Security constrained optimal placement of renewable energy sources distributed generation for modern grid operations

In modern distribution network planning and operation, optimal distribution generation (DG) placement has become increasingly important. Consequently, extending the optimal DG placement objectives beyond the commonly used deterministic indices to include probabilistic security indices is essential. This paper proposes a decision tree (DT) classification approach for multiple photovoltaic DG (PVDG) units' placements using specific indices in an unbalanced distribution network. The security indices considered in this paper are the branches'; risk index (RI) and power loss (PL). The optimal branch(es) for PVDG units' placements are determined through the branches' RI and PL, and the optimal nodes are determined using the nodal hosting capacity (HC) and zero-point (sic). The proposed technique was tested on the IEEE 33 and 69 node radial distribution networks considering three common PV voltage control modes, namely, constant voltage (CV) mode, reactive power-voltage (QV) mode, and reactive power-power factor (Q-PF) mode. After the optimal placement of the PVDG units under the CV control technique for IEEE 33 and 69 node distribution networks, the worst case of the average probabilistic voltage was improved from 0.798 p.u. and 0.941 p.u. to 0.94 p.u. to 0.975 p.u, respectively. The steady-state power loss was also reduced by 78% and 32.72% for the IEEE 33 and 69 node distribution networks, respectively. The proposed technique was also compared with recent and existing methods in the literature. The proposed technique performs better in terms of power loss reduction and voltage enhancement. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a decision tree classification approach for determining the optimal placement of multiple photovoltaic DG units in an unbalanced distribution network, considering security indices such as risk index and power loss. The proposed technique outperforms existing methods in reducing power loss and enhancing voltage.