Effect of network configuration on maximum loadability and maximum allowable DG penetration in distribution systems

Until now, distribution systems have radial structure with unidirectional power flows and a simple protection scheme. As one of the smart grid objectives and in order to face the continuous demand growth, there is a trend to connect more distributed generation (DG units) to distribution networks. In order to realize this aim and to increase the maximum loadability, meshed network architecture has been suggested. For this reason, in this paper three possible arrangements for distribution networks (i.e., base radial configuration, radial configuration obtained from a reconfiguration problem, and meshed network) have been investigated and compared with each other. The three network configurations are compared in terms of feeder losses, maximum loadability, voltage profile and maximum DG penetration level. The comparison has been tested on the 33 bus balanced and 19 bus unbalanced systems.