Leveraging a Genetic Algorithm for the Optimal Placement of Distributed Generation and the Need for Energy Management Strategies Using a Fuzzy Inference System

Abstract

With the rising load demand and power losses, the equipment in the utility network often operates close to its marginal limits, creating a dire need for the installation of new Distributed Generators (DGs). Their proper placement is one of the prerequisites for fully achieving the benefits; otherwise, this may result in the worsening of their performance. This could even lead to further deterioration if an effective Energy Management System (EMS) is not installed. Firstly, addressing these issues, this research exploits a Genetic Algorithm (GA) for the proper placement of new DGs in a distribution system. This approach is based on the system losses, voltage profiles, and phase angle jump variations. Secondly, the energy management models are designed using a fuzzy inference system. The models are then analyzed under heavy loading and fault conditions. This research is conducted on a six bus radial test system in a simulated environment together with a real-time Power Hardware-In-the-Loop (PHIL) setup. It is concluded that the optimal placement of a 3.33 MVA synchronous DG is near the load center, and the robustness of the proposed EMS is proven by mitigating the distinct contingencies within the approximately 2.5 cycles of the operating period.