Multistage expansion planning for distribution networks including unit commitment

In this study, a multistage expansion and unit commitment (UC) planning for distribution networks using artificial bee colony (ABC) is presented. A dynamic model for expansion considers installation of new distributed generation units, expansion of pre-installed generating units´ capacities, rewiring and addition of new load points. The expansion plane is carried out in three stages. In each stage, an hourly-day-ahead UC schedule is determined over the course of the stage period. The proposed algorithm uses the ABC to obtain a feasible commitment schedule for the generating units installed. An economical dispatch of these units along with load shedding is then carried out in each stage period to satisfy the system´s equality and inequality constraints. The proposed algorithm is applied to different test systems to verify its efficiency.