Optimal Allocation and Assessment of Distributed Generation Units with Multi-Objective Planning in Unbalanced Distribution Networks

Abstract

Abstract—Real-world distribution networks are generally unbalanced due to unbalanced loads and asymmetric line parameters. Proper allocation of distributed generation (DG) units in unbalanced radial distribution networks to extract their maximum potential benefits is still quite difficult. Converter-coupled DG units have individual phase real and reactive power regulating ability and provide voltage unbalance compensation. This article proposes a new technique for the suitable allocation and capacity of converter-based multiple DG units considering the unbalanced operation of distribution networks. The objective function contains power loss minimization, multiphase voltage stability augmentation, and reduction of voltage unbalances among different phases in the system. A complex multi-objective optimization problem has been synthesized with the help of a Fast and Flexible Radial Power Flow (FFRPF) and solved by employing a Weighted aggregation (WA) based particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach. The performance of the proposed technique is validated on 19-bus, 25-bus, and 34-bus unbalanced radial distribution networks that consider various power factor modes of the converter-coupled DG units. The analysis of the simulation results indicates a significant enhancement in the power delivery efficiency in all the unbalanced test systems

Keywords:

• distributed generations
• unbalanced radial distribution networks
• three-phase load flow
• renewable energy sources

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Pappu Kumar Saurav

Pappu Kumar Saurav received his B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from Academy of Technology, Hooghly, India in 2015, and M.Tech. in Power and Energy Systems from National Institute of Technology Patna, Bihar, India in 2020. He was the recipient of MHRD (Government of India) fellowship for M.Tech. degree. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. degree from National Institute of Technology Silchar, Assam, India as a regular Ph.D. Research Scholar with MOE (Government of India) fellowship. His current research interests are power distribution system analysis and microgrids.

Swapna Mansani

Swapna Mansani obtained her bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Church Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, in 2007. She received a Master’s degree in Power & Energy Systems and a Ph.D. from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, India, in 2009 and 2018, respectively. She was the recipient of MHRD fellowships for M.Tech./Ph.D. degrees. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Silchar (NITS), Assam, India. Before joining NITS, she worked as Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru, India. Prior to her Ph.D., she served as Assistant Engineer at the Northern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TSNPDCL), Telangana. She has authored more than 30 research papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences in the area of her expertise. Her current research interests include power distribution, energy management, smart grid, and power quality.

Partha Kayal

Partha Kayal completed his B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from West Bengal University of Technology in 2008. He was awarded M.E. and Ph.D. from IIEST Shibpur in 2010 and 2016 respectively. He joined NIT Silchar and serving there as an Assistant professor since June 2018. He has published more than 20 research papers in reputed journals and conferences. He works in the domain of power distribution system analysis, distribution system resiliency, microgrids, and optimization of distributed energy resources.