Assessment of Distribution Generation Integration on Loss Reduction in Distribution Grids

The strategic location and capacity of distributed generation (DG) units play a crucial role in enhancing their performance in power distribution system. The literature highlights that while DG can contribute significantly to loss reduction, these benefits are maximized only when DG is optimally located and sized. However, utility companies face significant operational challenges due to high penetration of DG. Another major issue that utility companies deal with is that they are unable to grant a DG access to a certain bus that benefits them. For this purpose, the study examines the effects of high DG integration on loss reduction within a distribution network. We are assessing three possibilities for this purpose: (1) a basic case without DG; (2) a demand-based DG strategy that matches DG capacity with load needs; and (3) a loss-optimized DG scenario that uses a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to reduce active and reactive losses for all buses. The radial distribution system is used to examine the efficacy of the three scenarios mentioned above. The evaluated power system is 33- bus radial distribution system, which are benchmark system form literature. For optimal load flow analysis purpose, we used forward-backward sweep method. The encouraging outcome reveals that power loss can be minimized, and the voltage profile has be improved when the DG rating matches the bus's active demand. Integration results in declining returns or negative impacts, including greater losses, especially in distribution networks, when the DG rating is higher than the bus's active demand.