Optimal sizing and sitting of distributed generation using Particle Swarm Optimization Guided Genetic Algorithm

This paper attempts to minimize losses and at the same time maintain acceptable voltage profiles in a radial distribution system. Distributed generation (DG) is a hot topic due to the ever increasing demands for electrical energy. Thus this paper optimally size and place DGs in appropriate buses in the system, making the problem such a way reducing real power losses, operating cost and enhancing the voltage stability, which becomes the objective function. Voltage profile improvement is considered as a constraint in finding the optimal placement of DG. Since the problem involves optimization of variables, a new hybrid optimization method integrating two powerful well established techniques is proposed. The prime idea of the proposed technique is to utilize the key features of both techniques to collectively and effectively search for better optimization results. The proposed algorithm is applied and demonstrated on the IEEE 33and 69-bus distribution systems. The results obtained depict the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid GA-PSO algorithm in comparison with those of GA and PSO methods when applied independently.