An analytical method for placement and sizing of distributed generation on distribution systems

This paper introduces an analytical method for placement and sizing of distributed generation on power distribution systems for loss reduction. The proposed analytical method is developed based on direct and understandable formulas to estimate the optimal or near-optimal size of the candidate distributed generation units. A priority list based on loss sensitivity factors is developed to determine the optimal locations of the candidate distributed generation units. Sensitivity analysis is performed to estimate the optimal size and power factor of the distributed generation units. In this paper, various types of distributed generators have been dealt with and viable solutions are proposed to reduce total system loss. The proposed method is demonstrated on 33-bus and 69-bus distribution systems extensively used as examples in solving the placement and sizing problem of distributed generators. Exhaustive power flow routines are also performed to verify the sizes obtained by the analytical method. Test results show that the proposed analytical method could lead to optimal or near-optimal global solution and can thus be used for several distribution system planning studies.