A comparative performances study of different indices for optimal DG placement in distribution system

With the increase of load demand, Distributed Generation (DG) has gained a lot of interest due to its ability to reduce power losses and enhance the system voltage stability. However, a non proper DG allocation and sizing may lead to an increase in power losses and affect the distribution system stability. This paper presents a comparative study for DG placement methods based on four different indices which are voltage drop index (L-index), voltage stability margin index (VSMI), voltage performance index (VPI) and loss sensitivity factor index (LSF). The performances of these indices are evaluated regarding power losses reduction, voltage profile and voltage stability enhancement. Simulations are carried out on the 33-bus radial distribution system. The results have shown that LSF and L-index methods gives better performance compared to the others two DG placement indicators.