Multi-objective Combined Heuristic-SPSO for Power Loss and Congestion Mitigation in Distribution Networks

Renewable energy sources and distributed power generation units already have an important role in electrical power generation. A mixture of different technologies penetrating the electrical grid, adds complexity in the management of distribution networks. High penetration of distributed generation (DG) units creates node over-voltages, increased power losses, unreliable power management, reverse power flow and congestion. This paper presents an optimization algorithm capable of reducing congestion and power losses, both described as a function of weighted sum. Two factors that describe congestion are being proposed. An upgraded selective particle swarm optimization algorithm (SPSO) is used as a solution focusing on the technique of network reconfiguration. T he u pgraded S PSO a lgorithm is achieved with the addition of a heuristic algorithm specializing in reduction of power losses, with several scenarios being simulated. Results show significant i mprovement in m inimization of losses and congestion while achieving very small calculation times.