Simultaneous optimization of re-phasing, reconfiguration and DG placement in distribution networks using BF-SD algorithm

Phase unbalancing is a problem in distribution networks that causes feeder service tripping and reduces the network quality. Re-phasing is the strategy used for phase balancing. Moreover, the power loss reduction is a significant problem in distribution networks. A common solution for power loss reduction is reconfiguration. Besides, optimal DG placement can reduce power loss and improve voltage profile. In this paper, a new method is proposed for simultaneous optimization of re-phasing, reconfiguration, and DG placement in distribution networks to reduce phase unbalancing and power loss and improve voltage profile. As there are four dissimilar objective functions, the objectives are made fuzzy and integrated as the fuzzy multi-objective function. Finally, the optimization is done by using Bacterial Foraging with Spiral Dynamic (BF-SD) algorithm. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed method, it is applied to IEEE 123-node test feeder. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.