A Simplified Multi-Objective Technique for Placement of RESs and Capacitor Banks in Unbalanced Radial Distribution Network

Recent advancements in renewable energy generation technologies, changes in utility infrastructure, and government policies have increased the interest in integrating renewable-based distributed generation units (DGs) into distribution networks. To achieve reduced power losses, voltage unbalance among phases, renewable energy systems (RESs) installation costs, and improved bus voltage stability in distribution networks, it is essential to control the optimal flow of both active and reactive power. Therefore, the optimal allocation of RESs and capacitor banks (CBs) plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of distribution systems. The optimal allocation of RESs reduces active power losses, while the optimal allocation of CBs improves bus voltages. This paper proposes a weight-aggregated particle swarm optimization (WA-PSO) approach for the optimal allocation of RESs and CBs. The primary objective of the proposed algorithm is to achieve technical, economic, and environmental benefits. To assess the performance of the proposed WA-PSO approach, five different cases were considered. The proposed algorithm was tested on an Indian 19-bus unbalanced radial distribution network. The proposed approach has achieved the technical benefits of reduced power losses, improved voltage stability, reduced voltage unbalance index, and reduced RESs installation costs.