A New Algorithm Is Employed For The Efficient Allocation of Distributed Generation Resources
A New Algorithm Is Employed For The Efficient Allocation of Distributed Generation Resources
Corresponding Author:
Tamminana Narasimhulu
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Baba Institute of Technology and Sciences
Pothinamallayya Palem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530041, India
Email: [email protected]
1. INTRODUCTION
With the ever-increasing demand for electricity and the growing concerns about environmental
sustainability, the integration of distributed generation (DG) has emerged as a promising solution for modern
power systems. DG refers to small-scale power generation units, often based on renewable energy sources
that are connected to the distribution network. These decentralized generators offer numerous benefits,
including enhanced grid resiliency, reduced transmission losses, and lowered greenhouse gas emissions.
However, to harness the full potential of DG and ensure its seamless integration into the existing power
infrastructure, an efficient and optimal allocation strategy is imperative. Traditionally, the allocation of DG
units in power distribution networks has been approached using conventional methodologies that rely on
simplified assumptions and pre-defined heuristics. While these methods may yield satisfactory results under
certain conditions, they often fail to address the complex and dynamic nature of today's power systems.
Factors such as variable energy demands, uncertain renewable energy resources, and evolving load patterns
necessitate innovative approaches that can adapt and optimize DG allocation in real-time.
DG is the processes of producing electricity at the distribution end utilizing sources that emit little or
no carbon dioxide [1]. Although DG as a concept is not new, some users have used their own generating
systems for years. However, due to a number of worrying circumstances, DG has gained momentum recently
to fulfil the rising electricity demands [2]. These include concerns with network reliability, escalating power
quality disturbances, rising technical and commercial losses, and environmental degradation. The efficiency,
dependability, and cost-effectiveness of DG have increased because to advancing technical knowledge, a
competitive electric market, the use of power electronics devices, and the advent of novel distributed power
technologies like fuel cells and micro-turbines. Finding the ideal placement and size for DGs is the main goal
of research on DG installation in the distribution system. This optimization seeks to better voltage profiles of
crucial buses, save costs, and increase overall system reliability [3]. The genetic algorithm [4], particle
swarm optimization (PSO) [5], ant colony optimization [6], analytical methods [7], and simulated
annealing [8] are only a few of the algorithms that have been suggested to solve the DG allocation problem.
These algorithms are still developing, but they have produced encouraging results. Multi-objective functions
have been used to address the concerns around cost, dependability, and power quality that are becoming
increasingly complicated [9], [10]. Nature-inspired algorithms have shown greater promise in resolving
challenging issues. This led to the development of various bio-inspired heuristic algorithms, such as PSO [5],
artificial bee colony [11], and cuckoo search algorithm [12]. The bat-inspired algorithm, a new population-
based, gradient-free, meta-heuristic algorithm, is introduced in this paper [13]. This program, which takes its
cues from the echolocation technique used by microbats, has showed promise in effectively resolving
challenging issues.
The bat-inspired algorithm is used in the paper to evaluate the ideal placement and size of DGs on
an IEEE 33 and IEEE 69 bus systems. Simulation findings show that the bat algorithm offers better-quality
solutions with greater precision. Six sections make up the organization of the paper: i) The analytical
modelling is formulated in section 2; ii) Section 3 that provides a detailed description of the bat-inspired
algorithm for optimal DG placement and sizing; iii) Section 4 that presents the IEEE 33 and IEEE 69 bus
radial system as a base case and presents the simulated results; and iv) Section 5 brings the study to a close.
2. ANALYTICAL METHOD
The primary objective of this paper is to determine the most suitable location and capacity of
distributed generation, taking into account multiple objectives and constraints. In this section, we present the
mathematical formulation of the objective function. The minimization of real power loss and the
maximization of the voltage stability index in a radial distribution system include the mathematical
representation of the goal function in this study. In order to ensure the stability of the system, the voltage
restrictions of the system are also taken into account. The weight approach is used to reduce multi-objective
functions (MOF) into a single objective function. The following is how the objective function is stated:
- Minimize: Weighted sum = α * Real power loss + β * Voltage stability index
- Subject to: Voltage limits constraints
- Minimum,
𝑓 = 𝑤1 𝑓1 + 𝑤2 𝑓2 (1)
Where f1 represents the total real power losses and f2 represents the voltage stability index. While w1 and
w2 are weight factors assigned to the objective function.
𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑓 = 𝑤1 𝑓1 + 𝑤2 𝑓2
∑𝑛𝑘=1(𝑤𝑘 ) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 0 < 𝑤𝑘 < 1 (2)
Selection of weighting factors values vary from utility to utility. The utility assigns varying
weighting factors to each objective function based on its importance, taking into account factors such as fuel
cost, technology used, environmental concerns. In this particular scenario, real power losses are deemed more
critical and are given a higher weighting factor of 0.7, while the voltage stability index (VSI) is considered
relatively less crucial and assigned a weighting factor of 0.3.
Power loses: The objective function for calculating the total real power losses at all nodes in the
distribution network due to circulating currents caused by the substation and DGs is expressed as (3).
Objective Function 1 (ƒ1):
Where: PL represents the total real power losses in the distribution network before the connection of DGs. P L
represents the total real power losses in the distribution network after the connection of DGs. Power losses
after DG connection are expressed as (4).
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Int J Appl Power Eng ISSN: 2252-8792 523
Where Im is the magnitude of current which is calculated by load flow analysis and Rm is line resistance.
Voltage stability index: Buses in the distribution system that are farther removed from the substation
are assessed for vulnerability using the voltage stability index (VSI). These remote buses are more vulnerable
to suffering considerable voltage drop since the distribution system has a radial structure, making them
susceptible to voltage collapse. The VSI approach suggested by Chakravorty and Das [14] is used to locate
and rank these buses.
𝑉𝑠𝑖 −𝑉𝑟𝑖
𝐼𝑟𝑖 = (5)
𝑅𝑟𝑖 +𝑗𝑋𝑟𝑖
𝑉𝑆𝐼(𝑟𝑖) = |𝑉𝑠𝑖 |4 − 4[𝑃𝑟𝑖 (𝑟𝑖)𝑅𝑟𝑖 + 𝑄𝑟𝑖 (𝑟𝑖)𝑋𝑟𝑖 ]|𝑉𝑠𝑖 |2 − 4[𝑃𝑟𝑖 (𝑟𝑖)𝑅𝑟𝑖 − 𝑄𝑟𝑖 (𝑟𝑖)𝑋𝑟𝑖 ]2 (7)
Vsi is the voltage of sending end node whereas Vri, Pri, Qri, Rri, and Xri are receiving end node voltage,
reactive power, resistance and impedance respectively.
The enhancement of the voltage stability index (VSI) concerning the given objective function can be
expressed as (8). Maximize: VSI improvement.
1
𝑓2 = ; = 𝑟𝑖 = 2,3. . . . . . . , 𝑟𝑟 (8)
𝑚𝑖𝑛(𝑉𝑆𝐼(𝑟𝑖))
Constraints: The integration of DG into the distribution network can lead to reverse power flow and inrush
currents, resulting in voltage rise at various buses [15]. To ensure the voltage magnitude remains within
acceptable limits for all scenarios and with each algorithm used, the voltage constraints must be maintained.
Therefore, the voltage magnitude constraints at each bus can be expressed as (9). For each bus 'i' in the
distribution network, the voltage magnitude (Vi) should satisfy the following conditions.
𝑚𝑎𝑥
|𝑉𝑖 |𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑖 (9)
Where: Vmin is the minimum allowable voltage magnitude at bus 'i'; Vmax is the maximum allowable voltage
magnitude at bus 'i'; These constraints are essential to prevent over voltage or under voltage conditions and
maintain a reliable and stable distribution system after the integration of DG.
In this scenario, the voltage magnitude constraints are set to ensure the power system equipment
operates within allowable variations of ±5% to ±10% of the rated voltage. Therefore, the minimum and
maximum allowable voltage magnitudes (Vmin and Vmax) are specified as: Vmin = 0.95 pu and Vmax = 1.05 pu.
In this simulation, the DG units are discrete in nature, meaning they are available in specific capacity levels
with 100 KW increments [16]. The capacity of DG units is dependent on various factors, including the
availability of the energy source, technology employed, and the local conditions at the installation site. As a
result, DGs are considered to have discrete values, and their capacity is represented in steps of 100 KW
during the simulation.
The solutions for all the DG units are constrained by minimum and maximum limits for real and
reactive power [17], expressed as (10). For real power (P_DG).
𝑚𝑎𝑥𝐷𝐺
𝑃𝐷𝐺 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝐷𝐺 𝐷𝐺 (10)
Where: PDG_min is the minimum allowable real power output for the DG unit; PDG_max is the maximum
allowable real power output for the DG unit.
The real power output (P_DG) of each DG is limited to the range of 0 to 5 MW. For reactive power
(Q_DG), expressed as (11).
𝑚𝑎𝑥𝐷𝐺 𝑣𝑎𝑟
𝑄𝐷𝐺 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝐷𝐺𝐷𝐺 (11)
Where: QDG min is the minimum allowable reactive power output for the DG unit; QDG_max is the maximum
allowable reactive power output for the DG unit.
The reactive power output (Q_DG) of each DG is restricted to the range of 0 to 1 Mva. Explaining
research chronological, including research design, research procedure (in the form of algorithms and
A new algorithm is employed for the efficient allocation of distributed generation … (Elipilli Anil Kumar)
524 ISSN: 2252-8792
pseudocode), how to test and data acquisition [18], [19]. The description of the course of research should be
supported references, so the explanation can be accepted scientifically.
𝑓𝑖 = 𝑓𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑚𝑖𝑛 (12)
−1
𝑣𝑖 𝑡 = 𝑣𝑖 𝑡 + (𝑥 𝑡 − 𝑥∗ ) ∗ 𝑓𝑖 (13)
𝑥𝑖 𝑡 = 𝑥𝑖 𝑡−1 + 𝑣𝑖 𝑡 (14)
Int J Appl Power Eng, Vol. 13, No. 3, September 2024: 521-529
Int J Appl Power Eng ISSN: 2252-8792 525
Table 1. Results of 33 bus system with type-1 DGs and type 3 DGs
Method Optimal Optimal DG Ploss without Ploss with Loss reduction in Vminin Simulated
locations size DG DG % P.U time
BA (type 1 24 1.3966 210.78 KW 74.387 KW 64.7 0.9719 9.643
DG) 13 0.8192
30 1.1333
BA (type 3 24 0.8558 210.78 KW 16.0933 KW 92.3 0.9880 8.238
DG) 15 1.200
30 0.6442
It is clear from Figure 2 that type-3 DGs have allowed for the maximization of voltage profiles. The
solution provided by the BA algorithm has resulted in the largest voltage profile improvement feasible. It is
A new algorithm is employed for the efficient allocation of distributed generation … (Elipilli Anil Kumar)
526 ISSN: 2252-8792
clear from the convergence characteristics [24] of the BA algorithm shown in Figures 3 and 4 that the
algorithm was successful in minimizing the objective function. Compared to other methods, the BA
algorithm found the best solution after a very small number of iterations. That is how the BA algorithm,
using type-1 DGs, reached the better answer at the sixth generation. At the fifth generation, BA found the
best solution using Type-3 DGs.
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Int J Appl Power Eng ISSN: 2252-8792 527
Table 2. Results of 66 bus system with Type-1 DGs and type 3 DGs
Method Optimal Optimal DG size Ploss without Ploss with Loss reduction in Vminin Simulated
locations DG DG % P.U time
Bat (type3 61 1.7994 MW, 1.1152 MVAR 224.719 KW 6.5672 KW 97.07 0.9943 20.94
DG) 68 0.3508 MW, 0.2174 MVAR
18 0.4998 MW, 0. 3098 MVAR
Table 2 shows that in this instance, the BA algorithm was successful in attaining the intended
purpose. With the suggested algorithm, there is a large real power loss decrease, or about 97%. With the
suggested algorithm, an improvement in the voltage profile has been made [27]. This means that the type-3
DGs' minimum voltage is 0.9943 p.u. It is clear from the findings that BA algorithm performed well, and it
took 20.26 sec to arrive at a better answer. Figure 5 shows the convergence characteristics of the BA and
algorithm for the radial distribution system of 69 buses, and Figure 6 shows the correction of the voltage
profile using type-3 DGs for the same system. Figure 6 shows that BA is convergent at the sixth generation.
A new algorithm is employed for the efficient allocation of distributed generation … (Elipilli Anil Kumar)
528 ISSN: 2252-8792
5. CONCLUSION
BA offer powerful optimization technique for addressing the complex problem of optimal allocation
of DG units in power distribution networks. Each algorithm brings its unique strengths and characteristics,
making them valuable tools for different scenarios and problem settings. The bat algorithm, inspired by the
echolocation behavior of bats, demonstrate an efficient and adaptive nature for global optimization. Its ability
to balance exploration and exploitation through echo loudness and pulse rate makes it particularly effective in
dealing with dynamic and uncertain environments. BA's random exploration capability allows it to escape
local optima and discover promising solutions, while the exploitation component helps it converge towards
the optimal solution over successive iterations. Furthermore, the bat algorithm's simplicity and fewer
algorithm parameters make it easier to implement and fine-tune.
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BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS
A new algorithm is employed for the efficient allocation of distributed generation … (Elipilli Anil Kumar)