Optimal placement of PV array in distribution system for power loss minimization considering feeder reconfiguration

This research work presents an effective technique for optimal placement of Photo-voltaic (PV) array and network reconfiguration in Radial Distribution Network (RDN) simultaneously to diminish the total real power loss and enhance the voltage level of the network. The population based Differential Evaluation (DE) Algorithm has been implemented to identify an optimal switching combination, optimal location, size and number of PV module in distribution system. This technique has been demonstrated on 33-bus standard test system for minimizing the total real power loss and fulfills all equality and inequality operating constraint. In this study several cases related to feeder reconfiguration and PV array placement are considered and compared. Among all the combinations, the combination of feeder reconfiguration and PV array placement, PV operating at 0.85 power factor show better results.