Optimal sizing and siting of distributed generators using Big Bang Big Crunch method

Abstract

The concept of integrating small generating units in the power system attracted the attention in the last few decades. Distributed generator (DG) reinforces the main generating station in covering the growing power demand. DG can be connected or disconnected easily from the network unlike the main power stations, thus providing higher flexibility. Good planned and operated DG has many benefits as economic savings, decrement of power losses, greater reliability and higher power quality. Optimal location and capacity of DGs plays a pivotal rule in achievement of gaining the maximum benefits from DGs, on the other side improper placement or sizing of DGs may cause undesirable effects. This paper applies the Big Bang Big Crunch optimization algorithm on balanced/ unbalanced distribution networks for optimal placement and sizing of distributed generators. The proposed algorithm deals with the optimization problems incorporating voltage controlled distributed generators for the sake of power loss minimization. The proposed algorithm is implemented in MATLAB environment and tested on the 69-bus feeder system and the IEEE 37-node feeder. Validation of the proposed method is done via comparing the results with published results obtained from other competing methods.