Optimal Allocation of DG-PV and Network Reconfiguration for Power Loss Reduction and Voltage Profile Enhancement with Contingency Assessment

Distribution system operators are posed with a challenging task in ensuring reliable, secure and cost-effective operations of the distribution network in response to the growing demand for electricity. The primary challenges encountered in distribution networks are power loss and voltage drop. Active distribution network (ADN) is the key feature in modernized and intelligent electricity distribution system which addresses and alleviates power loss and voltage drop issues, particularly during contingency events. Distributed generation photovoltaic (DG-PV) systems are one of the key features of ADN. By incorporating optimal location and sizing of DG-PV systems and network reconfiguration, the ADN can further reduce losses and enhance the voltage profile. Therefore, this study proposes an effective analytical technique to determine the optimal location and sizing of DG-PV systems incorporating with optimal network reconfiguration for real power loss minimization and voltage profile enhancement. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is verified on IEEE 33 bus radial distribution and the results are compared with other techniques proposed in literature. Based on the finding, DG-PV integration incorporating with network reconfiguration is proven to be highly effective in significantly reducing the real power loss and enhancing voltage profile of the distribution network.