power generations of the subsystems. Secondly, a discrete-time droop equation is used to adjust subsystem frequencies for voltage reference calculations. Finally, a Lyapunov-based decentralized control algorithm is designed for bus voltage regulation and proportional load current sharing. Extensive simulation studies with microgrid models of different levels of detail are performed to demonstrate the merits of the proposed control scheme.      

考虑数据时变性的主动配电网动态网络重构

目前的配电网网架重构主要考虑停电发生时刻单场景下的电网信息,但实际上配电网网架重构贯穿于整个故障修复时期, 仅考虑停电发生时刻的电网信息可能造成后续时段电网过载,因此本文提出计及数据时变性的动态网络重构方案。本文以分布式电源大规模接入下的主动配电网为研究对象,首先基于贪婪法思想提出单一场景下的网络重构方法, 然后利用负荷及各类分布式电源的预测信息,以故障排除周期内能量损失最少为目标建立基于连续场景考虑数据时变性的动态网络重构模型。同时本文引入滚动优化的思想, 对动态网络重构方案进行纠偏,以适应分布式电源的随机波动。最后, 通过仿真分析, 论证了分布式电源对优化系统恢复方案的作用,说明了所提模型和方法的有效性。     

基于AHSPSO算法的DG并网位置优化研究

为寻求不同接线模式下分布式电源接入位置对配网电压优化的规律性,以系统电压影响参数最小化为目标,以功率平衡、节点电压、支路容量为约束条件,采用自适应和声搜索与粒子群优化混合(AHSPSO)算法对不同接线模式下的DG并网位置进行优化,得出不同接线模式下的最优接入位置.利用IEEE-33节点配网模型进行仿真对比,分析不同接线模式下DG的并网位置对配网电压影响的规律.结果表明:只有正确合理地配置不同接线模式下DG并网位置,才能够更为有效地发挥电压的支撑作用.     

Modeling and simulation of long term stochastic assessment in industrial microgrids proficiency considering renewable resources and load growth

Distributed Generation (DG) resources in industrial microgrids affect the reliability parameters in the networks. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to assess the reliability of industrial microgrids using a proposed composite index in the presence of DG and Demand Response (DR) resources. The reliability evaluation is performed on the basis of sequential Monte-Carlo method with regard to the available time load. Here, the widely used renewable generations such as wind and photovoltaic ones are used. Since the output of this type of DGs depends on random variables such as wind speed and solar radiation, a number of scenarios have been considered to determine the output amount per hour. The newly presented composite index shows the changes of conventional reliability indices (SAIFI, SAIDI, and EENS) per kW of DG installed. Due to the increase of industrial loads, a 10-year study is scheduled for both islanding and grid-connected performance conditions. In the islanding condition, the DR concept is also used. The proposed method is applied to IEEE-RBTS BUS2 standard network and real-world Mahmoud-Abad industrial zone network located in Isfahan, Iran in the presence of DG resources to show its effectiveness. The results are evaluated and compared in different conditions for elucidation.     

A multiobjective approach for optimal placement and sizing of distributed generators and capacitors in distribution network

Both active and reactive power play important roles in power system transmission and distribution networks. While active power does the useful work, reactive power supports the voltage that necessitates control from system reliability aspect as deviation of voltage from nominal range may lead to inadvertent operation and premature failure of system components. Reactive power flow must also be controlled in the system to maximize the amount of real power that can be transferred across the power transmitting media. This paper proposes an approach to simultaneously minimize the real power loss and the net reactive power flow in the system when reinforced with distributed generators (DGs) and shunt capacitors (SCs). With the suggested method, the system performance, reliability and loading capacity can be increased by reduction of losses. A multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) is adopted to select optimal sizes and locations of DGs and SCs in large scale distribution networks with objectives being minimizing system real and reactive power losses. MOEA/D is the process of decomposition of a multiobjective optimization problem into a number of scalar optimization subproblems and optimizing those concurrently. Case studies with standard IEEE 33-bus, 69-bus, 119-bus distribution networks and a practical 83-bus distribution network are performed. Output results of MOEA/D method are compared with similar past studies and notable improvement is observed.     

基于改进遗传算法的分布式电源并网优化配置

随着国家电网对分布式电源并网市场的开放,将分布式电源集成到现有配电系统是今后电力系统的发展趋势。以配电网网损和节点电压偏移最小化为优化目标,考虑支路电流约束、分布式发电单元容量和总接入容量等约束条件,构建大规模分布式电源并网优化配置模型。并提出基于均匀设计的改进遗传算法进行寻优计算,避免了遗传算子的盲目试凑,可以较好地兼顾多目标优化Pareto解集的多样性与快速性,有效提高优化精度。算例对比分析结果表明,通过对分布式电源接入配电网的合理优化配置,可以有效降低系统网损,提高配电网电压的稳定性。     

Demand response scheduling to support distribution networks operation using rolling multi-period optimization

This paper presents an approach of demand response (DR) scheduling with thermostatically controlled loads (TCL) in a distribution grid with high penetration of distributed generations (DG). In this approach, household TCL are employed as flexibility resources to support the distribution network for mitigating voltage or congestion constraints. A two-stage rolling optimization based control scheme is proposed to determine the optimal operating status of flexible loads using the forecast of generation and demand in the distribution system. The proposed methodology is conducted in a distribution test feeder with realistic scenarios. The simulation results have shown the usefulness and efficiency of the proposed method in improving the network operation and increasing the hosting capacity of DG.     

基于改进粒子群算法的多目标分布式电源选址定容规划

通过分析分布式电源对配电网的影响,以有功功率损耗、电压质量及分布式电源总容量为优化目标,基于模糊理论建立了分布式电源在配电网中选址定容的多目标优化模型,并提出了一种改进粒子群算法进行求解。在算例仿真中,基于IEEE 14标准节点系统,采用MATLAB仿真工具对所提算法进行了测试,证实了所提算法全局搜索能力较强、收敛速度较快,并通过比较分析验证了该模型和算法的可行性及有效性。     

Power quality improvement of solar power plants in grid connected system using novel Resilient Direct Unbalanced Control (RDUC) technique

Distributed Generation systems (DGs) using solar power is one of the new trends in power generation. These distributed generating units are integrated to form a micro grid to serve the loads among the locality, which is in connection with the utility grid for power transmission. The elimination of the harmonics in the grid and the usage of solar energy resources in the power electronics applications become famous worldwide. In this work, a Resilient Direct Unbalanced Control (RDUC) algorithm is used to improve the performance of the controller by achieving optimal numerical parameters for photovoltaic power generation - Unified Power Quality Conditioner (PV-UPQC). Then the voltage sag, swell and elimination of current harmonics are used to study the effects of proposed RDUC algorithm for photovoltaic feed UPQC system. According to the evaluations, the proposed unified power quality conditioner eliminates both the supply current distortion caused by a non-linear load and the load voltage distortion introduced after adding fifth and seventh harmonics to the Alternating Current (AC) mains voltage. To validate the simulation results of Resilient Direct Unbalanced Control scheme, tests are performed under various operating conditions. Test results show the satisfactory behavior under steady state, and dynamic conditions such as load unbalance, insolation variation, voltage sag and swell. Finally, Total Harmonic Distortions (THDs) of proposed optimization-based grid current and grid voltages found within limits of the IEEE standard.     

基于混合算法的含分布式电源的配电网优化

考虑到分布式电源的选址与定容对配电网有着重要影响意义,针对分布式电源的接入对配电网系统能量损耗和各节点电压影响的问题,首先建立了以有功功率损耗和系统节点电压的目标函数优化模型,提出了充分整合引力搜索算法(GSA)的勘探能力和粒子群(PSO)的开采能力的混合算法(PSOG-SA),同时确定权重系数,最后采用IEEE-33标准节点配电网模型进行了仿真实验,通过和其他两种算法的比较,验证了配电网系统在该算法下的有效性和可靠性.算例分析表明,合理的DG接入能够一定程度上降低系统有功功率损耗,改善节点电压.     

基于矩阵算法的主动配电网交直流混合网络供电恢复策略研究

考虑到直流输电技术的发展,直流配电应用于配电网中是未来配电网的研究重点。本文为解决主动配电网交直流混合网络的供电恢复问题,提出含直流配电线路的主动配电网供电恢复方案,当交流配电线路出现故障时,考虑直流侧配电线路网损、换流器以及分布式电源影响下的供电恢复方案;当直流配电线路出现故障时,考虑转换直流侧运行方式或让失电的直流负荷转入计划孤岛运行模式,以保证直流侧重要负荷的持续供电,分别提出交流侧和直流侧约束条件,并在约束条件下选取网络损耗、线路末端电压越限节点个数以及开关操作次数作为指标构建目标函数,依据矩阵算法对供电恢复过程的不同恢复方案进行大数据分析与处理,得出最优方案。通过改进的IEEE 123节点算例证明,提出的方案能够有效的解决主动配电网的供电恢复问题。