Improved genetic algorithm applied to multiple distributed generation optimal allocation considering different load profiles

Distributed generation (DG) allocation is a non-linear mixed integer problem, being the position where a DG will be allocated an integer variable, and the associated electrical values (voltage, current, active and reactive power losses and power flow) the continuous variables. In this paper an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) is presented to solve the distributed generation (DG) allocation problem in radial electrical distribution systems. The proposed formulation uses different load levels to obtain more realistic results. The IGA goal is to determine the optimal position to insert a DG into the system, thus, minimizing costs produced by system losses, maintenance and the DG implementation. The proposed methodology has been successfully tested for distribution systems with 34, 70 and 136 buses, presenting a better computational performance when compared to an exhaustive search method.