A comparison between optimal allocation of DG unit and reactive power compensator for voltage profile improvement and loss reduction using BAT algorithm

In this paper a novel method based on bat-inspired (BA) algorithm is investigated for optimal allocation of distinct types of DG units and reactive power compensator for voltage profile improvement and power losses reduction in a distribution system. The main goal of this study is to make a comparisonbetween DG unit and reactive power compensator impacts on voltage profile improvement and power loss reduction. To make the investigation more practical, the loads are linearly varied in small steps of 1% from 50% to 150% of the base values. The optimal size and location of distinct types of DGs and reactive power compensator are assessed in each load step. This will support the distribution network operators (DNOs) to have a long term scheduling for the optimal management of DG units and reactive compensators to achieve the maximum performance. To verify the efficiency of proposed comparison method, it has been conducted to IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system. The simulation results demonstrate that installation of the type-2 DG has a significant effect on the voltage profile and loss reduction in comparison with the other type of DG unit and reactive power compensator.

Keywords:

distributed generation , reactive power compensator , load variations , loss reduction , voltage profile , bat-inspired algorithm (BA)