Strategic Planning of Distributed Generators in the Distribution Networks Based on Single Candidate Optimizer Considering Harmonic Distortions

This paper introduces a novel efficient algorithm called single candidate optimizer (SCO) for determining the optimal penetration of distributed generation sources (DGSs) in two different distribution networks, such as IEEE 33 node (the first case) and IEEE 85 node (the second case). The main objective is to minimize the multi-objective function (MF) with the three single goals of minimizing (1) power losses, (2) voltage drop, and (3) harmonics. The simulation results demonstrate the superior performance and stability of SCO compared to other strong optimization methods of Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm and Improved Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. Thanks to the appropriate connection of DGSs, the great techno-economic benefits are achieved. The power loss reduction reached 64.37% and 50.75%, the node voltage is also pulled from [0.9038 (pu), 1.00 (pu)] to [0.9711 (pu), 1.00 (pu)], and [0.8713 (pu), 1.00 (pu)] to [0.9528 (pu), 1.00 (pu)] for the first case and the second case, respectively. In addition, the harmonic indices are also greatly mitigated and met the standard of IEEE 519 with the maximum values (THD and IHD) being mitigated respectively from (6.6460% and 3.5011%) to (4.5022% and 2.3433%) for the first network and from (5.7088% and 3.0087%) to (3.7125% and 1.9609%) for the second network. Cite this article as: T. H. Tinh, T. D. Pham and N. C. Chinh, “Strategic planning of distributed generators in the distribution networks based on single candidate optimizer considering harmonic distortions,” Electrica, 26, 0186, 2026. doi:10.5152/electrica.2026.25186.