Placement of distributed generators and reclosers for distribution network security and reliability

Electricity market restructuring, advances in energy generation technology and agreements on the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions have paved the way for an increase in the use of distributed generation. This paper formulates and discusses a methodology for the optimal siting of distributed generators and reclosers a security and reliability constrained distribution network can accept. Optimal siting is determined by sensitivity analysis of the power flow equations. The sizing method for a set of loading conditions, generation penetration level and power factor is formulated as a security constrained optimization problem. The information on optimal generation sites is used further to optimize system reliability assessed via reliability indices calculation. A genetic algorithm is designed to solve for optimal recloser positions when distributed generators are deployed in a securely optimal manner. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.