Optimizing Power Distribution Networks with Renewable Energy Resources

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Marwadi University have developed a method to optimize the placement and sizing of distributed generations (DGs) and shunt capacitors in power distribution networks. By utilizing renewable energy resources, such as photovoltaic cells and wind turbines, the study aims to ensure a specific level of reliability in power distribution networks. The proposed method uses the Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) algorithm to minimize power losses, improve voltage stability, and reduce costs. The results demonstrate significant improvements in power distribution networks, including a 94.8% reduction in power losses and improved voltage stability index.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research proposed a method for optimal placement and sizing of DGs and shunt capacitors in radial distribution systems using the MOPSO algorithm.
  • The objective function considered power losses, voltage profile enhancement, and related costs, which were optimized through the MOPSO method.
  • The study utilized MATLAB/Simulink software to perform simulations on the standard IEEE 69-bus network.
  • The results showed that the proposed method achieved a 94.8% reduction in power losses and improved the voltage stability index to 0.9745 pu in the IEEE 33-bus test system.
  • **Simulation results:**

+ 94.8% reduction in power losses

+ Improved voltage stability index to 0.9745 pu in the IEEE 33-bus test system

  • **Optimization method:**

+ Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) algorithm

+ Objective function considered power losses, voltage profile enhancement, and related costs

  • **Renewable energy resources:**

+ Photovoltaic cells

+ Wind turbines

  • **DG sources:**

+ Capacities ranging from a few kilowatts to 10 megawatts

Sources:

  • Results in Engineering, 2025, 27():106514.
  • https://www.journals.elsevier.com/results-in-enginevier
  • Elsevier
  • doi: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.106514