A Review on Optimal Allocation and Sizing Techniques for DG in Distribution Systems

Abstract

Distributed Generation (DG) offers the reliable and economic source of electricity to consumers. These are connected directly to the distribution system at consumer load points. Integration of DG units into an existing system has significantly high importance due to its innumerable advantages. However, Optimal DG (ODG) allocation and sizing is always a challenging task for utilities as well as consumers. The major objective of ODG allocation and sizing is to improve system overall efficiency with minimum power loss, maximum system security, voltage stability, and reliability. Analytical techniques are performing well for small and simple systems, not suitable for a system with large and complex networks. However, various meta-heuristic techniques are performing better in terms of accuracy and convergence for extensively large and complex networks. A hybrid optimization is a combination of two or more optimization techniques. This technique offers efficient and reliable global optimum solutions for complex multi-objective problems. In this context, a comprehensive literature review of DG fundamentals and the different technical approaches for DG integration into the distribution system are analyzed here. Furthermore, an attempt has been made for comparison of analytical, classical (non-heuristic), meta-heuristic and hybrid optimization techniques with respect to objective function, test system, advantages, and disadvantages. This present study will give in-depth knowledge and acts as a forthright reference for imminent investigators and investors for ODG allocation and sizing in a distribution system.