Harmony search and OPF based hybrid approach for optimal placement of multiple DG units

Distribution system loss reduction is one of the prime objectives for planning of distributed generation. To minimize losses, optimal sizing and siting of distributed generators (DGs) is critically important. In this paper, nonlinear and non-convex optimization problem of DG placement is solved using a hybrid method in which optimal power flow (OPF) algorithm is integrated with Improved Harmony Search (IHS). The hybrid approach is implemented for optimal placement of single and multiple DG units capable of delivering either real or both real and reactive power. In the proposed formulation, the potential locations are obtained by heuristic technique due to the nonmonotonic solution surface. The optimal capacity in terms of real and reactive power is obtained by solving OPF. The proposed optimization approach is tested on IEEE 33-bus distribution system. The results of proposed formulations are compared with Improved Analytical (IA) and PSO techniques. Improved solutions with faster convergence rate confirms the potential of proposed hybrid formulation.