Enhancing Distribution Network Efficiency with Andean Condor Algorithm-Driven Optimal Placement of Distributed Generation and Network Reconfiguration

Abstract

This research introduces an innovative methodology for optimizing placement of Distributed Generations (DGs) within distribution networks, with primary focus on reducing power losses and enhancing energy efficiency. The surge in electric power demand has necessitated integration of DGs into distribution networks, bolstering system security. However, this integration brings about structural changes and alters system parameters, such as power fluctuations, voltage profiles and fault current levels. To address these complexities, this research contributes comprehensive approach that integrates Andean Condor Algorithm (ACA) and Network Reconfiguration (NR) to optimize DG placement. The proposed methodology aims to minimize both active and reactive power losses in distribution networks. MATLAB simulations using the 69 and 33 bus distribution networks are used to thoroughly validate the system’s efficacy. The suggested ACA achieves an active power loss of 120 KW and a reactive power loss of 28.66 KVAr for 33 bus system. In the same way, 69 bus system manages to achieve a 16 KVAr reactive power loss and a 92.3 KW active power loss. The results show that suggested methodology is both effective and better than popular CPSO method, which makes it valuable addition to the field of distributed generation optimization in power distribution networks.

Keywords:

• DG unit
• ACA
• CPSO
• active power loss
• network reconfiguration
• reactive power loss

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

C. Saravanan

C. Saravanan received the B.E degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Madras University, Chennai in the year of 1999. He received his PG Degree in M.E Power Electronics & Drives from Anna University, Chennai in 2008. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D) Degree in the area of Power Systems, from Anna University, Chennai in 2017. He has 20 years of teaching experience. Currently, he is working as Professor and Head of the Department in EEE, at J.K.K. Munirajah College of Technology, T.N. Palayam, Erode District, Tamil Nadu, and India. He has published 15 research papers in International Journals and 12 research papers published in National/International Conferences. Attended 25 Seminars and Workshop Participated in 11 Online Webinars. Currently, he is doing research in the field of power quality improvement for the wind energy a conversion system by using ETAP Software.He is a life member of Indian Society for Technical Education and member of IEEE.

N. Vengadachalam

N. Vengadachalam received his B.E. degree from University of Madras, Chennai, and Tamil Nadu, India in 2000. He completed his M.E. Degree from Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India in 2009 and Ph.D degree in the department of Electrical Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, India, in 2020. At present he is working as Assistant Professor in the department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Malla Reddy Engineering College for Women (Autonomous) Telangana, India. His area of interest includes wind and solar power generation, power electronic converters for Renewable energy sources.

P. Balakrishnan

P. Balakrishnan (Pappan Balakrishnan) obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Government College of Engineering, Affiliated to Periyar University, Salem and Master’s degree in Embedded Systems Technologies from K.S.R. College of Engineering, Tiruchengode, and Affiliated to Anna University Coimbatore. He received his Doctorate of Philosophy under Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu in 2017. He has been in teaching Electrical Engineering about 15 years. He is currently working as Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Annasaheb Dange College of Engineering & Technology (Autonomous), Ashta, Sangli District, and Maharashtra, India. His areas of interest are soft computing techniques for power systems faults and embedded systems. His current research interests are power system optimization, renewable energy integration.

T. K. S. Sathyanarayanan

T. K. S. Sathyanarayanan received the B.E degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Periyar University, Salem in the year of 2005. He received his PG Degree in ME Power Electronics & Drives from Anna University, Chennai in 2008. He is doing his Doctor of Philosophy degree in the area of Power Electronics from Anna University, Chennai. He has 20 years of teaching experience. Currently, he is working as Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Tagore Engineering College, Rathinamangalam, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu and India. He has published 3 research papers in International Journals and 2 research papers published In National/International Conference. Attended 12 Seminars and Workshop Participated in 07 Online Webinars. He is a life member of Indian Society for Technical Education and member of IEEE.