Optimal Microgrid Formation through Performance Optimization in Distribution Networks with Distributed Generation

Microgrids are building blocks of smart grids. With increasing penetration of renewable energy-based distributed generation (DG) in distribution networks, microgrid formation is an effective way to improve resiliency by transforming a conventional distribution network into its active form. In this paper, a new method for the microgrid planning through optimal microgrid formation in distribution networks is proposed through performance optimization, where the total power losses of the whole system are minimized, and their adequacy and reliability are improved. Brute Force search algorithm and Backward Forward Sweep method are used to solve the optimization and load flow problems, respectively. The IEEE 33-node test system is used to validate the proposed method in MATLAB.