Optimal placement of multi-distributed generation units including different load models using particle swarm optimization

This paper proposes a multi-objective index-based approach for optimally determining the size and location of multi-distributed generation (multi-DG) units in distribution systems with different load models. It is shown that the load models can significantly affect the optimal location and sizing of DG resources in distribution systems. The proposed multi-objective function to be optimized includes a short circuit level parameter to represent the protective device requirements. The proposed function also considers a wide range of technical issues such as active and reactive power losses of the system, the voltage profile, the line loading, and the Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) intake by the grid. An optimization technique based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is introduced. An analysis of the continuation power flow to determine the effect of DG units on the most sensitive buses to voltage collapse is carried out. The proposed algorithm is tested using a 38-bus radial system and an IEEE 30-bus meshed system. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.