A heuristic approach for Distributed Generation sources location and capacity evaluation in distribution systems

Distributed generation (DG) sources are becoming more prominent in distribution systems due to increased demand for the electrical energy. The locations and capacities of DG sources will have an impact on system losses, voltage profile characteristics of distribution network. This paper presents a heuristic approach for selection of optimal location and determination of optimal capacity of DG sources. The technique adopts genetic algorithms and optimal power flow to facilitate the decision making process. The developed technique is incorporated with the flexibility so that the network planner can choose the total number of DGs to be included, their constraints on maximum power outputs, non-feasible locations for DG insertion which are to be excluded from search. The proposed approach is tested for IEEE 69 bus system and the results have indicated the versatility of the technique.