Multi-objective PFDE algorithm for solving the optimal siting and sizing problem of multiple DG sources

The upward trend in global warming has led to increase in utilization of renewable energy based distributed generation sources (DGs) in electricity production. This research presents a solution technique for the distribution expansion planning problem using DGs. In this paper, three main factors associated with the multiple DG sizing and placement procedure is scrutinized through a multi-objective optimization approach. These factors include voltage stability, power losses and network voltage variations. In order to solve this multi-objective optimization problem the Pareto Frontier Differential Evolution (PFDE) algorithm is presented. The proposed method is implemented and tested on 69-buses and 33-buses IEEE test systems. Results prove that the proposed method exhibits higher capability and efficiency in finding optimum solutions. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.