Loss Reduction in Radial Distribution Systems

Abstract

In present era, fast depletion of fossil fuels and increasing concerns about environmental issues have led to increase in demand for alternative sources of energy. In addition to this, due to other factors such as deregulation, increased competition, energy sources diversification, and modular plants availability, less construction time and reduced capital cost, Distributed Generation is rapidly emerging into picture. Contrary to traditional centralized power generation, Distributed Generation mainly aims at small scale generation of energy close to the load centers. Through installation of Distributed Generation losses can be reduced significantly along with improvement of voltage profile. When concept of renewable energy is integrated with distributed generation, it leads to multiple benefits having vast potential of reducing consumption of fossil fuels and dreadful carbon emissions along with loss reduction and voltage improvement of systems. With penetration of Distributed Generation in system it is critical to assess its impacts on power systems, so that Distributed Generation can be installed in a manner that cause maximum loss reduction and at same time stability of system is maintained. The two important factors are regarding appropriate location and size of Distributed Generation that is to be integrated with the system in order to achieve maximum loss reduction along with maintaining stability. This dissertation work is mainly focused on reduction of losses in radial distribution systems by allocation of Distributed Generation. Firstly, load flow analysis has been done for finding results of the system using backward/forward sweep methodology. Stability index approach has been used to find the most appropriate location for allocation of Distributed Generation and in third stage Firefly Algorithm has been used for finding optimal size of Distributed Generation at the desired location. IEEE 33 and 69 bus systems have been used for demonstration of results. In this dissertation work whole the process has been repeated for three successive allocations of Distributed Generation.