Continuous domain ant colony optimization for distributed generation placement and losses minimization

Abstract

This paper proposes a method for distributed generation (DG) placement in distribution system for losses minimization and voltage profile improvement. An IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system is used as the test system for the placement of DG. To facilitate the sizing of DG capacity, a meta-heuristic algorithm known as Continuous Domain Ant Colony Optimization (ACO_R) is implemented. The ACO_R is a modified version of the traditional ACO which was developed specially for solving continuous domain optimization problem like sizing a set of variables. The objective of this paper is to determine the optimal size and location of DG for power loss minimization and voltage profile mitigation. Three case studies were conducted for the purpose of verification. It was observed that the proposed technique is able to give satisfactory results of real power loss and voltage profile at post-optimization condition. Experiment under various loadings of the test system further justifies the objective of the study.