Optimal allocation and sizing of photovoltaic-based distributed generation for voltage dip improvement

Voltage dips in distribution system network is one of the power quality event that need to be taken into account since it will effect the system performance in delivering energy to the consumers and load. Hence, photovoltaic-based distributed generation (PVDG) is an alternative way in ensuring the system stability and enhancing the power quality. This paper investigates the impact of PVDG units installation with the average dip amplitude (VDA) of the system. The research concentrated on voltage dips due to three-phase faults at all the system's buses. The fault position method (FPM) is being utilized for the assessment of the voltage dip in the distribution system. An improved gravitational search algorithm (IGSA) aid in the searching of the optimum locations and sizes of PVDG units. The results shows that IGSA provide a better solution with the highest performance compared to particle swarm optimization (PSO). The optimization technique is being tested on IEEE 13-bus radial in MATLAB environment. The system experienced fewer dips after the placement of PVDG units.