Loss Minimization and Voltage Enhancement Through DGs Generation and Sittings Considering TCA in Network Reconfiguration during Load-Variation

Abstract

Distribution network reconfiguration (DNR) is the most popular technique used to minimize power loss. However, applying the reconfiguration method alone will reduce power loss up to a specific value. Furthermore, DG output generation could also reduce power loss. However, a combined reconfiguration process with DG output generation at a un optimal point may rise power loss and voltage variation. So, it is important to evolve an efficient optimization method that determines the DG optimal output generation and ensures optimal configuration at the same time. This work presents a new methodology that aims to find the best simultaneously solution that encompasses the optimal network reconfiguration and optimal DG location and sizing (DG_LS) beside the optimal value of the tap changer alteration (TCA). In addition, the impact of load variation on network reconfiguration are also studied. Power loss reduction and overall voltage profile improvement using the firefly optimization technique are the aims of the presented methodology. Different scenarios were considered to examine the validity of the presented methodology. The output results confirm the validation of the proposed strategy to find the optimal simultaneously system configuration, the optimal generation output and sitting of units of DG, and the optimal tap changer alteration.