Review of distributed generation planning: objectives, constraints, and algorithms

The Distributed Generation (DG) technologies, which include both conventional and non-conventional type of energy sources for generating power, are gaining momentum and play major role in distribution system as an alternative distribution system planning option. The penetration of DGs is potentially beneficial if distributed generation planning (DGP) is optimal i.e. their site and size are selected optimally by optimization of single or multi-objective function under certain operating constraints. Many researchers have presented some rigorous optimization-based methods for DGP. This paper will review the various objectives, different constraints as well as optimization based models using conventional algorithms, intelligent searches and fuzzy set applications in DGP.