Optimal distributed generation allocation in MV distribution networks

Abstract

The necessity for flexible electric systems, changing regulatory and economic scenarios, energy savings and environmental impact are providing impetus to the development of distributed generation (DG), which is predicted to play an increasing role in the electric power system of the future. With so much new distributed generation being installed, it is critical that the power system impacts be assessed accurately so that DG can be applied in a manner that avoids causing degradation of power quality, reliability and control of the utility system. For these reasons, the paper proposes a new software procedure, based on a genetic algorithm, capable of establishing the optimal distributed generation allocation on an existing MV distribution network, considering all the technical constraints, like feeder capacity limits, feeder voltage profile and three-phase short circuit current in the network nodes.