Optimal Planning of Multiple PV-DG in Radial Distribution systems Using Loss Sensitivity Analysis and Genetic Algorithm

This paper introduces an optimized planning approach for integrating photovoltaic as distributed generation (PV-DG) into the radial distribution power systems, utilizing exhaustive load flow (ELF), loss sensitivity factor (LSF), genetic algorithms (GA) methods, and numerical method based on LSF. The methodology aims to determine the optimal allocation and sizing of multiple PV-DG to minimize power loss through time series power flow analysis. An approach utilizing continuous sensitivity analysis is developed and inherently leverages power flow and loss equations to compute LSF of all buses in the system towards employing a dynamic PV-DG model for more accurate results. The algorithm uses a numerical grid search method to optimize PV-DG placement in a power distribution system, focusing on minimizing system losses. It combines iterative analysis, sensitivity assessment, and comprehensive visualization to identify and present the optimal PV-DG configurations. The presented algorithms are verified through co-simulation framework combining MATLAB and OpenDSS to carry out analysis for 12-bus radial distribution test system. The proposed numerical method is compared with other algorithms, such as ELF, LSF methods, and Genetic Algorithms (GA). Results show that the proposed numerical method performs well in comparison with LSF and ELF solutions. The paper also discusses several intriguing results and comparisons with other research studies