Optimal Distribution Networks Expansion Planning with DG for Power Losses Reduction

Abstract

This paper proposes an optimal distribution networks expansion planning (DNEP) considering costs minimization to expand the networks, DG installation, and power losses under N-1 contingencies for every branch in the network with different load profiles. The proposed strategy has the capability to determine critical branches that significantly impacting the system power losses in case of outages. Due to the complexity of the proposed problem, hybrid metaheuristic technique comprises of Firefly algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization were applied. The IEEE 33 bus system was utilized to validate the performance of the proposed method. The results shown that some branches have a huge impact on power losses during the N-1 contingency analysis. In addition, the power losses are minimized by 14.32% when DG is optimally considered in the planning strategy in terms of its sizing and placement.