Optimal Distributed Generator Placement in Utility-Based Microgrids During a Large-Scale Grid Disturbance

Microgrids are localized electric grids that can operate independent of the main grid and help strengthen grid resiliency by working alongside backup generators to maintain electricity supply in the event of a large-scale grid disturbance. This research proposes a single-source capacitated facility location coverage problem (SS-CFLCP) to optimize the location, assignment and number of renewable distributed generators (DGs) within a utility-based microgrid during a large-scale grid disturbance, where the microgrid is operating independent of the main grid. Traditional analytical techniques for DG placement within microgrids tend to focus on minimizing power losses, minimizing electric energy losses, improving voltage profile and maximizing cost savings. To deter from these traditional techniques, the proposed SS-CFLCP combines the facility location and location coverage problems, with an aim to minimize the following: total investment costs, total operation and maintenance cost, the distance traveled for electricity distribution, the power outage levels (unmet electricity demand) experienced due to a large-scale grid disturbance, and the levels of excess renewable penetration, which can cause reverse power flow issues that damage the main grid, within a network. Additionally, the proposed SS-CFLCP is modeled with a budgetary constraint for installing the DGs, making it a more practical and applicable model for a utility company. A case study using solar/photovoltaic-based DGs is used to show the effectiveness of the proposed model.