Published Paper Details:

This paper proposes a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for optimal placement of distributed generation (DG) in distribution networks to minimize congestion. The PSO provides a population-based search procedure in which individuals called particles change their positions with time. During flight, each particle adjusts its position according to its own experience, and the experience of neighboring particles, making use of best position encountered by itself and its neighbors. Initially, the algorithm randomly generates the particle positions representing the size and location of DG. Each particle will move from its current position using the velocity and the distance from current best local and global solution reached. The velocity consists of inertia of the particle, memory, and cooperation between particles. The proposed PSO algorithm is used to determine optimal sizes and locations of DG and FACTS devices. Test results indicate that PSO method can obtain better results than the simple heuristic search method on the 30-bus radial distribution systems. The PSO can obtain maximum loss reductions for each of optimally placed DG and FACTS devices. Moreover, voltage profile improvements are also observed.