PV impact on distribution system performance following grey wolf algorithm

Power loss reduction in distribution system is a vital target for any power utility. Distribution system losses can be optimally reduced using Photovoltaic (PV) units as a source of renewable energy. To guarantee optimal reduction in power losses, these PV units should be optimally located at certain nodes with certain sizes (power). In this paper, a Grey Wolf optimization technique is employed to determine the optimal location and size of PVs on the distribution network for reducing power loss, and consequently, improving the voltage profile especially in the radial system with long feeders. The Grey Wolf technique is compared with other two heuristic techniques which are; Genetic algorithm and Harmony search technique to validate the proposed technique. The proposed technique is applied to the standard IEEE 69 bus for validation. Due to the uncertainty of solar radiation and wind speed, a probabilistic optimal load flow technique is implemented to formulate appropriate penetration levels to determine the optimal size and location of PV units in order to minimize the power losses. The obtained results have been compared with those of other techniques and superior improvement has been obtained.