Optimal Modeling and Allocation of Mixed Wind and Solar Generation Systems in Electric Distribution Networks

Abstract

Electric power generated in a centralized station is transmitted through the transmission system and supplied to the consumer end through an electric distribution substation. Electric power losses are high in distribution network compared to the transmission system. The integration of decentralized generation (DG) units in electric distribution networks will reduce power losses. However, the integration of conventional DG is not appreciable due to various techno-economic and environmental concerns. Hence there is a need for the changeover from conventional to renewable energy sources (RES) for energy requirement. Because of vast availability, non-polluting nature, and sustainable character of RES are grasping significant attention over the years. At present most, viable RES are solar and wind energy systems in the world. It is observed that the output generation patterns of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays and wind turbine generation units (WTGUs) are arbitrary. Hence there is a need for sophisticated method/technique for modeling these generated outputs. In the present paper, optimal modeling and allocation of RES are solved using a novel metaheuristic algorithm. The proposed algorithm is tested on 12, 15 and 85 – bus radial distribution networks (RDNs) and the simulation results obtained are outperforms other existing techniques in the literature.

Keywords:

• Distribution networks
• Mixed wind and solar
• Network loss reduction
• Renewable energy resources
• Salp swarm algorithm
• Voltage profile improvement

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank the Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore for providing “VIT SEED GRANT” for carrying out this research work.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kola Sampangi Sambaiah

Kola Sampangi Sambaiah obtained his bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Priyadarshini Institute of Technology, Tirupati, India, in 2012, master’s degree in power electronics from Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, India, in 2016. Currently, he is pursuing PhD in Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India. His current research interests are in optimization, soft computing, and distributed generation allocation. Email: [email protected]

T. Jayabarathi

T Jayabarathi obtained her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Dharwar University, Dharwar, India, in 1985, master’s degree in power systems from Annamalai University, India, and PhD from College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, India, in 2000. Currently, she is senior professor, School of Electrical Engineering, VIT University, Vellore, India. Her current research interests are in optimization, soft computing and economic dispatch of power systems.